The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the resistance of solid tumors to immunotherapy. In particular, fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts have been shown to contribute to immune evasion.
Researchers from Hebei Normal University and affiliated organizations presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of a novel B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 (Bmi-1) expression inhibitor, APD-94, designed as an agent that could potentially overcome drug resistance in patients with colorectal cancer.
Xilio Therapeutics Inc. has announced three wholly owned preclinical programs for masked T-cell engagers targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1).
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and collaborators identified HMGA1 as a key epigenetic regulator that enhances Wnt signaling in colon cancer.
A year after its $175 million IPO in 2024, Arrivent Biopharma Inc. picked up rights to develop and commercialize Lepu Biopharma Co. Ltd.’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate, MRG-007, worldwide excluding the greater China region.
Dewpoint Therapeutics Inc. has nominated a second development candidate, DPTX-3496. The oral, small-molecule condensate modulator targets β-catenin to address Wnt-driven colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. IND-enabling studies have commenced, with an IND filing planned in the second half of this year.
Some favorable and some not-so-great results from separate midstage trials testing the anti-dickkopf homolog 1 antibody sirexatamab in combo regimens for two types of gastrointestinal tumors vexed Leap Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:LPTX), shares of which ended Jan. 28 at 66 cents, down $1.60, or 71%.
At the recent ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers symposium, Cyclacel Ltd. presented preclinical data for the Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitor plogosertib from assessment in models of colorectal cancer.
A year after its $175 million IPO in 2024, Arrivent Biopharma Inc. picked up rights to develop and commercialize Lepu Biopharma Co. Ltd.’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate, MRG-007, worldwide excluding the greater China region.
“The [colorectal cancer field is moving, and thankfully it’s moving quickly,” said Marwan Fakih, gastrointestinal specialist at City of Hope, speaking about initial phase II data from Xilio Therapeutics Inc.’s ongoing trial with vilastobart (XTX-101) when paired with PD-L1-blocking antibody Tecentriq (atezolizumab, Roche AG) in metastatic microsatellite stable disease.
