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Evogene and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Announce a Collaboration to Advance AI-Driven Cancer Therapeutics

On February 17, 2026 Evogene Ltd. (Nasdaq: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN), a pioneering computational chemistry company specializing in the generative design of small molecules for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries reported a collaboration with the pioneering research group of Dr. Mark Adams, a leading cancer genomics expert in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Faculty of Health at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia. This partnership aims to accelerate the discovery and optimization of novel small molecules as potential drug candidates for the treatment of chemotherapy and targeted therapy-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as other cancers.

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Despite significant advancements in cancer treatment, resistance to standard-of-care chemotherapies and targeted therapies remain a major hurdle in treating patients with aggressive cancers, such as NSCLC. The effectiveness of cornerstone therapies such as Cisplatin is limited by high intrinsic resistance, seen in 60-70% of treated patients1, while 30-40% of patients receiving targeted therapies also fail to respond upfront2. In immunotherapy, whether as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy, similar rates of both intrinsic and acquired resistance are observed3. These patterns highlight an urgent need for more effective therapies that can overcome both intrinsic and acquired treatment resistance.

Based on breakthrough findings from Dr. Adams’ lab uncovering a novel druggable cellular detoxification pathway driving Cisplatin resistance in NSCLC, this collaboration aims to design novel small-molecule inhibitors that effectively block this critical mechanism and restore treatment sensitivity.

The collaboration combines Evogene’s ChemPass AI’s state-of-the-art computational capabilities for generative molecular design with Dr. Adams’ leading expertise in cancer cell biology. By targeting this previously unrecognized enzymatic pathway of chemotherapy resistance, the collaboration seeks to introduce a new therapeutic strategy for overcoming chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer. The collaboration will focus on:

Pinpointing critical mechanisms within Cisplatin-induced detoxification processes that can be therapeutically disrupted.
Applying ChemPass AI to generate high-quality chemical leads, prioritizing molecules with strong inhibitory potential and favorable drug-like properties.
Iteratively refining compound design using integrated biological insights from Dr. Adams’ lab into ChemPass AI’s generative model for multi-parameter optimization of drug candidates.
Dr. Mark Adams from Queensland University of Technology stated: "Partnering with Evogene is an exciting opportunity not only from a cell and molecular biology perspective, but also for its translational potential. Leveraging Evogene’s AI-driven technology allows us to accelerate a path from research to real world outcomes. By working together, I look forward to seeing our collective innovation one day make a meaningful difference for people living with cancer."

Dr. Gabi Tarcic, Evogene’s Chief Development Officer, stated: "By combining Dr. Adams’ deep biological insight into resistance pathways with our advanced AI-driven drug design capabilities, we hope to offer a new lifeline to patients who currently face limited treatment options. Partnering with Dr. Adams’ research team at QUT marks an important step in extending our generative AI technology into oncology, particularly in tackling one of the most persistent challenges in cancer – chemotherapy resistance."

(Press release, Evogene, FEB 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234662734])

Diakonos Oncology Announces Study to Continue after First DSMB Safety Review of DOC1021 in Phase 2 GBM Study

On February 17, 2026 Diakonos Oncology Corp., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new generation of immunotherapies to treat challenging and aggressive cancers, reported that the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) overseeing its ongoing Phase 2 DOC-GBM2 clinical trial of DOC1021 in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) has completed a scheduled safety review and recommended that the study continue as planned.

The DSMB’s recommendation followed a review of available safety data from patients randomized in the DOC-GBM2 study. Approximately six months after the first patient was treated, the committee reported that no safety concerns have been identified to date and that no changes to the study design are warranted.

"Ensuring patient safety remains central to our clinical development efforts, particularly in serious and hard-to-treat cancers such as glioblastoma," said Laura Aguilar, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Diakonos Oncology. "It is reassuring to see a safety profile for DOC1021 in this study that is consistent with prior Phase 1 data, and the independent committee’s recommendation to continue this Phase 2 trial without modification provides added confidence as we progress the development of DOC1021 for patients with glioblastoma."

About DOC1021

DOC1021 is a first-in-class, patient-derived double-loaded dendritic cell therapy that uniquely combines tumor lysate and amplified tumor-derived mRNA. The immunotherapy is made with a patient’s dendritic cells combined with mRNA and proteins prepared from freshly obtained patient tumor specimens.

The unique double-loading approach, which mimics a viral infection, unlocks a synergistic and exponentially more powerful tumor killing TH1 response driven by dual protein and RNA antigen sourcing, and it allows targeting of the complete cancer antigen pool. Moreover, the approach does not require any molecular modification of the patient’s immune cells for manufacturing and does not require preconditioning chemotherapy or high dose IL-2 for administration. DOC1021 allows for simple administration in the outpatient setting and broad reach via community cancer centers.

Diakonos currently has two active clinical trials with DOC1021, a Phase 1 pancreatic cancer study (NCT04157127) and a Phase 2 glioblastoma (GBM) study (NCT06805305). Diakonos has received Fast Track designations from the FDA for both the GBM and pancreatic cancer programs, in October 2023 and May 2024, respectively. The company also received Orphan Drug Designation for the GBM program in January 2024. A refractory melanoma Phase 1/2 study with DOC1021 (NCT07288112) will be initiated early this year with the facilitation and support of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

(Press release, Diakonos Oncology, FEB 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234662733])

FDA Approves FILKRI™ (filgrastim-laha), Accord BioPharma’s Biosimilar to NEUPOGEN® (filgrastim)

On February 17, 2026 Accord BioPharma, the U.S. specialty division of Intas Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., focused on the development of oncology, immunology, and critical care therapies, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved FILKRI (filgrastim-laha), a biosimilar to NEUPOGEN (filgrastim), for patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy; patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving induction or consolidation chemotherapy; patients with cancer undergoing bone marrow transplantation; patients with severe chronic neutropenia; and patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (hematopoietic syndrome of acute radiation syndrome).1

The approval of FILKRI marks the sixth product in Accord BioPharma’s growing portfolio of FDA-approved biosimilars, following the company’s acquisition last year of UDENYCA (pegfilgrastim-cbqv), a biosimilar to Neulasta (pegfilgrastim),2 as well as the seventh approved product in the overall portfolio. With the addition of FILKRI, Accord BioPharma now offers physicians in the U.S. a comprehensive granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) portfolio with both long-acting (UDENYCA) and short-acting (FILKRI) biosimilar options to meet the needs of patients, providers, and practices.1,2

Accord has applied for and expects to receive a permanent Q-code from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which will standardize and facilitate the billing and reimbursement process across hospital outpatient, ambulatory surgery center, and physician office settings of care.

Tackling Vital Healthcare Needs
Neutropenia is a common and potentially serious complication of cancer treatment and occurs when white blood cells called neutrophils—which serve as a major line of defense against bacterial and fungal infections—fall below normal levels. This reduction increases a person’s risk of developing an infection. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, or G-CSF, is a growth factor that stimulates the production and release of neutrophils in the body. By accelerating neutrophil recovery, G-CSF can help reduce the duration of neutropenia.3,4

FILKRI belongs to the G-CSF class and is a growth factor manufactured by recombinant DNA technology. FILKRI works by regulating the production of neutrophils within the bone marrow.1

"Cancer patients often face significant challenges with treatment-related neutropenia, which can lead to serious infections, treatment delays, and dose reductions that may compromise therapeutic outcomes," said Chrys Kokino, President, Accord North America. "With FILKRI alongside UDENYCA, the provider-preferred option over Neulasta and all other biosimilars,* we now offer healthcare providers a complete G-CSF portfolio with short- and long-acting biosimilar options. This positions Accord BioPharma as a committed partner in oncology supportive care, expanding access to high-quality biologics."

Demonstrated Biosimilarity and Safety Profile
FILKRI was approved based on two randomized studies in healthy adults, with pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) assessed in one study and safety and immunogenicity evaluated in both, compared with reference product NEUPOGEN. These studies demonstrated the biosimilarity in PD and PK parameters between FILKRI and NEUPOGEN and showed overall safety and immunogenicity similar to NEUPOGEN.5 FILKRI is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, such as filgrastim products or pegfilgrastim products.1

Expanding Access: Accord BioPharma’s Biosimilar Vision
Accord BioPharma believes deeply in the power of biosimilars to reshape the future of treatment. With the support of Intas, an established global leader with nearly five decades of experience, Accord BioPharma is transforming the conventional treatment landscape across several priority therapeutic areas by introducing biosimilars to the U.S. market.

As part of this commitment, Accord BioPharma is rapidly expanding its U.S. portfolio with a strategic goal to launch 20 biosimilar products by 2030, solidifying its position as a reliable partner delivering more affordable, high-quality biologic alternatives. In addition to developing and marketing their own biosimilar products, the company is strategically collaborating with select partners around the world to bring more biosimilars to the U.S. market as swiftly as possible.

"This approval of FILKRI demonstrates our steadfast dedication to expanding access to cost-effective biologic treatments in the critically important field of oncology," said Binish Chudgar, Chairman and Managing Director of Intas Pharmaceuticals. "We’re proud to have one of the largest biosimilar pipelines within the industry. With Accord BioPharma, we’re positioning ourselves as a dependable partner in the United States—one that’s deeply committed to understanding stakeholder priorities and revolutionizing patient access."

(Press release, Accord BioPharma, FEB 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234662732])

Illumina To Webcast Upcoming Investor Conference

On February 17, 2026 Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) reported that members of its management team will participate at the following investor conference:

Upcoming Investor Conference

TD Cowen 46th Annual Health Care Conference 2026 on March 3, 2026
The fireside chat is scheduled for 12:10pm PT (3:10pm ET).

The webcast can be accessed through the Events & Presentations section of Illumina’s website at investor.illumina.com. A replay will be archived on Illumina’s website for at least 30 days following the event.

(Press release, Illumina, FEB 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234662731])

Beactica and KU Leuven secure EUR 2.5 million from the European Innovation Council to advance orphan drug BEA-17 to clinical readiness

On February 17, 2026 Beactica Therapeutics AB, a Swedish precision medicine company, reported that it, together with leading glioblastoma researchers at KU Leuven, has been awarded a EUR 2.5 million grant by the European Innovation Council (EIC) to advance a precision immune therapy for glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive brain tumour which currently lacks effective treatment.

In the project GLIOBREAK, Beactica and KU Leuven are joining forces to advance BEA-17, Beactica’s wholly owned, first-in-class degrader of the epigenetic protein complex LSD1–CoREST, together with a biomarker-driven companion diagnostic developed based on research carried out by Professor Frederik De Smet and colleagues at KU Leuven. GLIOBREAK aims to progress this integrated therapeutic-diagnostic approach from a validated laboratory stage to early clinical readiness, positioning the programme at the forefront of immuno-epigenetic therapies for glioblastoma. The 30-month GLIOBREAK project builds on results from the ongoing EU-financed project GLIOMATCH and will be led and coordinated by Beactica. The project is targeting the completion of IND-enabling studies and submission of a regulatory application to either the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA), positioning BEA-17 for first-in-human clinical trials.

EIC Transition is a Horizon Europe grant scheme that funds activities to mature and validate technology while in parallel developing business and market readiness. Grants of up to EUR 2.5 million are available, covering 100% of the project costs. The funding is non-dilutive to the company’s shareholders. Beactica and KU Leuven’s proposal was one of only 40 selected for financing out of a total of 611 proposals submitted in the most competitive EIC Transition calls ever.

"We are delighted to receive this prestigious EIC Transition award together with our eminent collaborators at KU Leuven. It is a significant validation of our immuno-epigenetic approach to glioblastoma, a disease with devastating outcomes where patients urgently need new therapeutic options. The partnership with KU Leuven and the recognition from the European Innovation Council position BEA-17 at the forefront of precision medicine," said Beactica’s CEO, Dr. Per Källblad. "This funding enables us to complete our IND-enabling studies and move toward first-in-human trials, bringing this first-in-class LSD1-CoREST degrader closer to patients."

About glioblastoma (GBM)

GBM is the most common and most aggressive brain tumour. Approximately 35,000 people in the U.S. and Europe are diagnosed with GBM each year. The median overall survival is 15 months, and the five-year overall survival is only 5%.

About BEA-17

BEA-17 is a first-in-class small-molecule targeted degrader of lysine demethylase 1 (LSD1) and its co-factor CoREST. By enhancing antigen presentation, inducing viral mimicry, and reprogramming macrophages toward a pro-inflammatory state, BEA-17 restores immune activity within the tumour microenvironment. In syngeneic animal models of cancer, the candidate drug has shown promising potentiation of immune-modulating treatments across several cancer types, including anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors in colon cancer and standard of care treatment (temozolomide and radiation) in glioblastoma. Pharmacokinetic studies of BEA-17 show good blood-brain-barrier penetration and oral availability. BEA-17 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). BEA-17 is wholly owned by Beactica Therapeutics.

(Press release, Beactica, FEB 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234662730])