Plus, news about ADC Therapeutics, Celldex and Viracta Therapeutics:
Geron inks up to $375M royalty and debt deal:
The company now
has
a $125 million deal with Royalty Pharma based on US sales of Rytelo, its treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes. It also disclosed a loan worth up to $250 million with Pharmakon Advisors.
— Jaimy Lee
Minghui Pharmaceutical touts early VEGF bispecific data:
In a Phase 1 dose escalation trial, the biotech’s PD-1xVEGF bispecific antibody, MHB039A, led to a
reduction
in tumor volume in relapsed or refractory solid tumors. Minghui, based in Shanghai, said it is looking for “strategic partnerships” to support further development of the asset.
— Ayisha Sharma
ADC Therapeutics discontinues ADC to focus on exatecan-based platform:
The company
is halting
the Phase 1b ADCT-601 program based on clinical data and the capital needed to continue its development. ADC was investigating the therapy in sarcoma, pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer; it showed antitumor activity, but not a “favorable” benefit-risk profile, according to the company.
— Katherine Lewin
Celldex scraps a cancer bispecific:
The company will
not advance
its ILT4/PD-1 program, CDX-585, after it completed a Phase 1 study’s dose-escalation cohort. Celldex did not report the results of the study.
— Max Gelman
Viracta Therapeutics announces layoffs:
The company
is cutting
42% of its staff. It had 40 full-time employees, as of Dec. 31.
— Jaimy Lee