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Cartography Secures $67 Million Series B Financing to Advance Differentiated Oncology Pipeline of Antibody-Based Therapies into the Clinic

On October 2, 2025 Cartography Biosciences, Inc., an oncology company advancing an innovative pipeline of T-cell engaging bispecific and multi-specific antibody therapeutics that target novel and highly specific tumor antigens, reported the close of a $67 million Series B financing (Press release, Cartography Biosciences, OCT 2, 2025, View Source [SID1234656416]). The funding will help support the advancement of Cartography’s lead program, CBI-1214, into the clinic and the continued acceleration of additional, highly differentiated oncology programs generated from its ATLAS and SUMMIT drug discovery platforms.

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The Series B was led by new investor Pfizer Ventures and was joined by additional new investors LG Corp, Amgen Ventures, Finchley H.V., Global BioAccess Fund, and Lotte Holdings CVC, as well as existing investors Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Bio + Health, 8VC, Wing Venture Capital, Catalio Capital Management, AME Cloud Ventures, ARTIS Ventures, and Gaingels. As part of the financing, Michael Baran, MBA, Ph.D., Partner at Pfizer Ventures, has joined Cartography’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Troy E. Wilson, Ph.D., J.D., who had previously joined as an Independent Director, has been elected as Chairman of the Board.

"Cartography is uniquely positioned to lead the potential next generation of T-cell engagers with a novel late preclinical program for colorectal cancer," said Michael Baran. "With a strong discovery platform and a growing pipeline, Cartography is quickly emerging as a leader in antibody therapeutics, and Pfizer Ventures is excited to support their progress in bringing potential new treatments to patients."

Cartography’s lead program CBI-1214 is a T-cell engager molecule that targets LY6G6D, an emerging and highly specific tumor antigen for treating colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The target, which has minimal expression on healthy cells, is uniquely expressed within the microsatellite stable (MSS) and microsatellite instability-low (MSI-L) subtypes of CRC, which represent the vast majority of CRC patients and remains a major area of unmet medical need. CBI-1214 has protein engineering features that are specifically designed to optimize anti-tumor activity.

Kevin Parker, Ph.D., CEO of Cartography Biosciences said, "Combining insights from thousands of patient tissue samples, our ATLAS and SUMMIT platforms have identified several novel targets and target pairs that we have engineered new T-cell engagers against. CBI-1214, our first announced program, has the potential to be a first- and best-in-class molecule targeting CRC and positions Cartography as an emerging leader in new targeted therapies. We are grateful for the support of Pfizer Ventures and a world-class roster of strategic and financial investors as we move forward with CBI-1214, which is on track for an investigational new drug application later this year and trial enrollment in early 2026."

MEDSIR and Ataraxis AI Launch Research Collaboration to Evaluate AI-Powered Platform as a Predictive Tool in Breast Cancer Randomized Clinical Trials

On October 2, 2025 Ataraxis AI, a frontier laboratory developing artificial intelligence (AI)–powered prognostic tools for oncology, and MEDSIR (Medica Scientia Innovation Research), a global leader in oncology research, reported a strategic collaboration to integrate artificial intelligence into multiple major international trials (Press release, MedSIR, OCT 2, 2025, View Source [SID1234656415]). These studies, involving data from more than 1,000 patients across randomized clinical trials, aim to identify biomarkers that can optimize treatment strategies for breast cancer, including therapies with CDK4/6 inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

MEDSIR has been a key contributor to oncology clinical trials, helping support the advancement of transformative therapies into standard practice. These efforts have expanded access to novel treatment options and improved outcomes for patients worldwide. The introduction of new therapeutics creates an opportunity but also a challenge to select the right drug for every patient. Ataraxis addresses this critical need with Ataraxis Breast, the first AI-native platform in breast cancer developed to predict patient outcomes and treatment effects. By integrating insights from standard digital pathology slides with clinical data, the platform provides a new evidence-based layer to support treatment decisions and personalize care.

Building upon Ataraxis’ previous positive clinical validation results showing efficacy across major breast cancer subtypes, the research collaboration between MEDSIR and Ataraxis AI will focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to predict outcomes across key breast cancer subtypes—including HR+ and HER2+ cohorts—encompassing patients in early-stage and metastatic settings. The goal is to enhance clinical decision-making by integrating AI-driven insights into routine oncology workflows.

"Breast cancer treatment continues to improve, with new therapies becoming available every year. However, this creates a challenge in selecting the right drug at the right time. At Ataraxis, we are developing AI-native tools to accurately predict patient outcomes and treatment response for all cancer patients. We are proud to partner with MEDSIR to validate our breast cancer platform using data from practice-changing clinical trials," said Jan Witowski, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ataraxis AI.

"At MEDSIR, we are committed to accelerating innovation in oncology through collaborative research that brings real value to patients and clinicians," said Alicia García, Scientific Director at MEDSIR. "Partnering with Ataraxis AI allows us to integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence into clinical trials, generating evidence that can transform treatment decision-making in breast cancer. This collaboration represents an important step toward a future where precision oncology is not just a concept, but a standard of care."

This announcement demonstrates the commitment to building global collaborative networks for both MEDSIR and Ataraxis AI. With strategic headquarters in Europe and the United States, MEDSIR has built an extensive global network of more than 600 researchers and has conducted 65 clinical trials across more than 200 sites in 14 countries. Ataraxis AI has partnerships with over 40 institutions on the development, validation, and deployment of AI-based tools for treatment selection. Additionally, this collaboration marks a milestone in building clinical evidence for Ataraxis Breast moving beyond retrospective observational studies and into prospective trials investigating new therapies.

Verismo Therapeutics Treats First Follicular Lymphoma Patient in CELESTIAL-301 Trial, Strengthening Collaboration with IFLI

On October 2, 2025 Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage CAR T company developing novel KIR-CAR platform technology, reported that it has treated the first patient with follicular lymphoma (FL) in its CELESTIAL-301 Phase 1 clinical trial of SynKIR-310 (Press release, Verismo Therapeutics, OCT 2, 2025, View Source [SID1234656412]). This milestone reflects Verismo’s commitment to addressing the urgent unmet medical need for patients with FL and further strengthens the company’s collaboration with the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI).

CELESTIAL-301 is a multicenter Phase 1 trial (NCT06544265) evaluating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of SynKIR-310 in patients with relapsed/refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL), including FL. The study is enrolling both patients who have relapsed after prior CAR T therapy as well as those who never received CAR T treatment.

SynKIR-310 combines Verismo’s proprietary KIR-CAR platform with a new CD19 binder, which was developed by the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) under a sponsored research agreement between Penn and Verismo and exclusively licensed to Verismo, to target malignant B cells. Preclinical studies indicated that the KIR-CAR technology may extend T cell persistence, offering the potential to reduce relapse rates. The trial design includes 2 cohorts with dose escalation and an expansion cohort at the recommended Phase 2 dose.

"Treatment of the first FL patient in CELESTIAL-301 is an important milestone in the development of a CD19-directed KIR-CAR therapy and underscores the strength of our relationship with IFLI," said Dr. Bryan Kim, co-founder and CEO of Verismo Therapeutics. "We appreciate IFLI’s commitment and expertise, which are helping us advance SynKIR-310 for individuals in urgent need of new options."

In January 2025, Verismo announced a strategic investment from IFLI of up to $4.05 million to support the SynKIR-310 FL program, enabling expanded FL-focused clinical sites to increase FL patient enrollment.

"Treating the first FL patient in CELESTIAL-301 is an important step toward delivering next-generation cell therapies to this underserved patient population," said Michel Azoulay, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer of IFLI. "We are proud to work with Verismo to accelerate the development of SynKIR-310 for follicular lymphoma."

OncoC4 Closes Nearly $50 Million in Series B Financing to Advance Multiple Pipeline Candidates

On October 2, 2025 OncoC4, Inc. a clinical-stage biotechnology company, reported the recent closing of a Series B financing round of nearly $50 million (Press release, OncoC4, OCT 2, 2025, View Source [SID1234656411]). The round was led by GBA Fund, and supported by additional capital from the Company’s co-founders and existing investors, including HM Capital, 3E Bioventures Capital and Kaitai Capital.

OncoC4 was founded in 2020 by two renowned immunologists and serial entrepreneurs, Dr. Yang Liu and Dr. Pan Zheng. By leveraging deep expertise in immuno-oncology and translational medicine, the Company has built a broad pipeline of innovative therapies with first-in-class or best-in-class potential. The proceeds from the Series B financing will primarily be used to support the advancement of the clinical development of the Company’s pipeline programs.

"Our Series B financing round progressed rapidly, and we deeply appreciate our investors’ recognition of our Company and continual support," said Dr. Yang Liu, Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board, CEO and CSO of OncoC4. "We are committed to rigorously advancing the global development of our core pipeline, while strategically expanding business development activities, with the ultimate goal of delivering more disruptive therapies to patients worldwide."

Aminex Therapeutics Announces FDA Orphan Drug Designation Granted to AMXT 1501 in Combination with DFMO for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma

On October 2, 2025 Aminex Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for rare and difficult-to-treat cancers, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to AMXT 1501 in combination with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma (Press release, Aminex Therapeutics, OCT 2, 2025, View Source [SID1234656410]).

"Receiving Orphan Drug Designation for AMXT 1501 in combination with DFMO represents an important milestone in our mission to develop innovative therapies for children with life-threatening cancers," said Mark Burns, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and President of Aminex Therapeutics, Inc. "We are committed to working closely with regulators, investigators and patient advocacy groups, to accelerate the clinical development efforts for AMXT 1501 in combination with DFMO for the treatment of neuroblastoma and other childhood and adult tumor types in collaboration with the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium."

The FDA grants ODD to drugs and biologics that are intended for safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders. ODD provides certain incentives, such as tax credits toward the cost of clinical trials upon approval and prescription drug user fee waivers. If a product receives Orphan Drug Status from the FDA, that product is entitled to a unique seven years of market exclusivity for the disease in which it has ODD, which is an added value in that it is separate from intellectual property protection.

"Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer that unfortunately, accounts for 12-15% of all pediatric cancer deaths in the United States," said Dr. Giselle Sholler, chief of the division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, director of Pediatric Oncology Research and professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at Penn State College of Medicine and founder and chair of the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium. "We believe this combination has the potential to build upon the FDA approval of DFMO to further improve clinical outcomes for children with neuroblastoma and other rare childhood cancers."

The Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium at Penn State College of Medicine is currently initiating a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in pediatric patients who will be administered AMXT 1501 in combination with DFMO entitled "A Dose Escalation Study Using Eflornithine (DFMO) and AMXT 1501 Followed by a Randomized Controlled Trial of DFMO with or without AMXT 1501 for Neuroblastoma, CNS Tumors, and Sarcomas" (NCT06465199).

Aminex Therapeutics, Inc. is currently preparing to initiate clinical trials to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of AMXT 1501 in combination with DFMO in metastatic melanoma and in breast cancer.

About Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is an aggressive pediatric cancer of the nervous system and the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Children with high-risk neuroblastoma face survival rates of less than 50% despite intensive multimodal therapy. Furthermore, patients who relapse following conventional standard of care therapies have a long-term survival rate of <10%, underscoring the urgent need for novel treatment approaches.

About AMXT 1501 and DFMO
AMXT 1501 is a novel polyamine transport inhibitor designed to block the uptake of polyamines, which are essential for tumor growth and survival. In combination with DFMO, an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, AMXT 1501 is intended to comprehensively suppress polyamine metabolism, a pathway shown to be critical in the development, metastasis and resistance to treatment of neuroblastoma and other cancers. DFMO is an established inhibitor of polyamine biosynthesis. Together, the combination aims to comprehensively inhibit polyamine metabolism and tumor growth.