AgenT-797

Merck partner reveals first human data for PD-1xVEGF bispecific: Sino Biopharm revealed that six of 11 lung cancer patients responded to a low dose of the drug, known as MK-2010, while four of nine patients responded to a higher dose. It’s the first data in humans revealed for MK-2010, which was developed by LaNova Medicines (Sino acquired LaNova in July 2025). The data remain early, but “in line with peers” in lung cancer, Leerink analyst Daina Graybosch wrote in a Sunday note to investors. — Max Gelman Biogen gets China rights to CD38 antibody: The company will pay TJ Biopharma $100 million upfront and up to $750 million in biobucks for the rights to felzartamab in Greater China. Biogen has billed the CD38-targeting antibody as a “pipeline in a product.” It’s currently in multiple Phase 3 trials for immune-mediated diseases such as IgA nephropathy and primary membranous nephropathy. Biogen will now have exclusive worldwide rights, after getting the ex-China rights from the acquisition of HI-Bio in 2024. — Nicole DeFeudis Hansoh shares early lung cancer data for B7-H3-directed ADC: The biotech’s risvutatug rezetecan combined with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals’ anti-PD-L1 drug adebrelimab achieved a 47.1% ORR in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Results from the open-label Phase 1 trial in China were presented Monday at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in San Diego. The risvutatug rezetecan regimen also attained a median PFS of 14 months. GSK acquired ex-China rights to the drug from Hansoh in a 2023 deal, which featured $185 million upfront . — Ayisha Sharma Monopar trumpets Phase 3 rare disease data: The biotech said its drug ALXN1840, designed to treat the rare genetic disorder Wilson’s disease, led to “higher rates of improvement and lower rates of worsening” when compared to standard of care. Monopar expects to file an FDA submission in mid-2026. ALXN1840 was originally developed by Alexion, and AstraZeneca culled the program in 2023 while taking a $244 million writedown. — Max Gelman Genmab terminates cancer drug from ProfoundBio: The company terminated a Phase 1/2 study for GEN1286, according to the federal clinical trials database, because of an “unfavorable benefit-risk profile.” Genmab had halted enrollment in the study earlier this year. Genmab acquired ProfoundBio for $1.8 billion in 2024. — Max Gelman Replimune further reduces headcount after FDA rejection: The Woburn, MA-based drugmaker expects to lay off 63 staffers through Friday, according to the state’s WARN tracker . That brings the company’s total number of staff cuts in April to more than 200. Earlier this month, Replimune received a CRL from the FDA for its skin cancer drug. — Ayisha Sharma Agenus touts positive data in gastroesophageal cancer: The Lexington, MA-based biotech company said 77% of patients who received its experimental antibodies botensilimab and balstilimab in combination with MiNK Therapeutics’ allo-iNKT cell therapy agenT-797 achieved disease control in a Phase 2 trial. Patients also received ramucirumab and paclitaxel. Those who were treated with an induction cycle before the full combination had longer progression-free survival, Agenus said, “supporting the potential importance of immune priming and treatment sequencing.” Agenus is developing botensilimab and balstilimab to work together against cancer, and the combination is currently in a Phase 3 trial in colorectal cancer. — Nicole DeFeudis Lumira Ventures’ fifth fund: The Canadian and US VC firm is targeting $200 million, or 275 million Canadian dollars, for its fifth fund. The firm invests in medical technology and biotech startups in North America. — Kyle LaHucik Mabwell eyes Hong Kong IPO next week: The Shanghai-based biotech expects to trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange later this month and is penciling in $1.18 billion Hong Kong dollars (about $150 million) in net proceeds from the float. Mabwell is familiar with US drug developers by way of partnerships with Aditum Bio and Alphabet’s Calico . The biotech has been listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange since 2022. Its portfolio includes four commercialized products and 10 drug candidates, including ADCs, monoclonal antibodies and other modalities. — Kyle LaHucik Endpoints is fielding the next Biopharma Sentiment Index (BPSI) — a concise, three-minute survey that distills thousands of industry views into a clear quarterly benchmark. This year is pivotal for biopharma, and we need your perspective on where things are going. Take the survey here.