Kura Oncology Receives $30 Million Development Milestone Payment in Ziftomenib AML Program with Kyowa Kirin

On October 24, 2025 Kura Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: KURA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to realizing the promise of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer, reported receipt of a $30 million milestone payment under its collaboration agreement with Kyowa Kirin in connection with the dosing of the first patient in the KOMET-017 Phase 3 registrational trials of ziftomenib, a once-daily, investigational oral menin inhibitor. Kura and Kyowa Kirin announced the launch of the KOMET-017 trials on September 29, 2025.

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KOMET-017 (NCT07007312) comprises two independent, global, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials to evaluate ziftomenib in combination with both intensive and non-intensive chemotherapy regimens in patients with newly diagnosed NPM1-mutated (NPM1-m) or KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-r) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Kura believes KOMET-017 is the only menin inhibitor program actively pursuing registrational trials across both intensive and non-intensive chemotherapy settings.

(Press release, Kura Oncology, OCT 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234656976])

Chugai Announces 2025 3rd Quarter Results

On October 24, 2025 Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

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Chugai reported increased revenue and operating profit year-on-year for the third quarter (Core-basis).

Regarding revenue, domestic sales increased by 3.6%. In the oncology field, sales increased by 0.2%. While our mainstay product Avastin was affected by NHI drug price revisions and generics, this was offset by steady growth of new products Phesgo, Lunsumio, and our mainstay product Polivy. In the specialty field, sales increased by 7.7%, driven by steady performance of mainstay products Vabysmo, Hemlibra, and Enspryng, along with successful market penetration of the new product PiaSky. Overseas sales increased by 7.7%, driven by a substantial increase in exports of Actemra to Roche. Other revenue decreased by 0.9%, despite the increase in income related to Hemlibra, mainly due to a decrease in one-time income.

Cost to sales ratio increased by 0.6 percentage points year-on-year to 33.1%, mainly due to changes in the product mix. Research and development expenses increased by 0.7% due to investments into drug discovery and early development, and increases associated with the progress of development projects, while selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 4.3% mainly driven by various expenses. Other operating income (expense) resulted in income of ¥0.4 billion. As a result, Core operating profit was ¥450.5 billion (+5.6%) with a Core operating profit margin (to revenue) of 49.4%.

Chugai made good progress in both in-house products and products in-licensed from Roche.

For in-house products, PiaSky was launched in Taiwan as the first subcutaneous formulation for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Enspryng has obtained results from Phase III clinical trials for thyroid eye disease, and will be discussed with health authorities. For Chugai originated project, Orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist out-licensed to Eli Lilly, met primary endpoints in multiple Phase III clinical trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

For products in-licensed from Roche, Tecentriq has obtained approval for an expanded indication for relapsed or refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type. Avastin has been filed for an expanded indication for neurofibromatosis type II. Glofitamab has initiated Phase II clinical trials in Japan for both relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma. Additionally, afimkibart has initiated Phase III clinical trial for Crohn’s disease, and divarasib initiated Phase Ib/II clinical trial for non-small cell lung cancer (first-line treatment). Furthermore, Chugai has in-licensed CT-388, a long-acting GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, from Roche.

[2025 third quarter results]

Billion JPY 2025
Jan – Sep 2024
Jan – Sep % change
Core results
Revenue 911.6 868.5 +5.0%
 Sales 794.6 750.3 +5.9%
 Other revenue 117.1 118.2 -0.9%
Operating profit 450.5 426.6 +5.6%
Net income 320.0 301.3 +6.2%
IFRS results
Revenue 911.6 868.5 +5.0%
Operating profit 429.8 418.6 +2.7%
Net income 305.6 295.8 +3.3%
[Sales breakdown]

Billion JPY 2025
Jan – Sep 2024
Jan – Sep % change
Sales 794.6 750.3 +5.9%
Domestic sales 343.7 331.7 +3.6%
 Oncology 180.7 180.3 +0.2%
 Specialty 163.0 151.3 +7.7%
Overseas sales 450.9 418.7 +7.7%
[Oncology field (Domestic) Top5-selling medicines]

Billion JPY 2025
Jan – Sep 2024
Jan – Sep % change
Tecentriq 46.0 47.4 -3.0%
Polivy 27.0 24.5 +10.2%
Phesgo 24.5 15.0 +63.3%
Alecensa 24.3 22.4 +8.5%
Avastin 19.6 25.6 -23.4%
[Specialty field (Domestic) Top5-selling medicines]

Billion JPY 2025
Jan – Sep 2024
Jan – Sep % change
Hemlibra 44.7 41.5 +7.7%
Actemra 36.7 34.8 +5.5%
Enspryng 20.9 17.8 +17.4%
Vabysmo 18.5 14.7 +25.9%
Evrysdi 12.0 11.3 +6.2%
[Progress in R&D activities from Jul 25th, 2025 to Oct 24th, 2025]

About Core results

Chugai discloses its results on a Core basis from 2013 in conjunction with its decision to apply IFRS. Core results are the results after adjusting Non-Core items to IFRS results. Chugai’s recognition of non-recurring items may differ from that of Roche due to the difference in the scale of operations, the scope of business and other factors. Core results are used by Chugai as an internal performance indicator, for explaining the underlying business performance both internally and externally, and as the basis for payment-by-results such as a return to shareholders.

Trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

(Press release, Chugai, OCT 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234656975])

Arvinas Presents Preclinical Data for ARV-806 Demonstrating Robust and Differentiated Activity in Models of KRAS G12D-mutated Cancer at the 2025 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics

On October 24, 2025 Arvinas, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARVN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company creating a new class of drugs based on targeted protein degradation, reported preclinical data for ARV-806, a PROTAC KRAS G12D degrader, at the 2025 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) in Boston, Massachusetts. The ARV-806 data presented show a differentiated profile based on degradation potency, antiproliferative activity, and induction of cancer cell death. ARV-806 is designed to target both the ON and OFF forms of KRAS G12D, which is the most common mutation of the KRAS protein. ARV-806 has the potential to address high unmet need in solid tumors, such as pancreatic, colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer.

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"These data suggest the potential of targeted protein degradation to overcome historical limitations in addressing undruggable KRAS mutations," said Angela Cacace, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Arvinas. "ARV-806’s ability to eliminate both ON and OFF forms of KRAS G12D, combined with its potency and durability shown in preclinical models, supports our confidence in its clinical potential to deliver meaningful benefit for patients with KRAS G12D-mutated cancers."

Key highlights from the presentation include:

In vitro, ARV-806 degraded KRAS G12D with picomolar potency across pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer cell lines but did not induce degradation of wild-type and other mutant RAS isoforms.
ARV-806 is differentiated from other KRAS G12D targeting agents in development and has potential to be a best-in-class therapy for KRAS G12D mutated cancers due to:
Catalytic activity, which allows it to overcome upregulation, a common mechanism of resistance to inhibitor treatment
Compared with clinical-stage KRAS G12D ON and OFF inhibitors and another clinical-stage G12D degrader, ARV-806 demonstrated:
>25-fold greater potency in reducing cancer cell proliferation,
>40-fold higher potency in degrading KRAS G12D protein (versus the comparable clinical-stage G12D degrader), and
>10-fold lower concentrations required to induce pro-apoptotic BIM expression.
Following a single intravenous dose in a colorectal tumor xenograft model, ARV-806 degraded >90% of KRAS G12D for seven days, with parallel suppression of c-MYC (a key driver of cancer cell proliferation) and induction of BIM (Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death, a pro-apoptotic factor) for ≥5 days.
ARV-806 demonstrated robust efficacy responses at low doses in tumor models including: ≥30% tumor volume reductions in pancreatic and colorectal cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) models and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of lung cancer.

These data demonstrate sustained pharmacodynamic activity consistent with long-lasting target degradation, which we believe supports intermittent clinical dosing. Arvinas is currently evaluating ARV-806 in a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with KRAS G12D–mutated advanced solid tumors (NCT07023731).

Also shown in the poster, orally bioavailable pan-KRAS degraders have been identified that potently degrade multiple variants of KRAS and spare other RAS isoforms. A tool pan-KRAS PROTAC demonstrated robust single-agent activity and superior combination efficacy with immune checkpoint blockade compared with a pan-RAS ON inhibitor (7 complete responses compared with 2 complete responses).

About ARV-806
ARV‑806 is a novel, investigational PROTAC degrader designed to selectively target and degrade mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) G12D which is the most common mutation of the KRAS protein. Therefore, ARV-806 has the potential to address high unmet need in solid tumors, such as pancreatic, colorectal and lung cancer. ARV‑806 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring KRAS G12D mutations.

(Press release, Arvinas, OCT 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234656974])

Aprea Therapeutics Provides Clinical Update from ACESOT-1051 Trial Showing Early Signals of Activity for WEE1 Kinase Inhibitor APR-1051

On October 24, 2025 Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: APRE) ("Aprea", or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments that exploit specific cancer cell vulnerabilities while minimizing damage to healthy cells, reported an update on the ongoing Phase 1 ACESOT-1051 (A Multi-Center Evaluation of WEE1 Inhibitor in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors, APR-1051) study. The latest results show that, at the 100 mg APR-1051 dose level, 3 out of 4 patients achieved stable disease, as measured using RECIST v1.1 criteria.

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A poster titled Early safety and efficacy of APR-1051, a novel WEE1 inhibitor, in patients with cancer-associated gene alterations: Updated data from ACESOT-1051 Phase 1 trial will be presented today at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper). The poster, to be presented by Drs. Timothy Yap MBBS, PhD, FRCP, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and lead investigator of the study, and Philippe Pultar, MD, Senior Medical Advisor at Aprea, summarizes preliminary results from the trial with a cutoff date of September 17, 2025. A copy of the poster will be available on Investors page of the Aprea corporate website under "Investor Presentations & Resources."

"We continue to be encouraged by these early clinical findings, which demonstrate signals of anti-tumor activity with APR-1051 in a heavily pre-treated patient population," said Dr. Pultar. "We believe the observation of disease control in tumors harboring FBXW7, CCNE1, and KRAS mutations align with our mechanistic understanding of WEE1 inhibition and reinforces the scientific rationale for APR-1051 development. We believe these promising data provide an important foundation as we continue with dose escalation in the ongoing study and we look forward to providing further updates as we advance to higher dose level in the ongoing study."

ACESOT-1051 Clinical Update (data cutoff October 19, 2025)

The primary objective of the trial is to characterize the safety profile, dose-limiting toxicity, maximum tolerated dose or maximum administered dose, and recommended Phase 2 dose of APR-1051. Secondary objectives are to 1) to characterize the pharmacokinetics of APR-1051 and the major metabolites and active metabolites of APR-1051, and 2) to assess preliminary efficacy of APR-1051
Results from Dose Level 6 (100 mg), show 3 out of 4 patients achieved stable disease, per RECIST v1.1 in heavily pretreated gastrointestinal and gynecologic malignancies
Disease stabilization was observed in patients with FBXW7, CCNE1, and KRASG12V + TP53 alterations
Favorable tolerability: No dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) or unexpected safety issues reported to date.
Following successful clearance of the 100 mg cohort, dose escalation has progressed to Dose Level 7 (150 mg)
For more information on ACESOT-1051, refer to ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06260514.

Individual Patient Results

86-year-old female with rectal cancer: Treated at a 100 mg dose after five prior lines, the patient achieved stable disease (-13% reduction). Tumor harbored FBXW7 mutation which is a mechanistically relevant biomarker for WEE1 inhibition. 145 days on treatment and ongoing
55-year-old male with rectal cancer: Treated at a 100 mg dose after four prior lines, the patient achieved stable disease (+1%). Tumor harbored KRASG12V + TP53-mutant patient supports mechanistic activity in this genotype. 63 days on treatment and ongoing
73-year-old female with endometrial cancer: Treated at a 100mg after five prior lines, patient achieved stable disease by RECIST v1.1 criteria (+15%) at the first evaluation before voluntarily withdrawing consent after approximately two months of treatment. Tumor harbored CCNE1 and TP53 mutations supports mechanistic activity in this genotype.
50-year-old female with colon cancer: Treated at 100mg after two prior lines. This patient had disease progression at first assessment (8 weeks).

(Press release, Aprea, OCT 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234656973])

CDR-Life Presents Early Clinical Data Demonstrating Pharmacodynamic Activity of CDR404, a Novel Antibody-Derived T Cell Engager Targeting MAGE-A4+ Solid Tumors

On October 23, 2025 CDR-Life, Inc., a biotechnology company developing highly selective T cell engagers (TCEs) to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported the first clinical data showing that CDR404, the company’s lead M-gager TCE, achieved all four canonical pharmacodynamic (PD) hallmarks of TCE activity in patients with MAGE-A4+ solid tumors. The data, presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper), in Boston, Massachusetts, highlights CDR404’s robust immune activation and early signals of clinical activity, including tumor stabilization and biomarker improvements in patients with ovarian cancers and synovial sarcomas.

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CDR404 is an antibody-based TCE designed to target intracellular tumor antigens presented on HLA molecules. It engages MAGE-A4 peptides displayed by HLA-A*02:01 on cancer cells and redirects CD3+ T cells for targeted tumor cell killing. The ongoing Phase 1 CDR404 trial (NCT06402201) is being conducted at leading cancer centers across the United States and Europe. Unlike conventional approaches utilizing T cell receptors, the proprietary M-gager platform leverages antibody-derived binding domains that combine exceptional specificity with strong potency, excellent developability and ease of manufacturing.

At initial dose levels of 100–200 μg, CDR404 triggered the full cascade of immune activation associated with effective TCE therapy, including CD8+ T cell activation and expansion, reprogramming to a memory phenotype and recruitment of lymphocytes into tumors. Notably, repeated dosing did not induce PD-1–mediated T cell exhaustion, suggesting sustained biological activity. In one patient, a transient tumor flare followed by stabilization was observed, which is consistent with tumor infiltration by cytotoxic T cells.

"These early data demonstrate that our M-gager platform can extend the precision and power of antibody-based T cell engagers to intracellular antigens, an area long thought to be accessible only to TCR-based modalities," said Christian Leisner, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of CDR-Life. "Seeing all four pharmacodynamic hallmarks of activity in patients even at low doses underscores the potential of this approach to redefine how we target solid tumors."

The study’s first-in-human dose was guided by quantitative systems pharmacology modeling, enabling detection of pharmacodynamic effects more quickly than traditional approaches. Based on these encouraging signals, the trial will begin to focus on patients with MAGE-A4–positive ovarian cancers, a population with high unmet need.

Additional analyses, including integrated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) data, are ongoing.

Presentation Details:

Title: Hallmarks of pharmacodynamic activity of CDR404, a new antibody-
derived T cell engager (TCE) targeted against MAGE-A4+ solid tumors in
HLA-A02:01+ patients
Presenter: Melissa Vrohlings, Head of Translational Science, CDR-Life
Date and Time: October 23, 2025 | 12:30 – 4 pm ET
Location: Poster Session A
Level 2, Exhibit Hall D

In addition to the poster presentation on CDR404, CDR-Life is also presenting a poster on CDR609, the company’s newest T cell engager clinical candidate that targets LGR5, a highly cancer-specific cell surface antigen widely expressed on common solid tumors.

Presentation Details:

Title: CDR609: A First-in-Class LGR5-targeted T Cell Engager for treatment of
Colorectal Cancer and other solid tumors
Presenter: Sophie Barsin, Project Leader, CDR-Life
Date and Time: October 23, 2025 | 12:30 – 4 pm ET
Location: Poster Session A
Level 2, Exhibit Hall D

(Press release, CDR-Life, OCT 23, 2025, View Source [SID1234666504])