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Lōkahi Therapeutics™ Advances its Proprietary ai² PIPELINE (formerly ai² Futures Lab) Process from Internal Asset Engine to Revenue-Generating Platform

On September 23, 2026 Lōkahi Therapeutics Inc., a subsidiary of Glucotrack, Inc. (NASDAQ: GCTK), reported that Innovate GBM, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the development of new treatments for glioblastoma (GBM) and other brain tumors, has engaged two ai² PIPELINE project teams to identify and evaluate brain tumor therapeutic assets available for licensing and development. Innovate GBM is the first external organization to secure access to the Lōkahi proprietary asset identification process, which is implemented through its current 14 university collaborations. This engagement marks the ai² Division’s evolution from an internal asset discovery engine to a model capable of supporting the strategic interests of outside organizations.

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The sponsorship expands the role of the ai² Division beyond Lōkahi’s own asset discovery efforts. By enabling an external organization to direct project teams toward defined areas of interest, Lōkahi is extending the platform’s analytical reach and demonstrating how the model can augment traditional business development and investment diligence.

"Innovate GBM’s engagement is the next step forward for the ai² PIPELINE as it moves the platform from a company-led initiative to a model that outside organizations can put to work," said Erik Emerson, Chief Executive Officer of Glucotrack. "This is where the concept begins to scale. We are creating a disciplined way to bring more minds, more perspectives, and more structured evaluation to the search for differentiated therapeutic opportunities."

"Glioblastoma remains one of the hardest problems in oncology, and too many promising programs have been shelved before they ever reached brain tumor patients," said Kush Thukral, JD, Co-Executive Director of Innovate GBM. "Lōkahi’s ai² PIPELINE gives us a disciplined, capital-efficient way to search systematically for overlooked brain tumor assets."

Lōkahi continues to expand ai² Division through a growing network of university collaborations. The Innovate GBM engagement adds a new dimension to that network by connecting student talent and industry expertise directly to the priorities of an external sponsor. Innovate GBM’s project teams will focus on therapeutic assets in glioblastoma and other brain tumors, and Innovate GBM will independently determine whether to pursue any asset identified. Lōkahi believes this sponsor-led model can broaden the platform’s relevance across pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and investment organizations seeking earlier visibility into differentiated opportunities.

(Press release, Lokahi Therapeutics, SEP 23, 2026, View Source [SID1234671039])

Pilatus Biosciences to Present Trials-in-Progress Poster on Phase 1 PLT012 for Solid Tumor Cancers at ESMO 2026

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.

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])

ViferaXS Raises €12 Million to Advance Phase II Trial in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Expand Its Oncology Pipeline

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.

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])

Innovent to Present New Clinical Data of Next-gen IO and ADC Pipeline at the 2026 ESMO Annual Meeting

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.

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])

Bio-Techne Shareholders Approve Acquisition by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

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.

"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])