Astellas Pharma, Inc.

With increasing biomarker-driven cancer treatments, TEPMETKO benefits from growing adoption in precision oncology. Competition from other MET inhibitors like TABRECTA (capmatinib) exists, but TEPMETKO's once-daily dosing and efficacy profile offer differentiation. LAS VEGAS, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's " TEPMETKO Market Size, Forecast, and Market Insight Report" highlights the details around TEPMETKO, a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping alterations. The report provides product descriptions, patent details, and competitor products (marketed and emerging therapies) of TEPMETKO. The report also highlights the historical and forecasted sales from 2020 to 2034 segmented into 7MM [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. EMD Serono's TEPMETKO (tepotinib) Overview TEPMETKO is a kinase inhibitor prescribed for adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying MET exon 14 skipping alterations. The active component is Tepotinib (as hydrochloride monohydrate), administered orally. Patients should be cautioned about the heightened risk of severe or fatal interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, liver toxicity, and potential embryo-fetal toxicity, necessitating effective contraception during and shortly after treatment. Tepotinib specifically targets MET, including variants with exon 14 skipping mutations. It blocks HGF-dependent and independent MET phosphorylation, disrupting MET-driven signaling pathways. Additionally, at clinically relevant concentrations, Tepotinib inhibits melatonin 2 and imidazoline 1 receptors. In vitro studies show that it suppresses tumor cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and migration of MET-dependent cancer cells. In mouse models with MET-driven tumors, including those with MET exon 14 skipping alterations, Tepotinib reduced tumor growth, sustained MET phosphorylation inhibition, and, in one case, decreased metastasis formation. The recommended dose of TEPMETKO is 450 mg taken orally once daily until disease progression or intolerable toxicity occurs. Patients should take it at the same time each day, swallowing tablets whole without chewing, crushing, or splitting them. If a dose is missed and less than eight hours remain until the next scheduled dose, patients should skip it. In cases of vomiting after taking TEPMETKO, the next dose should be taken at the usual time. Learn more about TEPMETKO projected market size for NSCLC @ TEPMETKO Market Potential Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 81% of all diagnosed cases. Early detection greatly improves outcomes, but diagnosing NSCLC and other lung cancers is challenging because their symptoms are often mistaken for common illnesses or the long-term effects of smoking. Consequently, 80% of NSCLC cases are already at advanced stages by the time they are identified, making treatment more difficult. Around 80% of EGFR mutations in NSCLC involve either exon 19 deletions or the exon 21 L858R substitution, both of which are classified as sensitizing mutations. Until the last decade, chemotherapy was the primary treatment for advanced and metastatic lung cancer. However, this changed in 2015 with the approval of the first immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), as a second-line therapy for advanced cases. This was followed by TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) in 2016. Both therapies were later approved for first-line treatment, broadening their use to a larger patient population. In 2020, the combination of OPDIVO (nivolumab) and ipilimumab also received approval as a first-line treatment for metastatic NSCLC. According to DelveInsight, the NSCLC market size across the 7MM is projected to grow from USD 30 billion in 2024, with a substantial CAGR through 2034. This growth is largely driven by the introduction of emerging therapies during the forecast period (2025–2034). Discover more about the NSCLC market in detail @ Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Market Report Emerging Competitors of TEPMETKO The NSCLC pipeline is very robust with the promising therapies such as Telisotuzumab vedotin (AbbVie), Patritumab deruxtecan (Daiichi Sankyo/AstraZeneca), Datopotamab deruxtecan (Daiichi Sankyo/AstraZeneca), Eftilagimod alpha (Immutep), BNT311/GEN1046 (acasunlimab) (Genmab), V940 (mRNA-4157) + Pembrolizumab (Moderna Therapeutics/Merck), Plinabulin + Docetaxel (BeyondSpring), Olomorasib (LY3537982) (Eli Lilly and Company), Zipalertinib (Cullinan Oncology/Taiho Pharma), Ceralasertib (AZD6738) (AstraZeneca), TEDOPI (EP-2101; IDM 2101; OSE-2101) (OSE Immuno-therapeutics), Sigvotatug vedotin (PF08046047) (Pfizer), ANKTIVA (N-803) (ImmunityBio), Aumolertinib/Almonertinib/HS-10206 (Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical), Niraparib (GSK), Savolitinib (AstraZeneca/Hutchison MediPharma), TRODELVY (Gilead Sciences), Pyrotinib (Jiangsu HengRui Medicine), Ociperlimab (BGB-A1217) (BieGene), Volrustomig (AstraZeneca), Gotistobart (BNT316/ONC-392) (OncoC4/BioNTech), Ivonescimab (AK112/SMT112) (Akeso Biopharma/Summit Therapeutics), ZYNYZ (retifanlimab/INCMGA00012) (Incyte/Macrogenics), Divarasib (GDC-6036) (Roche/Genentech), Tiragolumab (RG6058) (Roche), Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Merck and Kelun-Biotech), JEMPERLI (dostarlimab/TSR-042) (GSK and AnaptysBio), Zongertinib (BI-1810631) (Boehringer Ingelheim), BAY 2927088 (Bayer), Serplulimab (HLX10) (Shanghai Henlius Biotech), Rilvegostomig (AZD2936) (AstraZeneca), MK-1084 (Merck, Taiho Pharmaceutical, and Astex), Domvanalimab (Arcus Biosciences and Gilead Sciences), OPDUALAG (nivolumab and relatlimab) (Bristol-Myers Squibb), Belrestotug + JEMPERLI (iTeos Therapeutics and GSK), Firmonertinib (ArriVent BioPharma), Sunvozertinib (DZD9008) (Dizal Pharmaceutical), Cobolimab (GSK), Livmoniplimab (AbbVie), Fianlimab (REGN3767) (Regeneron Pharmaceuticals), BNT327/PM8002 (Biotheus/BioNTech), HS-20117 (Hansoh BioMedical), IO102-IO103 + Pembrolizumab (IO Biotech), Naptumomab estafenatox (NeoTX Therapeutics/Active Biotech), FF-10832 (FUJIFILM Corporation), BNT116 (BioNTechSE/Regeneron Pharmaceuticals), CAN-2409 (Candel Therapeutics), Mecbotamab Vedotin (BA3011/CAB-AXL-ADC) (BioAtla), Bemcentinib (BGB 324/BGB-3234/R-428) (BerGenBio/Rigel Pharmaceuticals), DOVBLERON (taletrectinib/AB-106/IBI-344) (Nuvation Bio/Innovent Biologics/Daiichi Sankyo/Nippon Kayaku), Lifileucel (Iovance Biotherapeutics), IBI363 (Innovent Biologics), Sotevtamab (AB-16B5) (Alethia Biotherapeutics), Avutometinib (VS6766) (Verastem Oncology), Vebreltinib (APL-101) (Apollomics), LP-300 (Lantern Pharma), JNJ-90301900 (Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine), AMG 193 (Amgen), Luveltamab tazevibulin (Sutro Biopharma), PRT3789 (Prelude Therapeutics), Disitamab vedotin (Seagen), PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin) (Astellas Pharma), RP1 (Replimune), TIVDAK (tisotumab vedotin) (Seagen), Zanidatamab (Jazz Pharmaceuticals), Utidelone injectable (UTD1) (Beijing Biostar Pharmaceuticals), REGN5093-M114 (Regeneron Pharmaceuticals), SLC-391 (SignalChem Lifesciences), fulzerasib (GenFleet), Davutamig (REGN5093) (Regeneron Pharmaceuticals), TAS3351 (Taiho Oncology), H002 (RedCloud Bio), JIN-A02 (J INTS BIO), FWD1509 (Forward Pharma), Sabestomig (AZD7789) (AstraZeneca), Sasanlimab (Pfizer), Selvigaltin (GB1211) (Galecto Biotech), Vepafestinib Helsinn (Healthcare/Taiho Pharmaceutical), EP0031 (A400/ KL590586) (Ellipses Pharma/Kelun-Biotech), Pamvatamig (MCLA-129) (Merus), Zidesamtinib (NVL-520) (Nuvalent), NVL-655 (Nuvalent), RMC-4630 (Revolution Medicines), REQORSA (quaratusugene ozeplasmid) (Genprex), PDC*lung01 (PDC*line Pharma), Evalstotug (BA3071) (BioAtla and BeiGene), PT-112 (Promontory Therapeutics), MRT-2359 (Monte Rosa Therapeutics), GAIA-102 (GAIA BioMedicine), Rigosertib (Traws Pharma), HMBD-001 (Hummingbird Bioscience), PLB1004 (Avistone Biotechnology), ANS03 (Avistone Biotechnology), MYTX-011 (Mythic Therapeutics), A166 (Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Bio-pharmaceutical), Atamparib (BN-2397) (Ribon Therapeutics), DELTACEL (KB-GDT-01) (Kiromic BioPharma), Carotuximab (ENV-105) (Kairos Pharma), YL202 (MediLink Therapeutics), and others. To know more about the number of competing drugs in development, visit @ TEPMETKO Market Positioning Compared to Other Drugs Key Milestones of TEPMETKO In February 2024, the FDA granted traditional approval to TEPMETKO for adult patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping alterations. In February 2022, the EC approved TEPMETKO as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with advanced NSCLC harboring alterations leading to METex14 skipping who require systemic therapy following prior treatment with immunotherapy and/or platinum-based chemotherapy. In February 2021, Merck announced that the US FDA has approved TEPMETKO following priority review for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping alterations. This indication was approved under accelerated approval based on ORR and DOR. In October 2020, TEPMETKO received ODD for treating NSCLC with MET genomic tumor aberrations In March 2020, EMD Serono (the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA), announced that the MHLW approved TEPMETKO for the treatment of patients with unresectable, advanced, or recurrent NSCLC with METex14 skipping alterations. In September 2019, the US FDA granted BTD for tepotinib in patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring METex14 skipping alterations who progressed following platinum-based cancer therapy Discover how TEPMETKO is shaping the NSCLC treatment landscape @ TEPMETKO NSCLC TEPMETKO Market Dynamics TEPMETKO competes in a growing but highly specialized market where MET-targeted therapies are gaining traction due to their efficacy in addressing MET-altered tumors. The market for MET inhibitors is expanding as precision oncology advances and molecular diagnostics become more widely available, enabling better identification of patients who would benefit from targeted treatments like TEPMETKO. A key factor shaping TEPMETKO's market dynamics is competition. It directly competes with Novartis' TABRECTA (capmatinib), another MET inhibitor approved for the same indication. While TEPMETKO offers the advantage of once-daily dosing compared to TABRECTA's twice-daily regimen, both drugs have similar efficacy profiles, making physician and patient preference an important differentiator. Additionally, broader competition from next-generation MET inhibitors and combination therapies in clinical trials could impact TEPMETKO's long-term market position. Regulatory approvals and market access play a crucial role in TEPMETKO's adoption. The drug has been approved in multiple regions, including the U.S., Europe, and Japan, but reimbursement and pricing strategies vary by market. Payer policies, along with the cost-benefit analysis of MET inhibitors compared to other targeted therapies, influence prescription trends. Furthermore, real-world evidence and post-marketing studies will be critical in demonstrating TEPMETKO's sustained effectiveness and safety, which could support expanded indications and increased market penetration. Looking ahead, the MET inhibitor market is expected to grow with advances in biomarker-driven therapy, further refining patient selection. TEPMETKO's success will depend on continued clinical development, potential label expansions, and strategic partnerships to strengthen its competitive edge. As new entrants emerge, Merck KGaA's ability to differentiate TEPMETKO through combination strategies or enhanced formulations may determine its long-term sustainability in this evolving landscape. Dive deeper to get more insight into TEPMETKO's strengths & weaknesses relative to competitors @ TEPMETKO Market Drug Report Table of Contents Related Reports Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Market Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key NSCLC companies including Daiichi Sankyo, AstraZeneca, Gilead Sciences, BieGene, AbbVie, Roche, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, BerGenBio, GlaxoSmithKline, Duality biologics, among others. Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Pipeline Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Pipeline Insight – 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key non-small cell lung cancer companies, including BridgeBio Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo, EMD Serono, Merck, BridgeBio Pharma, Abbvie, Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Company BioNTech SE, Shenzhen TargetRx, Taiho Pharmaceutical, Chong Kun Dang, Bristol Myers Squibb, Innovent Biologics, Xuanzhu Biopharmaceutical, Bayer, GeneScience Pharmaceuticals, InventisBio, Apollomics, Imugene, Ono Pharmaceutical, Pierre Fabre, Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Surface Oncology, Inhibrx, Sinocelltech, Mirati Therapeutics, REVOLUTION Medicines, Yong Shun Technology Development, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Galecto Biotech, among others. C-MET Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Market C-MET Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key C-MET mNSCLC companies, including Novartis, Merck, EMD Serono, AbbVie, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Mythic Therapeutics, Apollomics, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Haihe Biopharma, among others. C-MET Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Pipeline C-MET Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Pipeline Insight – 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key C-MET non-small cell lung cancer companies, including AbbVie, Janssen Research & Development, Beijing Pearl Biotechnology Limited Liability Company, Novartis, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve . Contact Us Shruti Thakur [email protected] +14699457679 Logo: SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

TOKYO, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund is today announcing a significant milestone: the first administration of arpraziquantel to preschool-aged children in Uganda, in an implementation science setting. This new pediatric treatment for schistosomiasis, developed by the GHIT-funded Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium, is being introduced through the Consortium's ADOPT program, which focuses on integrating arpraziquantel into existing healthcare platforms in countries where schistosomiasis is prevalent. This achievement marks GHIT's first supported innovation to reach people in need since its establishment in 2013. "This isn't just a scientific achievement," said Osamu Kunii, CEO of the GHIT Fund. "It's a testament to the transformative power of global collaboration. By bringing together a diverse array of partners, each steadfastly contributing their unique expertise and sustaining momentum throughout a decade-long marathon of innovation to shepherd this breakthrough (from bench to bedside), arpraziquantel's development journey has unlocked solutions that once seemed impossible." Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, affects 250 million people globally, including an estimated 50 million preschool-aged children, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Left untreated, this poverty-related parasitic disease can lead to anemia, stunted growth, and impaired learning ability, as well as chronic inflammation of the organs, which can be fatal. Until now, a child-friendly treatment specifically tailored for preschool-aged children was not available, leaving millions of preschoolers at risk. Early treatment of schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children is a crucial investment in public health and societal wellbeing. By intervening at this critical stage, we not only aim to shield young bodies from severe complications like organ damage and cognitive impairment but also alleviate the long-term burden on healthcare systems and hopefully better livelihoods. The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium developed arpraziquantel to address this gap. Japan's Astellas Pharma Inc., as a founding member of the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium, played a pivotal role by utilizing its proprietary technology to lead arpraziquantel's initial formulation development, resulting in water dispersible, climate-stable, child-friendly tablets with acceptable taste. The formulation was optimized by Merck in Germany; the manufacturing process served to produce clinical trial supply from Merck and Farmanguinhos in Brazil. Current manufacturing is done by Farmanguinhos; future large-scale production by Universal Corporation Ltd. in Kenya is planned in and for Africa. "Japanese innovation is a cornerstone of arpraziquantel's development," Dr. Kunii added, "embodying GHIT Fund's core mission: harnessing the power of international partnerships to revolutionize global health." GHIT Fund has supported arpraziquantel's development journey throughout the overall development program spanning over 10 years. GHIT has and continues to support the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium in developing their access plans, with a particular focus on exploring new and sustainable access mechanisms. GHIT is also co-funding, with EDCTP, implementation via the Consortium's ADOPT Program, which is assessing different implementation platforms in three countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Uganda and Kenya. In addition, GHIT is coordinating, together with the consortium, in-country readiness preparations for introduction of arpraziquantel in additional countries such as Senegal and Tanzania. "Understanding what needs to be in place at country level in terms of policy framework, regulatory framework, implementation models and domestic resource mobilization is critical to the successful uptake and roll out of arpraziquantel. We hope the lessons learnt from these countries will inform other countries," said Dr Isaac Chikwanha, Senior Director of Access at the GHIT Fund. Arpraziquantel received European Medicines Agency's positive scientific opinion in December 2023 and was included into the World Health Organization (WHO)'s List of Prequalified Medicines in May 2024. Inclusion in the WHO's Essential Medicines List is expected in 2025. 1. About schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide and a very important one in terms of public health burden and economic impact. It is a poverty-related disease that is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions where large sections of the population have no access to clean water. Flatworms transmit the disease and people become infected with the parasite through contact with freshwater, for example, while working, swimming, fishing, or washing their clothes. The minuscule larvae penetrate human skin, enter the blood vessels, and attack internal organs. The infection rate is particularly high among children. Schistosomiasis is a chronic condition and is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). 2. About arpraziquantel The current standard of care treatment for schistosomiasis is praziquantel. Praziquantel is already approved, and suitable for school-aged children and adults. Extending the range of options for the treatment of schistosomiasis, arpraziquantel is tailored for preschool-aged children against Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium. Tested in clinical development, under the responsibility of Merck, arpraziquantel is a 150mg dispersible tablet. The prototype of its pediatric formulation was developed by Astellas Pharma Inc. in Japan, and further optimized by Merck in Germany. In developing arpraziquantel, the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium established a pediatric drug development program, divided into four major steps: preclinical development, clinical development, registration, and access. All details can be found on the Consortium website. 3. About the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium is an international public-private partnership that aims to reduce the global disease burden of schistosomiasis and improve child health by addressing the medical needs of preschool-aged children. Its mission has been to develop, register, and provide access to a suitable pediatric drug for treating schistosomiasis in children 3 months to 6 years of age. For more information, and to see an overview of all Consortium partners, visit the Consortium website: The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world's vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases. For more information, contact: Katy Lenard at +1-301-280-5719 or [email protected] Eriko Mugitani at +81-36441-2032 or [email protected] SOURCE GHIT Fund WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

BridgeBio Oncology Therapeutics, a company working to advance the field of therapies addressing a validated but elusive group of cancer targets, has reached a deal to go public in a SPAC merger that brings more than $450 million to support clinical testing of three drug candidates. The merger agreement announced Friday is with Helix Acquisition Corp. II, a SPAC sponsored by affiliates of Cormorant Asset Management. When the deal closes, the combined company will take the BridgeBio Oncology Therapeutics name and is expected to trade on the Nasdaq under the stock symbol “BBOT.” BridgeBio Oncology spun out of BridgeBio Pharma last year, backed by $200 million in financing led by Cormorant. The biotech aims to improve on current approaches to RAS, a family of proteins that act like an on/off switch to regulate cell growth. Mutated versions of these signaling proteins drive cancer proliferation. Amgen’s Lumakras and Bristol Myers Squibb’s Krazati (from Mirati Therapeutics), which address a specific mutation called KRAS G12C, have FDA approvals in colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer. Both small molecule drugs work by targeting KRAS G12C when it is in the “off” state, locking the mutated protein in this inactive form. Health IT Reducing Clinical and Staff Burnout with AI Automation As technology advances, AI-powered tools will increasingly reduce the administrative burdens on healthcare providers. By Dr. Michael Blackman, Chief Medical Officer at Greenway Health BridgeBio Oncology aims to drug KRAS G12C in both the “on” and “off” states with a drug codenamed BBO-8520. A Phase 1 study is testing this drug in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Preliminary data for BBO-8520, as a monotherapy and in combination with Merck immunotherapy Keytruda, are expected in the second half of 2025. A second drug candidate, BBO-10203, blocks the interaction between RAS and PI3K alpha, a family of enzymes involved in cellular growth and proliferation. While PI3K alpha inhibitors have reached the market, BridgeBio Oncology aims to offer a better safety profile. A Phase 1 test is underway evaluating BBO-10203 in advanced cases of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. The third drug, BBO-11818, is a pan-KRAS inhibitor targeting mutant versions KRAS proteins in both the “on” and “off” states. BridgeBio Oncology says this molecule is designed to offer potency against KRAS G12D and KRAS G12V mutations; dosing of the first patient is expected in the first half of this year. In an investor presentation, Helix said the ability to target many types of KRAS G12mutation-driven cancers creates opportunities for drug combinations, treatment across the various stages of cancer, and revenue from multiple drugs. BridgeBio Oncology has a large market opportunity with about 250,000 patients diagnosed annually in the U.S. across the target indications of breast, lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, according to the presentation. “The company’s pipeline has the potential for paradigm-shifting impact on the treatment of some of the highest prevalence malignancies and we look forward to seeing patient impact further materialize as the clinical trials move forward,” Bihua Chen, founder and CEO of Cormorant and CEO of Helix, said in a prepared statement. presented by Artificial Intelligence What Keeps Healthcare CIOs Up at Night: Balancing Technology Investments with Consumer Expectations When it comes to managing inbound phone calls, underperformance has devastating cost implications. By Stephanie Baum BridgeBio Oncology faces competition from other companies trying to develop next-generation KRAS inhibitors. Revolution Medicines expects data readouts this year for the KRAS G12D inhibitor zodronrasib and the KRAS G12C inhibitor elironrasib. Both drugs are in early clinical development as monotherapies and as part of combination treatments for solid tumors. Frontier Medicines’ lead program, FMC-376, inhibits KRAS G12C in both its active and inactive states. A Phase 1/2 test is ongoing. As for Bristol Myers Squibb, the Mirati acquisition that brought Krazati included another drug candidate in early clinical development for KRAS G12D-mutated solid tumors. Meanwhile, Astellas Pharma’s approach to KRAS G12D degrades the target protein. BridgeBio Oncology brings to the Helix merger about $100 million in cash. That money will be combined with $196 million of Helix’s own funds. The newly public company will raise additional capital from a group of institutional investors, led by Cormorant, who have committed to purchase BridgeBio Oncology shares priced at $10.36 each to raise another $260 million. The cash is expected to provide enough runway to last into 2027, according to the investor presentation. The boards of directors of BridgeBio Oncology and Helix have approved the proposed merger, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year. The transaction still needs shareholder approvals. Illustration: Getty Images