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BostonGene to Present AI Innovations at BIO 2026

On June 23, 2026 BostonGene, leading developer of AI models for tumor and immune biology, reported its participation at The BIO International Convention (BIO 2026), the largest and most comprehensive event for biotechnology. Representing the full ecosystem of biotech, the convention brings together 20,000 industry leaders from around the world from June 22 – 25 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.

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Presentation details:

Title: Clinical Trial Advantage Through Patient Biology
Date & time: Tuesday, June 23 at 2:30 PM PT
Location: Theater 1
Speaker: David Arthur, VP of Strategy, BostonGene
The presentation will focus on BostonGene’s AI solutions, which integrate multi-dimensional molecular, cellular, and patient data across tumor and immune biology. By converting complex biological datasets into clear insights, these models improve the accuracy of predicting patient responses and toxicity risks, ultimately accelerating drug development and de-risking clinical trials across multiple cancer indications.

Through three distinct case studies, the session will demonstrate how the multimodal AI models operate across different modalities to:

Prioritize indications: Utilizing tissue-based immune microenvironment modeling to identify high-yield indications and guide cohort selection.

Optimize clinical differentiation strategies: Creating integrated models to predict indication effect sizes, reducing clinical trial enrollment requirements and maximizing the probability of technical success.

Refine patient stratification: Developing ready-to-use immune-profiling scores from blood-based signatures to accurately enrich patient cohorts, boost therapy response rates, and optimize trial designs.
To learn more or to schedule a meeting with BostonGene during the event, please contact Hannah Oman at [email protected]. For additional details, visit the BIO 2026 website.

(Press release, BostonGene, JUN 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234668919])

Araris Biotech AG and Taiho Oncology Announce Dosing of First Patient in Phase 1 Trial of ARC-02, a Novel ADC for the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

On June 23, 2026 Araris Biotech AG, a company advancing a differentiated pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates ("ADCs") therapies, and Taiho Oncology, Inc., a company developing and commercializing novel treatments for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, both members of the Taiho group, reported that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial of ARC-02, a CD79b-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

ARC-02 selectively binds CD79b-positive B-cells and delivers monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a clinically validated anti-cancer payload, directly to tumor cells. It is the first clinical candidate generated using Araris’ proprietary AraLinQ ADC technology and Arastatin linker-payload, designed for precise intracellular release and minimization of impact on healthy tissue.

"Dosing the first patient with ARC-02 marks a pivotal milestone for Araris as we enter the clinic and begin translating our innovative ADC platform into potential benefits for patients," said Philipp Spycher, PhD, CSO and scientific founder of Araris.

"While ARC-02 is initially being developed for hematological malignancies, the differentiated safety profile observed in preclinical studies may also support its broader application across additional disease indications, including autoimmune diseases," said Isabella Attinger-Toller, PhD, CTO and co-founder of Araris.

"This milestone represents the first human experience with the novel Araris platform and marks Taiho’s expansion into the clinical development of ADCs for oncology," said Harold Keer, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Taiho Oncology. "We look forward to results from this trial and advancing other agents from Araris into the clinic."

About AraLinQ

AraLinQ is Araris’ ADC technology, which enables site-specific payload attachment to a privileged attachment site on a specific amino acid residue (Q295) within the native antibody Fc framework. Preclinical data demonstrate that when a payload is attached to this site using Araris’ proprietary linkers, the antibody maintains nearly identical performance (e.g. pharmacokinetics and effector functions) to the unconjugated, original antibody. Furthermore, the linker-payload is connected to the antibody through a very strong isopeptide bond resulting in exceptional stability. Once entering a cancer cell via antibody-mediated internalization, the linker can be easily broken to release the payload. All three of these properties are key factors to enable efficient payload delivery and maximize ADC efficacy. AraLinQ linkers are hydrophilic, rendering them soluble and avoiding their clumping in water-based solutions like blood. In addition, this linker can have unique branching structures that make it possible to create ADCs that carry multiple payloads of different types. AraLinQ allows for the generation of ADCs in one step using "off-the-shelf," antibodies that are native or engineered. The process is fast, cost-efficient and can be easily upscaled without the need for custom antibody synthesis.

About ArastatinTM

Arastatin is a novel linker-payload technology based on MMAE and an Araris proprietary hydrophilic peptide linker. Arastatin is designed specifically to be used with Araris’ site-specific ADC technology AraLinQ which enables the direct conjugation of the MMAE linker-payload to Q295 of native, off-the-shelf antibodies in one step. In preclinical studies, Arastatin based ADCs were found to be highly potent, stable and well-tolerated among different antibodies compared to commercially available ADCs.

(Press release, Araris Biotech, JUN 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234668918])

Combotope Therapeutics Enters into Collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to Advance First-in-Class Tumor-Selective Antibody Therapies for Cancer

On June 23, 2026 Combotope Therapeutics ApS ("Combotope"), a biotechnology company focused on discovering tumor-selective antibodies against cancer-specific glycan-protein targets, reported a strategic research collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim. The partnership will leverage Combotope’s proprietary SMART-Phage platform to generate highly tumor-selective antibodies for next-generation cancer therapies.

Combotope’s approach is designed to identify antibodies that bind tumor-specific glycan structures (e.g., Tn and STn) together with their protein carriers ("combotopes"). These combined sugar-and-protein markers are often far more common on cancer cells than on healthy tissue, providing a clearer "address label" to guide antibody-based medicines. This is especially relevant for hard-to-treat cancers where established targeted options are limited, and may open up new cancer-selective opportunities across modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

"At Combotope, we focus on cancer-specific glycan-protein targets that conventional antibody approaches cannot selectively address," said Ola Blixt, CEO of Combotope. "By combining glycan and protein recognition, we aim to enable a new class of tumor-selective antibodies and expand the range of viable targets in oncology. We are excited to partner with Boehringer Ingelheim to translate this approach into potentially differentiated therapies."

The parties will initially collaborate on multiple oncology targets provided by Boehringer Ingelheim, with the potential to expand and address additional oncology targets over time. For each target, Combotope will apply its SMART-Phage antibody discovery platform to generate tumor-selective, high-affinity antibodies that recognize glycan-protein epitopes, supported by a defined antibody characterization data package. Boehringer Ingelheim will then assume responsibility for further research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of resulting antibody-based therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Combotope will receive an upfront payment and research funding per target. The company is also eligible to receive development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments across multiple targets, in addition to royalties on net sales of any resulting products. Boehringer Ingelheim will hold global development and commercialization rights for products arising from the collaboration. Financial terms were not disclosed.

(Press release, Combotope Therapeutics, JUN 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234668917])

Haisco Enters into Exclusive License Agreement with Nuvectis for Two Drug Candidates in Oncology and Complement Indications

On June 23, 2026 Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (Ticker Code: 002653) reported that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Nuvectis, a U.S. biotechnology company. Under the agreement, Haisco has granted Nuvectis the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize its independently developed innovative drug HSK42360 worldwide, excluding Greater China, as well as its independently developed innovative drug HSK39297 worldwide, excluding Greater China, India, and certain Southeast Asia territories.

HSK42360 is a best-in-class BRAF paradoxical breaker inhibitor designed to overcome acquired resistance to current BRAF inhibitors. It demonstrates strong potential in primary brain tumors and brain metastases and is currently being evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial in China. HSK39297 is a best-in-class potential once-daily (QD) CFB inhibitor. Two NDA applications for PNH have been submitted in China, while several additional indications are advancing through Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical development in China.

"This collaboration is highly aligned with our global development strategy and is expected to generate sustainable value and long-term returns," said Dr. Pangke Yan, Chief Executive Officer of Haisco. "By partnering with a U.S. biotechnology company such as Nuvectis, Haisco aims to accelerate the global development of innovative oncology and complement therapies and bring high-quality treatment options to patients worldwide."

The collaboration strengthens Haisco’s global presence and enhances the value of its pipeline by leveraging Nuvectis’ proven research and development capabilities, extensive industry experience, and established track record in oncology and kidney diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Haisco will receive an upfront and near-term payment of USD $40 million and is eligible to receive up to USD $1.421 billion in additional development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on future net sales. The first four milestones may be payable by Licensee in cash and/or common stock, provided that the equity consideration shall represent less than 40% of the total milestone value. If the Licensee sublicenses all or part of the rights to a third party, or if a Change of Control occurs during the restricted period, Haisco shall be entitled to share in the corresponding sublicense income and Change-of-Control payments. In addition, the effectiveness of the agreement is subject to certain financing conditions which Nuvectis is required to meet to ensure sufficient capital for the development of the licensed products.

(Press release, Haisco Pharmaceutical, JUN 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234668916])

Mabwell Receives IND Clearance from NMPA for LILRB4/CD3-targeting TCE Bispecific Antibody 6MW5311

On June 23, 2026 Mabwell (688062.SH, 02493.HK), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with a fully integrated industry chain, reported that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has cleared the clinical trial application for its innovative LILRB4/CD3 targeting T Cell Engager (TCE) bispecific antibody (R&D code: 6MW5311), for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and multiple myeloma (MM).

6MW5311 is the first LILRB4/CD3 targeting TCE drug candidate globally to receive clinical trial approval. Previously, it received FDA clearance for the clinical trial application.

6MW5311 is developed based on Mabwell’s TCE technology platform and features a "2+1" asymmetric molecular structure. It simultaneously targets LILRB4 and CD3, forming an immunological synapse by bridging tumor cells and T cells, thereby activating T cells to efficiently kill tumors. The molecule incorporates a unique steric hindrance design. This structure significantly reduces the binding activity of the CD3 antibody to T cells in the absence of tumor cells. T cells are specifically activated only when tumor cells are present, which substantially enhances safety while improving anti-tumor efficacy.

In vitro studies have demonstrated that 6MW5311 exhibits potent cytotoxic activity across multiple tumor cell lines and patient-derived samples. In vivo pharmacodynamic studies have shown that 6MW5311 achieves significant tumor inhibition in both LILRB4-high and LILRB4-low expressing AML tumor models. Notably, it achieved complete tumor clearance in high-expression models. Furthermore, 6MW5311 demonstrated a favorable safety profile in cynomolgus monkey safety evaluation models.

As a key technological approach for directly mobilizing T cells to kill tumors, TCE has shown significant clinical value in various lymphoma indications, with multiple products successfully launched. However, current treatments for AML and CMML primarily remain primarily limited to chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and targeted therapies for specific mutations; no TCE products have been approved for these indications to date.

About Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

AML is a group of clonal malignant disorders originating from myeloid stem cells, characterized by high heterogeneity and mortality. Globally, approximately 172.4 thousand new cases of AML were diagnosed in 2022, with the number projected to reach 221.4 thousand by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.94%. In China, approximately 30.8 thousand new AML cases were diagnosed in 2022, accounting for approximately 17.9% of the global total. The number is expected to reach 36.7 thousand by 2035, representing approximately 16.6% of the global total, with a CAGR of 1.36%.

About Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)

CMML is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder that shares overlapping features with both myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN). It is characterized by significant monocytosis in peripheral blood and carries an inherent risk of transformation to AML (approximately 15-20% within 3-5 years). CMML is a rare disease with an annual incidence of approximately 3-4 per 100,000, and currently lacks effective treatment options.

About Multiple Myeloma (MM)

MM is a clonal plasma cell malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow. This leads to the overproduction of abnormal immunoglobulins and subsequent end-organ damage, manifested as hypercalcemia, renal impairment, anemia, and bone lesions (collectively known as CRAB features). Globally, MM accounts for approximately 1%-2% of all cancers and about 10% of hematologic malignancies. The median age at diagnosis is approximately 69 years, with higher incidence rates observed in males and individuals of African descent. Over the past two decades, patient survival rates have significantly improved thanks to the application of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies. However, MM remains largely incurable, and most patients experience multiple relapses during the course of the disease.

(Press release, Mabwell Biotech, JUN 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234668915])