Tharimmune Inc. has announced preclinical data from its expanded pipeline with HS-1940, a dual-target multispecific biologic engineered to bind to both programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and HS-3215, a dual-target biologic binding to HER2 and HER3 receptors. Both use the proprietary Epiclick technology, a multispecific antibody engineering platform.

ALX Oncology Holdings Inc. has received FDA clearance for the IND application for ALX-2004, the company’s potential best- and first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing solid tumors.

AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A) encodes a switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) complex and is mutated in around 10% of colorectal cancers. ARID1A deficiency damages DNA damage repair increasing tumor mutation burden in ovarian and gastrointestinal cancers.

Although CAR T-cell therapies have reached significant clinical success in hematological malignancies, their utility in solid tumors remains limited. One of the main challenges is the scarcity of truly cancer-specific antigens for precise targeting of solid tumors. The use of engineered small, specific antigen-binding domains, such as nanobodies, could be a potential strategy to improve the specificity and efficacy of CAR T cells against solid tumors.

Sun Pharma Advanced Research Co. Ltd. has filed an IND application with the FDA for SBO-154 for the treatment of solid tumors. A global phase I study is planned in advanced solid tumors.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies activating the immune system to kill tumor cells, representing a major advancement in cancer treatment. However, by activating T-cell immunity, ICI treatment can lead to immune-related adverse events affecting the several organs, including the heart.

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences detailed the creation of a new dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-based mouse model of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy-associated colitis.

Everest Medicines Ltd. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for EVM-14, an off-the-shelf mRNA cancer vaccine targeting multiple tumor-associated antigens and designed to treat various cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer and head and neck cancer.

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. has obtained clearance from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to conduct clinical trials with SYS-6040 for advanced solid tumors.