On October 21, 2025 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq: GMAB) ("Genmab") reported that it is commencing, through a wholly owned subsidiary, Genmab Holding II B.V. ("Purchaser"), a cash tender offer (the "Offer") to purchase all of the issued and outstanding common shares ("Common Shares") of Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) ("Merus") for $97.00 per Common Share in cash (the "Offer Consideration"), less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest. The Offer is being made pursuant to the previously announced transaction agreement, dated as of September 29, 2025, by and among Genmab, Purchaser and Merus (the "Transaction Agreement").

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Purchaser has filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, which includes the terms of the Offer. Additionally, Merus has filed a Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC, which includes the recommendation of its Board of Directors that Merus shareholders accept the Offer and tender their Common Shares into the Offer.

Unless the Offer is earlier terminated, the Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 11, 2025 (the "Initial Expiration Time") or, if the Offer is extended pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Agreement, the date and time to which the Offer has been so extended (the Initial Expiration Time, or such later expiration date and time to which the Offer has been so extended, the "Expiration Time"). If the conditions to the consummation of the Offer are satisfied, Purchaser will commence a subsequent offering period (the "Subsequent Offering Period") on the first business day following the Expiration Time. During the Subsequent Offering Period, Purchaser will offer to purchase additional Common Shares at the Offer Consideration, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest, for a period of not less than 10 business days.

The Offer is not subject to a financing condition but is subject to other conditions as described in the Schedule TO and related tender offer documents, including satisfaction of a minimum tender condition.

Merus shareholders should read the Schedule TO, Schedule 14D-9, letter of transmittal and other tender offer documents, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, before making a decision as to whether to tender their Common Shares into the Offer. These documents can be obtained free of charge at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting the information agent for the tender offer, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, as described in the Schedule TO and other tender offer documents.

(Press release, Genmab, OCT 21, 2025, View Source [SID1234656866])

On October 21, 2025 HanchorBio reported that its proprietary HCB101, a SIRPα/CD47 fusion protein candidate, has been officially granted a US patent (Patent No. 12,447,195) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Titled "ENGINEERED SIRPα VARIANTS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF", the patent represents major international recognition for the company’s innovative technology for immuno-oncology.

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Mechanism of Action and Novelty of HCB101: An Innovative Fusion Protein Design

Developed using HanchorBio’s proprietary FBDB (Fc-Based Designed Biologics) platform, HCB101 is an engineered SIRPα/CD47 fusion protein designed to precisely modulate the immune system’s recognition and phagocytic functions, effectively overcoming the challenge of tumor immune evasion and enhancing the clearance of cancer cells.

The molecule employs an engineered variant strategy, featuring novel amino acid substitutions at previously unclaimed and undisclosed SIRPα sites.
These innovative structural mutations significantly enhance the binding affinity and functional potency of HCB101 toward CD47 expressed on tumor cells, thereby reactivating macrophage-mediated cancer cell killing while minimizing the hematologic toxicities commonly associated with traditional CD47 monoclonal antibody therapies.

The USPTO recognized HCB101’s original mutation design and unprecedented potency as clear evidence of novelty and inventive step, distinguishing it from prior technologies and enabling the molecule to successfully pass the rigorous US patent examination process.

In addition to robust intellectual property protection, the patent also strengthens HanchorBio’s position for licensing negotiations and strategic collaborations, further enhancing its global partnership and value creation potential.

Dr. Scott Liu, Chairman of HanchorBio, commented: "The US patent grant for HCB101 is a testament to HanchorBio’s robust R&D capabilities in immunotherapy, while also illustrating the heights of innovation that Taiwan’s biotech industry is capable of reaching. Backed by a solid IP position, we are committed to further expanding global collaboration."

Why the United States: A Strategic and Symbolic First Step

HanchorBio strategically selected the United States as the first jurisdiction for patent filing and issuance, recognizing it as the world’s most influential and standard-bearing market for biopharmaceutical innovation and licensing. US patent approval often serves as a benchmark for patent examiners in other countries, amplifying both credibility and momentum for subsequent filings.

For the filing, HanchorBio worked with Fish & Richardson, one of the largest and most respected intellectual property law firms in the US. The successful approval of HCB101’s US patent demonstrates the molecule’s technical originality and therapeutic advancement, paving the way for accelerated future examinations in Europe and multiple Asian territories.

Dr. Wenwu Zhai, Chief Scientific Officer of HanchorBio, remarked:
"We prioritized the US market as the foundation of our IP strategy, as its market scale and influence align closely with our long-term growth objectives. Building on this milestone, we will further build a comprehensive global IP protection network."

Global Patent Strategy: Strengthening Licensing and Partnerships

Following this US patent grant, HanchorBio will advance patent filings across Europe, Taiwan, and other Asian countries as part of its broader global IP roadmap.
This strategy aims to consolidate the company’s leadership in immuno-oncology and fusion protein drug development, while significantly enhancing its negotiating power for international licensing and co-development opportunities.

The HCB101 patent represents not only a technological milestone but also a pivotal step in HanchorBio’s journey toward global market expansion.

(Press release, Hanchor Bio, OCT 21, 2025, View Source [SID1234656882])

On October 21, 2025 Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH) reported FDA Orphan Drug Designation for HT-KIT and new preclinical data demonstrating >80% suppression of KIT expression and significant tumor-volume reduction by Day 8 in systemic mastocytosis and GIST models. HT-KIT, a precision antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting KIT mRNA, also completed GLP-validated bioanalytical methods supporting IND-enabling studies; Japan Patent No. 7677628 extends platform protection to 2039.

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Preclinical Summary (2025):

Potent gene-level target suppression: HT-KIT achieved >80% reduction of KIT mRNA/protein across in-vitro systems and in vivo models of systemic mastocytosis and GIST.

Rapid anti-tumor activity: In xenograft models, statistically significant tumor-volume reduction by Day 8 was observed, accompanied by apoptotic signaling consistent with KIT pathway knock-down.

Favorable tolerability in early studies: No dose-limiting toxicities observed in the reported preclinical work to date.

Bioanalytical readiness: GLP-validated bioanalytical methods completed to support pharmacokinetic, biodistribution, and exposure-response analyses for IND.
Mechanistic Rationale:

Unlike small-molecule TKIs that inhibit kinase activity, HT-KIT operates upstream at the transcript level, silencing both mutant and wild-type KIT. This mechanism is designed to bypass resistance pathways (secondary mutations, compensatory signaling) and reduce off-target liabilities, potentially improving durability and tolerability in KIT-driven diseases such as aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM), SM-AHN, mast cell leukemia (MCL), GIST, and select leukemias.

Orphan Drug Designation (U.S.) supports development in a rare disease with incentives including potential exclusivity upon approval, tax credits, and fee waivers.
Planned Next Steps (Near-Term):

Complete GLP toxicology and CMC packages; submit IND.

Initiate Phase 1/2 dose-escalation/expansion study in advanced systemic mastocytosis and other KIT-driven tumors with translational biomarkers of target engagement (KIT knock-down, tryptase/MRK signaling) and early efficacy readouts (ORR, DCR, PFS signals).

Continue regional IP expansion and evaluate strategic partnerships for development and commercialization.
"HT-KIT’s transcript-level suppression of KIT has now produced consistent anti-tumor performance across models, with a clean preclinical tolerability profile and GLP-ready analytics," said Robb Knie, Chief Executive Officer. "With Orphan Drug Designation secured and an IND-enabling package progressing, we are preparing for a disciplined entry into first-in-human evaluation."

About HT-KIT:

HT-KIT is a precision ASO designed to silence KIT at the mRNA level, aiming to overcome resistance and off-target toxicity seen with kinase inhibitors in systemic mastocytosis, GIST, and select leukemias.

(Press release, Hoth Therapeutics, OCT 21, 2025, View Source [SID1234656883])

On October 21, 2025 Median Technologies (FR0011049824, ALMDT, PEA-PME scheme eligible, "Median" or the "Company"), manufacturer of eyonis, a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) powered Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) for early cancer diagnosis, and a globally leading provider of AI-based image analyses and central imaging services for oncology drug developers, reported the receipt of a €19 million payment under the first tranche of the financial agreement executed with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on July 11, 2025, which has a total value of up to €37.5 million.

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Fredrik Brag, CEO and Founder of Median Technologies, stated: "We have been collaborating with the European Investment Bank since 2019, and this long-standing partnership is continuing to deliver tangible results. The disbursement of the first €19 million tranche under the 2025 EIB financing facility will further accelerate the commercial launch and sales ramp-up of eyonis LCS, our AI-powered Software as a Medical Device for lung cancer screening, in both the U.S. and Europe and support the expansion of our eyonis suite towards other cancer indications. We have also proceeded with repayment of the first tranche of our 2019 loan from the EIB, which was undertaken on October 17, 2025.

After these two transactions and considering the €23.9 million capital increase successfully completed last August, our cash runway extends through Q4 2026—and potentially well beyond, assuming full exercise of the share warrants issued during the capital raise, which could generate an additional €51.7 million in cash. Consequently, Median is now financed beyond anticipated regulatory decisions in Q1 2026 for 510(k) clearance and CE marking, paving the way for the commercialization of eyonis LCS in both key markets."

As previously announced, the financial agreement with the EIB, consisting of a non-dilutive loan, provides funding in three tranches: €19 million (Tranche A), €8.5 million (Tranche B) and €10 million (Tranche C). Each of these tranches is subject to the completion of certain conditions precedent related to business performance, equity financing and issuance of warrants.

Tranche A has a maturity of six years, with a three-year grace period, and bears interest at 5%. Median has simultaneously issued 3,403,164 warrants, at an exercise price of €2.764, with a maturity of thirty years.

Median Technologies has proceeded with the repayment of €20.7 million on October 17, 2025, corresponding to the first tranche of its 2019 loan facility granted by the EIB. This tranche was drawn down in April 2020, with its maturity having been extended from April to October 2025.

(Press release, MEDIAN Technologies, OCT 21, 2025, View Source [SID1234656884])

On October 21, 2025 BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXW, BCTXZ), (TSX: BCT) (" BriaCell " or the " Company "), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care, reported a collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s (MSK’s) Therapeutics Accelerator Cohort program to accelerate the clinical development of Bria-OTS+, BriaCell’s next generation personalized off-the-shelf immunotherapy, for multiple cancer indications including metastatic breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other cancers.

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The collaboration starts with manufacturing, IND development and clinical protocol support for a Phase 1 clinical trial with Bria-BRES+, BriaCell’s next generation personalized immunotherapy for patients with breast cancer under the Bria-OTS+ platform. The partnership expands on BriaCell’s previously-announced selection into MSK’s accelerator program .

As one of the world’s foremost cancer research and treatment institutions, MSK has more than 135 years of leadership in patient care, education and discovery. Through the MSK Therapeutics Accelerator, MSK’s therapeutic-based strategic collaboration program, BriaCell will obtain access to MSK’s clinical and institutional expertise, including cell therapy manufacturing, Investigational New Drug (IND) preparation and submission and clinical development to expedite development of the Bria-OTS+ platform.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with MSK’s scientific and clinical experts to address the urgent unmet medical need of many thousands of metastatic breast cancer patients," stated Dr. William V. Williams, BriaCell’s President and CEO.

"We are honored to be working with the team of cancer specialists at MSK," noted Miguel Lopez-Lago, PhD, BriaCell’s Chief Scientific Officer. "This collaboration with MSK will accelerate the development of our advanced personalized off-the-shelf immunotherapy platform, Bria-OTS+, which we believe has the potential to transform cancer care and significantly improve patients’ lives through its unique mechanism of action."

"We look forward to working with BriaCell through MSK’s Therapeutics Accelerator to help advance this next-generation personalized immunotherapy into the clinic. Collaborations like this are essential to translating promising scientific innovations into potential new treatment options for patients," commented Shanu Modi, MD, Breast Medical Oncologist and Attending Physician at MSK.

(Press release, BriaCell Therapeutics, OCT 21, 2025, View Source [SID1234656937])