On September 23, 2026 Pilatus Biosciences a biopharmaceutical company developing novel metabolic checkpoint immunotherapies for cancer, reported that the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of PLT012, its first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting CD36, has been accepted for a Trials-in-Progress poster presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2026, held Oct. 23–27 in Madrid, Spain.

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!

PLT012 targets CD36, a key fatty acid transporter, and is designed to inhibit lipid uptake in tumor-associated immune cells. By targeting this pathway and inhibiting CD36-mediated lipid uptake, PLT012 is intended to reduce metabolically driven immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment and support antitumor immune activity.

"Despite major advances in immuno-oncology, treatment resistance remains a significant challenge, particularly in tumors that have historically been difficult to treat with existing immunotherapies," said Raven Lin, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Pilatus Biosciences. "PLT012 takes a differentiated approach by targeting the metabolic mechanisms that tumors exploit to suppress the immune system. We look forward to presenting the design of our ongoing Phase 1 study at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) as we evaluate the potential of this first-in-class approach in patients with advanced solid tumors."

In preclinical spontaneous and orthotopic tumor models, PLT012 demonstrated potent efficacy across cold and recalcitrant malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), muscle-invasive bladder cancer, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and colorectal cancer (CRC). These findings provided the rationale for clinical evaluation in advanced solid tumors.

The ongoing first-in-human, open-label, multicenter Phase 1 study is evaluating the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of PLT012 in adults with advanced solid tumors, who have heavily pre-treated, are intolerant of or are not candidates for available standard therapies. The dose-escalation trial utilizes Bayesian Optimal Interval (BOIN) design to evaluate sequential dose levels administered intravenously once every three weeks. The protocol also includes HCC biomarker backfill cohorts and tumor-specific -expansion cohorts in HCC, CRLM and iCCA.

The primary objectives are to characterize safety and tolerability, assess dose-limiting toxicities and adverse events and determination of the maximum tolerated dose and/or recommended Phase 2 dose. Secondary and exploratory objectives include objective response rate, duration of response, time to response, disease control rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, pharmacokinetics, anti-drug antibody and pharmacodynamic assessments.

ESMO 2026 Presentation Details

Title: A Phase I, Open-Label, Dose Escalation Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Efficacy of PLT012 in Participants with Advanced Solid Tumors
Presentation Number: 2012TiP
Presenter: Anthony B. El-Khoueiry, M.D.
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 12:00–12:45 p.m.

"Targeting CD36 represents a novel approach to addressing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by disrupting the metabolic pathways that tumors use to evade immune responses," said Anthony El-Khoueiry, M.D., associate director for clinical research and chief of Section of Developmental Therapeutics at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as associate professor of clinical medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC. "The HCC biomarker backfill and planned tumor-specific expansions are important next steps in testing whether the biological effects of CD36 blockade can translate into clinically meaningful activity. The data remain preliminary, and we are applying a rigorous, evidence-driven approach as the study progresses."

For more information about the conference, visit View Source

About PLT012

PLT012 is the lead investigational therapy from Pilatus Biosciences’ first-in-class CD36 metabolic checkpoint platform. The humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody selectively blocks CD36, a key regulator of lipid metabolism, inflammation and tissue repair. PLT012 is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1 oncology clinical trial, where it has demonstrated early evidence of disease control together with a favorable safety profile. In preclinical studies, PLT012 has demonstrated disease-modifying activity across oncology, MASH and COPD, supporting Pilatus’ Pipeline-in-a-Product strategy to develop a single differentiated mechanism across multiple high-unmet-need indications.

(Press release, Pilatus Biosciences, SEP 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234671038])

On September 23, 2026 ViferaXS, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing peptide-based cancer immunotherapy for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, reported the close of the Series A financing round of up to €12 million, including grant funding. The round was led by SPRIND, the German Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, and Huma, with participation from private investors.

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 proceeds will fund ViferaXS’ lead programme, a Phase II clinical trial of CLLTAXS01 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and support ViferaXS’ broader pipeline. In parallel, the financing supports ongoing Phase I programmes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). Beyond these programs, the round enables ViferaXS to grow its team and advance preclinical work in further indications.

"We are encouraged by the early clinical data of CLLTAXS01, and this financing lets us move that signal into a randomized Phase II study in CLL. We also expect to share Phase I data from our AML and FLC programs soon, so the field can see how a peptide-based cancer immunotherapy approach can potentially transform cancer care for patients," said Sezai Taskin, Chief Executive Officer of ViferaXS.

"SPRIND believes in challenging the status quo by backing change makers. ViferaXS’ peptide-based cancer immunotherapy approach, and its move into Phase II in CLL, is the kind of clinically grounded, high-ambition work we seek to accelerate. Our goal is to empower novel, breakthrough approaches, which we believe will have a long lasting and breakthrough positive effect on society" said Patrick Rose, PhD, Innovation Manager at SPRIND.

Dan Vahdat, Founder and CEO of Huma, said: "We are building the operating system for clinical trials, bringing data, intelligence and execution into one platform. We are proud to back ViferaXS through both our investment and our technology, helping accelerate its mission to bring new cancer therapies to patients."

(Press release, ViferaXS, SEP 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234671037])

On September 23, 2026 Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major diseases, reported that clinical data for its IBI363/TAK-928 (PD-1/IL-2α-biased bispecific fusion protein) * , IBI343/TAK-921 (Arcotatug Tavetecan, CLDN18.2 ADC) *, IBI3001(EGFR/B7H3 ADC) * , IBI354(HER2 ADC) and TYVYT (sintilimab injection)** will be presented at the 2026 European Society For Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting from Oct 23 to Oct 27, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. In particular, the results from a registrational Phase 3 clinical trial (G-HOPE-001) of IBI343/TAK-921 (Arcotatug Tavetecan, CLDN18.2 ADC) * has been accepted for Late-Breaking Abstract (LBA) and will be orally presented during the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) proffered paper session.

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!

Dr. Hui Zhou, Chief R&D Officer (Oncology) of Innovent, stated: "At the 2026 ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, we will publish the registrational Phase 3 data for the globally advanced Arcotatug Tavetecan (CLDN18.2 ADC) in third‑line gastric cancer through LBA. We will also present additional data from IBI363 studies in NSCLC and preliminary data in first-line gastric cancer, further validating its broad potential as a next-generation immuno-oncology therapy. In addition, we will unveil global multicenter Phase 1 data for the first-in-class IBI3001 (EGFR/B7H3 ADC) for the first time, as well as Phase 2 data for the potentially best-in-class IBI354 (HER2 ADC) in first-line breast cancer. Innovent remains committed to pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment and delivering more innovative, effective, and potentially life-saving therapeutic options to physicians and patients."

Abstracts of Next-gen IO+ADC Pipeline

1. Presentation Title: Arcotatug Tavatecan (IBI343/TAK-921) versus treatment of physician’s choice (TPC) in previously treated, advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (G/GEJA): First interim analysis of the randomized, open-label, phase 3, G-HOPE-001 study

Final Publication Number: LBA77
Session Type: Proffered Paper
Session Name: Gastrointestinal tumour, upper digestive
Room: Almeria Auditorium – Hall 9
Session Date & Time: October 23, 2026 13:30 PM – 15:00 PM CET
Presenter: Dr. Kohei Shitara (Kashiwa, Japan, Chiba)

2. Presentation Title: IBI363 (TAK-928) plus chemotherapy as first line (1L) treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Update of a phase 1b study

Final Publication Number: 1044P
Session Type: Poster
Session Title: Developmental Therapeutics
Session Date & Time: October 23, 2026 15:15 PM – 16:00 PM CET
Presenter: Dr. Haiyan Tu, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital

3. Presentation Title: IBI363 (TAK-928) plus XELOX as the first line (1L) treatment for advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (G/GEJA)**

Final Publication Number: 1008RO
Session Type: Rapid Oral
Session Title: Developmental Therapeutics
Session Date & Time: October 25, 2026 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM CET
Room: Cordoba Auditorium – Hall 4
Presenter: Dr. Pengfei Yu, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital

4. Presentation Title: IBI363 (TAK-928) plus bevacizumab (Bev) vs docetaxel (DTX) in patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic immunotherapy (IO)-resistant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC) without actionable genomic alterations: a randomized phase Ib study

Final Publication Number: 1952RO
Session Type: Rapid Oral
Session Title: Investigational Immunotherapy
Session Date & Time: October 24, 2026 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM CET
Room: Cadiz Auditorium – NCC
Presenter: Dr. Jianya Zhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine

5. Presentation Title: Safety and efficacy of IBI3001, an anti-EGFR/B7H3 bispecific ADC, in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors: Results of a multi-regional phase 1 study

Final Publication Number: 1001O
Session Type: Proffered Paper
Session Title: Developmental Therapeutics
Session Date & Time: October 24, 2026 14:45 PM – 16:15 PM CET
Room: Cordoba Auditorium – Hall 4
Presenter: Dr. Yi Hu, Chinese PLA General Hospital

6. Presentation Title: IBI354 plus pertuzumab as first-line (1L) treatment for patients (pts) with HER2-positive, unresectable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (BC): Results from a phase 2 study

Final Publication Number: 1776P
Session Type: Poster
Session Date & Time: October 24, 2026 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM CET
Presenter: Dr. Xiaohua Zeng, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital

Abstracts of TYVYT(sintilimab)

1. Presentation Title: Under the neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy strategy, reducing the cycles of chemotherapy may yield similar efficacy to the standard treatment model: a randomized, non-controlled cohort study on resectable non-small cell Iung cancer

Abstract Number: 6528
Session Type: Poster Session
Presenter: Dr. Xiaolong Yan, Tangdu Hospital‌

2. Presentation Title: Sintilimab combined with bevacizumab and induction chemotherapy in the treatment of N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A Prospective, single-arm, multicenter phase ll clinical study

Abstract Number: 2868
Session Type: Poster Session
Presenter: Dr. Feng Jiang, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital

3. Presentation Title: Sintilimab in combination with Cetuximab and Chemotherapy as first-line treatment for MSS/pMMR and RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (CALLIOPSIS): a phase Ib/II dose escalation and expansion trial

Abstract Number: 4276
Session Type: Poster Session
Presenter: Dr. Ying Wang, Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen

4. Presentation Title: Efficacy of Fruquintinib Plus Sintilimab in Special Populations with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Subgroup Analysis of FRUSICA-2 Study

Abstract Number: 3367eP
Session Type: ePoster
Presenter: Dr. Kaiwei Yang, Peking University First Hospital

5. Presentation Title: Association between dose adjustment and treatment outcomes in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma receiving Fruquintinib plus Sintilimab: A post-hoc analysis of the FRUSICA-2 trial

Abstract Number: 3655eP
Session Type: ePoster
Presenter: Dr. Yuanyuan Qu, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center

6. Presentation Title: Efficacy and safety of IBI351 plus cetuximab β±FOLFIRI inpatients with KRAS G12C-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (the CRUCIAL study)

Abstract Number: 885eP
Session Type: ePoster
Session Title: Gastrointestinal Cancer—Colorectal and Anal
Session Date & Time: Oct 23, 2026 – Oct 27, 2026 online
Presenter: Dr. Weng Shanshan, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine

(Press release, Innovent Biologics, SEP 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234671036])

On September 23, 2026 Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) ("Bio-Techne"), a global provider of life science tools, reagents and diagnostic products, reported that Bio-Techne shareholders voted to approve and adopt the definitive agreement under which Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany proposes to acquire Bio-Techne (the "Merger Agreement") at a Special Meeting of Shareholders held today.

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!

"We are grateful to our shareholders for their strong support, which marks an important milestone toward completing the transaction," said Kim Kelderman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Techne. "Joining Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany will bring together our complementary and leading life sciences organizations while delivering substantial, near-term cash value to Bio-Techne shareholders. The combined company will be uniquely positioned to support customers across the full spectrum of life science workflows from discovery and translational research through development, testing and commercial manufacturing."

The final voting results, as certified by the independent inspector of elections, will be reported in a Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

In addition to shareholder approval, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, in connection with the proposed transaction expired at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on September 18, 2026. Bio-Techne continues to expect the transaction to close by late 2026 or early 2027, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of remaining required regulatory approvals.

(Press release, Bio-Techne, SEP 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234671034])

On September 23, 2026 Xspray Pharma reported that data on its two product candidates Dasynoc and Nilopki have been accepted for poster presentation at the ESH-iCMLf 28th Annual John Goldman Conference on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 2-4 October 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 two posters focus on clinically relevant limitations of today’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, TKI, treatments in CML and how Xspray’s HyNap formulation technology may help address them. For patients and physicians, the findings point to the possibility of more predictable exposure and thereby improved management of safety risks. For Xspray, the data further support the differentiated profiles of Dasynoc and Nilopki and their potential roles as improved formulations of established CML therapies.

"Xspray is utilizing its HyNap technology platform and scientific capabilities to unlock the full potential of these molecules through strong collaboration with leading key opinion leaders. I am incredibly proud of Chief Scientific Officer Per Andersson and the entire Xspray team for their leadership and achievements as we execute on our strategy and advance our portfolio," commented Xspray’s CEO Blake Leitch.

Two internationally renowned CML-specialists, Professor Michael J. Mauro and Professor Jorge Cortes, were co-authors of the poster abstracts and gave the following comments:

"The formulation technology utilised in Dasynoc/XS004 has the potential to provide an ideal basis for a low dose treatment algorithm with dasatinib; this could improve the management of CML patients substantially" said Professor Michael Mauro, director of the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, USA and Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

"The elimination of food effect can provide an improved safety profile, of nilotinib particularly the cardiac risk profile, and thereby reduce the risk to patients and the uncertainty for both patients and care givers," said Professor Jorge Cortes, Chief of Hematology in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB, and Deputy Director of the O’Neal Cancer Center at UAB.

The poster presentations add to the growing body of data supporting Xspray’s HyNap technology platform and its potential to create improved formulations of established targeted cancer therapies. For Dasynoc and Nilopki, the findings are relevant both from a clinical perspective, by addressing known safety and dosing challenges in CML treatment, and from a commercial perspective, by supporting differentiated product profiles in large and well-established treatment categories.

Dasynoc: a more predictable, lower-dose approach to dasatinib
The first poster sets out why Dasynoc may improve the tolerability of dasatinib while maintaining its effect. Tolerability and clinical effect depend on different pharmacokinetic parameters: trough concentration is linked to pleural effusion, a build-up of fluid around the lungs and effects tolerability. Whereas clinical efficacy tracks overall drug exposure in the blood. Because exposure varies widely with crystalline dasatinib, reducing the dose risks subtherapeutic levels in some patients.
Dasynoc’s markedly lower variability may allow a lower dose that still works for the individual patient: fewer patients exposed to the high levels linked to pleural effusion, and fewer left below the level for desired clinical effect.

Nilopki: reduced food effect may lower cardiovascular safety uncertainty
The second poster concerns Nilopki/XS003, Xspray’s formulation of nilotinib. The abstract investigates the relationship between nilotinib plasma exposure and cardiovascular adverse events. The data indicate that Nilopki avoids the food-induced increase in plasma exposure seen with crystalline nilotinib. In addition, the estimated effect on the QTc interval decreases under fed conditions with Nilopki, while it increases with crystalline nilotinib.

This is clinically relevant because nilotinib treatment is associated with cardiovascular safety considerations, and food intake may contribute to increased plasma exposure with conventional crystalline nilotinib. Conventional crystalline nilotinib, either in the form of Tasigna or generic versions, patients must avoid food for two hours before and one hour after each twice-daily dose. By reducing the food effect, Nilopki may offer a more predictable treatment profile and reduce uncertainty in everyday use.
—
Xspray will also present and discuss the two poster announcements at a live-streamed Investor Update in Gothenburg on 2 October 2026, starting 12.30 CET. The Investor Update will provide an opportunity to place the new data in the broader context of Xspray’s clinical, regulatory and commercial strategy for Dasynoc and Nilopki.

(Press release, Xspray, SEP 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234671033])