NEOK Bio dosed first patients in Phase 1 trials of lead bispecific ADCs NEOK001 and NEOK002 for advanced solid tumors. The candidates target B7-H3/ROR1 and EGFR/MUC1, with initial data expected in 2027.
Amgen detailed its T-cell engager and precision therapy strategy at Citi's 2026 summit. GT Biopharma, Onco-Innovations, Oncotelic, and Samsung Biologics also advanced AI and organoid platforms in drug development.
International expert workshops have identified priority therapeutic targets for medulloblastoma and rhabdoid tumours, two rare childhood cancers. For medulloblastoma, key priorities include SRC degradation, c-MYC/MYCN inhibition, and B7-H3 targeted approaches. For rhabdoid tumours, DCAF5 and MDM2 were highlighted, with EZH2 degraders showing potential.
Novartis acquires UK biotech Myricx Bio for up to $1.5B, gaining a novel NMTi ADC payload platform and two lead assets targeting B7-H3 and HER2. The deal includes $1.1B upfront with $400M in milestones, expected to close in H2 2026.
BioNTech presented phase 2 data for HER2-directed ADC Trastuzumab Pamirtecan showing 47.9% response rate in endometrial cancer, with FDA submission planned for 2026. BioLineRx dosed first patient in phase 1/2a GLIX1 trial for glioblastoma and reported new preclinical data. Both companies presented at ASCO 2026.
European biotechs are exploring new immunotherapy targets beyond PD-1/PD-L1, including BTLA, TIGIT, and SLAMF6. Lund University researchers discovered a SLAMF6-mediated immune evasion mechanism. BioNTech and GenMab are advancing next-generation ICIs and bispecific antibodies through strategic partnerships.
Two osteosarcoma studies identified prognostic immune biomarkers, including serum sB7-H3 and an immune cell infiltration score. Both linked immune features with survival, metastasis and treatment response.
MacroGenics faces critical 2026 milestones for its ADC pipeline, including Phase 1 data for MGC026 and regulatory resolution for lorigerlimab. The company has financial runway through 2027 and plans IND submission for MGC030 in Q3 2026. Key investor events include ASCO abstract releases and financial results in Q2 2026.
GSK's antibody-drug conjugate risvutatug rezetecan has received Orphan Drug Designation in Japan for small-cell lung cancer, marking its sixth global regulatory designation. The decision was based on phase I trial data showing durable responses in extensive-stage SCLC patients. The drug is currently in phase III development for relapsed ES-SCLC.
IDEAYA Biosciences announced Q4 2025 financial results with $1.05 billion in cash reserves and confirmed 130 progression-free survival events in its Phase 2/3 OptimUM-02 trial of darovasertib for metastatic uveal melanoma, with topline results expected by late March 2026.
