Ipilimumab

AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/NYSE: AZN) reported that the combination of durvalumab (Imfinzi), tremelimumab (Imjudo), lenvatinib, and transarterial chemoembolisation met its primary endpoint in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma eligible for embolisation, delivering a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival versus TACE alone — a result that positions the regimen as a potential first systemic combination approved for this intermediate-stage population in the US and EU. The EMERALD-3 trial is a randomised, open-label, sponsor-blinded, multicentre Phase III study enrolling 760 patients with unresectable HCC eligible for embolisation across 171 centres in 22 countries. The trial met its primary endpoint of PFS for the four-drug combination — the STRIDE regimen (a single priming dose of tremelimumab 300mg added to durvalumab 1500mg, followed by durvalumab every four weeks) plus lenvatinib and TACE — versus TACE alone. At an interim analysis for overall survival, a key secondary endpoint, the combination also showed a trend toward OS improvement. A third arm evaluating STRIDE plus TACE without lenvatinib showed trends toward improved PFS and OS, though this comparison was not formally tested at this interim analysis. No quantitative data — hazard ratios, medians, or p-values — were disclosed. The safety profile was consistent with the known profiles of each component, with no new findings identified. Clinical context The result carries weight because it is not focused on advanced or metastatic disease. Embolisation-eligible unresectable HCC maps broadly to intermediate-stage disease — a population for which TACE has remained the standard of care for more than two decades, with most patients experiencing disease progression or recurrence within six to ten months. No systemic combination has received FDA or EMA approval specifically for this setting. The closest attempt, the LEAP-012 trial evaluating Eisai’s Lenvima (lenvatinib) plus Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) plus TACE, missed its overall survival endpoint in the global analysis, receiving approval only from China’s NMPA in 2025. The STRIDE backbone — durvalumab blocking PD-L1 to counter tumour immune evasion, combined with tremelimumab’s CTLA-4 blockade to prime T-cell activation — already holds FDA and EMA approval for advanced unresectable HCC based on the HIMALAYA Phase III trial, where it demonstrated durable OS benefit versus sorafenib. EMERALD-3 extends that immunotherapy backbone earlier in the disease course, layering in lenvatinib’s multi-kinase inhibition of VEGFR and FGFR pathways alongside locoregional TACE. The mechanistic logic is that TACE-induced tumour antigen release may enhance the immunogenic response primed by dual checkpoint blockade, while lenvatinib’s anti-angiogenic activity addresses vascular escape. Competitive context The competitive landscape in HCC has grown crowded at the advanced end. Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Roche) and nivolumab plus ipilimumab (Bristol Myers Squibb) are both approved for first-line advanced or metastatic HCC, and the dual PD-1/CTLA-4 class that BMS occupies is mechanistically adjacent to STRIDE. Cross-trial comparisons are limited by differences in patient populations, staging, and trial design, but EMERALD-3 targets a distinct disease stage where no approved systemic option currently exists in the US or EU — a differentiation that is structural rather than merely incremental. AstraZeneca estimates more than 200,000 patients will be eligible for embolisation in 2026. The press release notes that AstraZeneca is in discussions with global regulatory authorities. Full data are to be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting, where the magnitude of the PFS benefit and the shape of the OS curves will be made public. The STRIDE-plus-TACE arm without lenvatinib will also be watched: if its unplanned trends toward improvement hold in formal testing, it could offer a chemotherapy-free locoregional-plus-immunotherapy option for patients who may not tolerate a TKI. What EMERALD-3 does not yet answer is whether the PFS gain translates to the survival benefit that would cement a label change. Intermediate-stage HCC trials have historically struggled to convert locoregional control into OS improvements, partly because salvage options after TACE failure are varied and can confound survival analyses. The interim OS trend is directionally consistent but not yet definitive. AstraZeneca has indicated the trial will continue to follow OS and other key secondary endpoints in both investigational arms. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website

In 2025, muzastotug showed 29% confirmed overall response rate (ORR) among 21 patients with MSS CRC in the 20 mg/kg dose cohorts Median overall survival (OS) for the 10 mg/kg cohorts was 19.4 months, with a median follow-up of 17.8 months 4% overall discontinuation rate, no dose limiting toxicities, and no Grade 4 or 5 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) across 67 patients in all dose cohorts supports improved tolerability pro muzastotug Randomized Phase 2 trial enrollment ahead of plan, with potential updates in 2026 and results expected in 1H 2027; registration trial expected to begin once optimal dose regimen has been established Cash and cash equivalents of $74.5 million as of December 31, 2025, plus proceeds raised from the ATM Offering in 2026 year-to-date, anticipated to provide cash runway into early 2028 SAN DIEGO, Calif. and SUZHOU, China, April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adagene Inc. (“Adagene”) (Nasdaq: ADAG), a platform-driven, clinical-stage biotechnology company transforming the discovery and development of novel anti-body-based therapies, today reported financial results for the full year 2025 and provided corporate updates. “Our clinical data for muzastotug plus pembrolizumab consistently demonstrate potent, dose-dependent efficacy,” said Peter Luo, Ph.D., Chairman and President of R&D at Adagene. “The 10 mg/kg data reported at ASCO have now matured into the classic long survival tail of CTLA-4 inhibition. By significantly mitigating severe toxicities, patients remain on therapy longer, allowing CTLA-4-mediated intratumoral Treg depletion, alongside PD-1-mediated reinvigoration and CTLA-4-mediated priming of effector T cells, to drive durable disease control. Importantly, these data provide a clear, de-risked read-through to the 20 mg/kg dose, which already shows an encouraging 29% ORR with median duration of response not yet reached. “Supported by Fast Track Designation and FDA alignment under Project Optimus, we are on track to finalize the optimal combination dose regimen for a potential MSS colorectal cancer registrational trial. The expanded therapeutic window also helps to establish muzastotug as a foundational combination backbone. At AACR, we will showcase this potential with data from triplet regimens—combining with fruquintinib in 3L+ MSS CRC, alongside results from the Morpheus Liver study evaluating a triplet of muzastotug, atezolizumab, and bevacizumab versus atezolizumab and bevacizumab alone in first-line HCC. These readouts underscore our ability to safely unlock deeper responses in hard-to-treat tumors.” 2026 OBJECTIVES & CASH RUNWAY INTO EARLY 2028 Data update from the ongoing Phase 1b/2 study of muzastotug in combination with Merck’s (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada) anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) in 3L+ MSS CRC, including 41 patients in the 10 mg/kg cohorts and 26 patients in the 20 mg/kg cohorts Complete enrollment of the ongoing randomized Phase 2 dose-optimization study with muzastotug, which is being conducted in alignment with FDA Project Optimus, and designed to allow dose regimen selection for Phase 3. Provide preliminary clinical data, including pathological responses, to inform future development from investigator-initiated Phase 2 trial for neoadjuvant muzastotug + pembrolizumab in colorectal cancer. Provide initial clinical data from a new cohort of patients in the ongoing Phase 1b/2 study of muzastotug + pembrolizumab in combination with standard of care (fruquintinib) in MSS CRC patients. Share results of the clinical trial collaboration with Roche, which evaluates muzastotug in triplet combination with atezolizumab and bevacizumab in first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; liver cancer). Establish additional collaboration/licensing agreements. With cash and cash equivalents of $74.5 million as of December 31, 2025, plus proceeds raised from the ATM Offering in 2026 year-to-date, Company expects a cash runway extending into early 2028. PIPELINE HIGHLIGHTS ADG126- Phase 1b/2 data: As presented at ASCO 2025, muzastotug showed 29% (6/21) confirmed overall response rate (ORR) in the combined 20 mg/kg dose cohorts. Among 41 patients in the combined 10mg/kg dose cohorts, median overall survival (mOS) was 19.4 months with a 17.8-month median follow-up, which compares favorably to 11-12 month mOS from fruquintinib Phase 3 trials in the same population 1 Across 67 patients in all cohorts, a low 4% overall discontinuation rate, no dose limiting toxicities, and no Grade 4 or 5 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs); Grade 3 TRAEs were 15% in the 10 mg/kg cohorts and 27% in the 20 mg/kg cohorts, which were generally transient and manageable. Updated data demonstrate the durability of response and further support the optimized therapeutic index pro muzastotug, which overcomes well-known dose-limiting toxicities of other CTLA-4 inhibitors at 10-20-fold higher doses 2 , to provide potentially improved efficacy. Randomized Phase 2 trial enrollment ongoing, with results expected in 1H 2027; registration trial expected to begin once optimal dose regimen has been established AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH 2026 PRESENTATIONS The following abstracts have been selected for presentation at AACR 2026: 1) Title: Ph1b evaluation of ADG126 (muzastotug, an anti-CTLA-4 masking antibody) pembrolizumab (Pembro) IO doublet in combination with fruquintinib (Fruq) in advanced and metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal cancer This poster will provide initial clinical data from a new cohort of patients in the ongoing Phase 1b/2 study of muzastotug + pembrolizumab in combination with standard of care (fruquintinib) in MSS CRC patients. 2) Title: Results from the phase 1b/2 Morpheus Liver study in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Muzastotug (ADG126: masked anti-CTLA-4 Ab) combination arm This poster will share results of the clinical trial collaboration with Roche, which evaluates muzastotug in triplet combination with atezolizumab and bevacizumab in first-line treatment of liver cancer. 3) Title: Preclinical characterization of XB404, a masked anti-ROR1/2 antibody-drug conjugate Partner Exelixis will present preclinical data from antibody-drug conjugate, XB404, built with Adagene’s SAFEbody masking technology and designed to deliver a cytotoxic payload to ROR1/2-expressing tumors while minimizing on-target, off-tumor side effects. ONGOING COLLABORATIONS Sanofi: Invested up to $25 million to support muzastotug’s randomized Phase 2 study. Separately, Adagene will supply Sanofi with muzastotug to evaluate the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and biomarker data in combination with Sanofi’s SAR445877 (PD-1 x IL-15 fusion protein) in over 100 patients in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in advanced solid tumors. Sanofi also exercised its option for a third SAFEbody® discovery program. Third Arc Bio: Partnered to develop two masked CD3 T cell engagers, expanding SAFEbody® into next-generation T cell therapies. Exelixis: Advanced a third masked ADC against a solid tumor target, building on the 2021 collaboration. ConjugateBio: Collaborated on bispecific ADCs using Adagene-derived antibody, further demonstrating scalable platform potential. Roche: Roche is sponsoring and conducting a phase 1b/2 multi-national trial to evaluate ADG126 in a triple combination with atezolizumab and bevacizumab in first-line hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents were US$74.5 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to US$85.2 million as of December 31, 2024. Total borrowings from commercial banks in China (denominated in RMB) decreased to US$6.1 million as of December 31, 2025 from US$18.2 million as of December 31, 2024. The associated loan proceeds were primarily used to pay for the company’s R&D activities in China. Net Revenue: Net revenue was US$7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to US$0.1 million in 2024. The increase of approximately 7,333% reflects net revenue recognized upon fulfillment of certain performance obligations associated with the collaboration and technology licensing agreements with Sanofi, ConjugateBio and Third Arc Bio, respectively. Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses were US$22.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to US$28.8 million in 2024. The decrease of approximately 23% in R&D expenses reflects clinical focus on and prioritization of the company’s masked, anti-CTLA-4 SAFEbody ADG126. Administrative Expenses: Administrative expenses were US$7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to US$7.3 million in 2024. The decrease was mainly a result of cost-control measures. Net Loss: Net loss attributable to Adagene Inc.’s shareholders was US$17.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to US$33.4 million in 2024. Ordinary Shares Outstanding: As of December 31, 2025, there were 59,231,993 ordinary shares issued and outstanding. Each American depository share, or ADS, represents one and one quarter (1.25) ordinary shares of the company. Non-GAAP Net Loss: Non-GAAP net loss, which is defined as net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders for the period after excluding share-based compensation expenses, was US$13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to US$28.5 million in 2024. Please refer to the section in this press release titled “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” for details. Non-GAAP Financial Measures: The company uses non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per ordinary shares for the year, which are non-GAAP financial measures, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The company believes that non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per ordinary shares for the year help identify underlying trends in the company’s business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that the company includes in its loss for the year. The company believes that non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per ordinary shares for the year provide useful information about its results of operations, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in its financial and operational decision-making. Non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per ordinary shares for the year should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to operating profit, loss for the year or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per ordinary shares for the year and the reconciliation to their most directly comparable GAAP measures. Non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per ordinary shares for the year here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to the company’s data. The company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. Non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per ordinary shares for the year represent net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders for the year excluding share-based compensation expenses. Share-based compensation expense is a non-cash expense arising from the grant of stock-based awards to employees. The company believes that the exclusion of share-based compensation expenses from the net loss in the Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results assists management and investors in making meaningful period-to-period comparisons in the company's operating performance or peer group comparisons because (i) the amount of share-based compensation expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the company’s underlying performance, (ii) such expenses can vary significantly between periods as a result of the timing of grants of new stock-based awards, and (iii) other companies may use different forms of employee compensation or different valuation methodologies for their share-based compensation. Please see the “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” included in this press release for a full reconciliation of non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per ordinary shares for the year to net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders for the year/period. 1 Qin S, Xu RH, Shen L, Et Al. Subgroup Analysis By Liver Metastasis In The FRESCO Trial Comparing Fruquintinib Versus Placebo Plus Best Supportive Care In Chinese Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Onco Targets Ther. 2021;14:4439-; Garcia-Carbonero R, Dasari NA, Eng C, et al. 520P Efficacy and safety of fruquintinib in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer with and without liver metastasis: A subgroup analysis of the phase III FRESCO-2 trial. Ann Onc 2024;35:S439 2 (i) CheckMate 511 (Phase IIIb/IV): This study compared nivolumab 3 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 1 mg/kg Q3W × 4 versus the standard nivolumab 1 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg Q3W × 4 in patients with advanced melanoma. The trial demonstrated similar efficacy with a significantly lower incidence of Grade 3–5 treatment-related adverse events (34% vs. 48%); and (ii) Lebbé C, et al. (2019). Evaluation of two dosing regimens for nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab in patients with advanced melanoma: Results from the Phase IIIb/IV CheckMate 511 trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37(11):867–875. About Adagene Adagene Inc. (Nasdaq: ADAG) is a platform-driven, clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to transforming the discovery and development of novel antibody-based cancer immunotherapies. Adagene combines computational biology and artificial intelligence to design novel antibodies that address globally unmet patient needs. The company has forged strategic collaborations with reputable global partners that leverage its SAFEbody precision masking technology in multiple approaches at the vanguard of science. Powered by its proprietary Dynamic Precision Library (DPL) platform, composed of NEObody™, SAFEbody, and POWERbody™ technologies, Adagene’s highly differentiated pipeline features novel immunotherapy programs. The company’s SAFEbody technology is designed to address safety and tolerability challenges associated with many antibody therapeutics by using precision masking technology to shield the binding domain of the biologic therapy. Through activation in the tumor microenvironment, this allows for tumor-specific targeting of antibodies, while minimizing on-target off-tumor toxicity in healthy tissues. Adagene’s lead clinical program, muzastotug (ADG126), is a masked, anti-CTLA-4 SAFEbody with FDA Fast Track designation that targets a unique epitope of CTLA-4 in regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment. Muzastotug is currently in Phase 1b/2 and Phase 2 clinical studies in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy, particularly focused on microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Validated by ongoing clinical research, the SAFEbody platform can be applied to a wide variety of antibody-based therapeutic modalities, including Fc empowered antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and bi/multi-specific T-cell engagers. For more information, please visit: Follow Adagene on WeChat, LinkedIn and X. SAFEbody® is a registered trademark in the United States, China, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the European Union. KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding certain clinical results of ADG126, the potential implications of clinical data for patients, and Adagene’s advancement of, and anticipated preclinical activities, clinical development, regulatory milestones, and commercialization of its product candidates. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to Adagene’s ability to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further development or regulatory approval; the content and timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities regarding regulatory approval of Adagene’s drug candidates; Adagene’s ability to achieve commercial success for its drug candidates, if approved; Adagene’s ability to obtain and maintain protection of intellectual property for its technology and drugs; Adagene’s reliance on third parties to conduct drug development, manufacturing and other services; Adagene’s limited operating history and Adagene’s ability to obtain additional funding for operations and to complete the development and commercialization of its drug candidates; Adagene’s ability to enter into additional collaboration agreements beyond its existing strategic partnerships or collaborations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Adagene’s clinical development, commercial and other operations, as well as those risks more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors” section in Adagene’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Adagene, and Adagene undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Investor Contacts: Raymond Tam Raymond_tam@adagene.com Corey Davis LifeSci Advisors cdavis@lifesciadvisors.com Media: Lindsay Rocco Elixir Health Public Relations 1-862-596-1304 lrocco@elixirhealthpr.com Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2024 December 31, 2025 US$ US$ ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 85,194,502 74,523,782 Amounts due from related parties 8,309 17,349 Prepayments and other current assets 2,575,194 2,834,034 Total current assets 87,778,005 77,375,165 Property, equipment and software, net 1,125,389 717,374 Operating lease right-of-use assets 283,645 145,535 Other non-current assets 81,386 25,223 TOTAL ASSETS 89,268,425 78,263,297 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable 4,241,773 2,884,507 Contract liabilities — 3,462,683 Amounts due to related parties 13,187,966 10,347,200 Accruals and other current liabilities 2,816,038 2,790,794 Income tax payable 5,265 410,198 Warrant liabilities — 205,146 Short-term borrowings 4,868,956 4,268,154 Current portion of long-term borrowings 12,923,599 711,359 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 141,341 92,055 Total current liabilities 38,184,938 25,172,096 Long-term borrowings 417,339 1,138,174 Operating lease liabilities 142,304 53,480 TOTAL LIABILITIES 38,744,581 26,363,750 Commitments and contingencies Mezzanine equity: Series A non-voting contingently redeemable convertible preferred shares (par value of US$0.0001 per share; nil authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024; and 1,062,500 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2025) — 16,550,000 Total mezzanine equity — 16,550,000 Shareholders’ equity: Ordinary shares (par value of US$0.0001 per share; 640,000,000 shares authorized, and 58,886,944 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024; and 640,000,000 shares authorized, and 59,231,993 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2025) 5,889 5,923 Additional paid-in capital 362,220,445 366,043,455 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (526,903 ) (1,914,831 ) Accumulated deficit (311,175,587 ) (328,785,000 ) Total shareholders’ equity 50,523,844 35,349,547 TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 89,268,425 78,263,297 Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 For the Year Ended December 31, 2025 US$ US$ Revenues Licensing and collaboration revenue 103,204 7,670,902 Operating expenses and income Research and development expenses (28,781,412 ) (22,033,573 ) Including external related parties (1,943,523 ) (1,580,387 ) Administrative expenses (7,273,335 ) (7,075,624 ) Loss from operations (35,951,543 ) (21,438,295 ) Interest and investment income 3,801,345 2,303,990 Interest expense (851,874 ) (463,132 ) Other income, net 466,620 323,988 Foreign exchange gain (loss), net (906,212 ) 1,318,235 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities — 47,941 Loss before income tax (33,441,664 ) (17,907,273 ) Income tax benefit 17,553 297,860 Net loss attributable to Adagene Inc.’s shareholders (33,424,111 ) (17,609,413 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of nil tax 1,273,185 (1,387,928 ) Total comprehensive loss attributable to Adagene Inc.’s shareholders (32,150,926 ) (18,997,341 ) Net loss attributable to Adagene Inc.’s shareholders (33,424,111 ) (17,609,413 ) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (33,424,111 ) (17,609,413 ) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in per share calculation: —Basic 56,287,903 59,006,129 —Diluted 56,287,903 59,006,129 Net loss per ordinary share —Basic (0.59 ) (0.30 ) —Diluted (0.59 ) (0.30 ) Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 For the Year Ended December 31, 2025 US$ US$ GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (33,424,111 ) (17,609,413 ) Add back: Share-based compensation expenses 4,909,573 3,741,548 Non-GAAP net loss (28,514,538 ) (13,867,865 ) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in per share calculation: —Basic 56,287,903 59,006,129 —Diluted 56,287,903 59,006,129 Non-GAAP net loss per ordinary share —Basic (0.51 ) (0.24 ) —Diluted (0.51 ) (0.24 )