Previous evidence suggests that MEK/BRAF inhibitors targeting aberrant activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway can sensitize tumors to immunotherapy through different mechanisms. This occurs in NRAS/BRAF mutant melanoma, where kinase inhibitor treatment sensitizes tumors to immunotherapy, at least partly, through an increase in the average surface presentation of peptide major histocompatibility molecules (pMHC) molecules. However, the optimal combination, order and timing of administration of both therapeutic strategies remain unclear.

Janux Therapeutics Inc. has announced that it has submitted an IND application to the FDA for JANX-008, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tumor-activated T cell engager (TRACTr) in development for the treatment of EGFR-expressing solid tumors, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Approximately 20,000 patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphomas died in 2022 despite current treatments; 30-40% of these cases involved diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Monoallelic mutations in histone acetyltransferases (HATs) occur in over 39% of germinal center DLBCLs. Activation of intact wild-type alleles offers an opportunity to overcome the mutated allele.

Affimed NV has received clearance of a clinical trial application (CTA) by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) for a phase I study of AFM-28 (AFM28-101) in CD123-positive relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

The FDA has cleared an IND for a clinical trial in the U.S. of NBL-020, a fully human antibody drug independently developed by CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.'s subsidiary Novarock Biotherapeutics Ltd., for the treatment of advanced solid tumors.