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.
Sensei Biotherapeutics has changed its name to Faeth Therapeutics following its February 2026 acquisition of the biotechnology company. The name change accompanies a $200 million private placement financing to advance PIKTOR, an investigational all-oral multi-node inhibitor targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in endometrial and breast cancer. Topline Phase 2 data in endometrial cancer is anticipated in the second half of 2026.
Merck and Gilead discontinued a Phase 3 lung cancer trial due to lack of statistical significance, while Pfizer initiated a new Phase 1 trial and Roivant Sciences completed enrollment in its Phase 2 PHocus trial for pulmonary hypertension.
Key oncology developments include a $315 million partnership between Astellas and Vir for the prostate cancer T-cell engager VIR-5500, with updated phase 1 data showing an 82% PSA50 rate. The FDA accepted a filing for Ono Pharmaceuticals' tirabrutinib seeking accelerated approval in primary central nervous system lymphoma. Research findings also identified a new kidney cancer biomarker and showed promising results for the TRK inhibitor repotrectinib and the breast cancer triple therapy gedatolisib plus palbociclib and fulvestrant.
Compugen reported a Q1 2026 net loss of $7.7 million with approximately $134.9 million in cash, expecting runway into 2029. The COM701 MAIA-ovarian trial is enrolling across the U.S., Israel, and France, with interim analysis expected by Q1 2027. Partner AstraZeneca is advancing rilvegostomig across 11 Phase 3 trials.
The FDA has approved Pfizer's BRAFTOVI for BRAF V600E metastatic colorectal cancer and VEPPANU for ESR1 mutated breast cancer. The oncolytic virus cancer therapy pipeline expands with over 120 companies developing 125+ drugs. Positive late-stage data for other Pfizer oncology programs was also reported.
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.
BioNTech faces mixed analyst views as Bernstein initiates with a cautious Market Perform rating, while the company secures FDA Fast Track designation for BNT113 and prepares for a shareholder vote on capital restructuring and leadership transition.
FDA approves AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's Datroway for first-line TNBC patients not eligible for PD-1/L1 inhibitors, based on Phase III TROPION-Breast02 data showing a 21% reduction in risk of death versus chemotherapy.
Topline phase 3 VIKTORIA-1 results showed gedatolisib combinations improved progression-free survival versus alpelisib plus fulvestrant in PIK3CA-mutant HR-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Celcuity plans a supplemental FDA filing based on the data.
