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Nemluvio Shows Sustained Long-Term Efficacy in Atopic Dermatitis with Two-Year Extension Data

  • New two-year data from the ARCADIA long-term extension study demonstrate that Nemluvio (nemolizumab) maintains sustained and increased improvements in itch, skin lesions, sleep, and quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.
  • At week 104, more than 85% of evaluable patients achieved a 75% reduction in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), with approximately 85% achieving at least four-point improvement in itch scores.
  • The study reinforces Nemluvio's rapid onset of action at week 4 and demonstrates a consistent safety profile with no new safety signals identified during prolonged treatment up to two years.

Upstream Bio Presents Data Showing Verekitug's Superior Potency Through TSLP Receptor Targeting at EAACI Congress

  • Upstream Bio presented pharmacology modeling data at the EAACI Congress demonstrating verekitug's greater potency compared to tezepelumab through TSLP receptor targeting rather than ligand targeting.
  • The modeling data showed complete and sustained inhibition of the TSLP/TSLPR complex with verekitug across various doses, potentially leading to greater reduction in lung inflammation biomarkers.
  • Verekitug is the only monoclonal antibody currently in clinical development targeting the TSLP receptor and is being evaluated in Phase 2 trials for severe asthma, CRSwNP, and COPD.
  • The company expects top-line Phase 2 data in CRSwNP in Q3 2025 and severe asthma data in the first half of 2026.

Scinai Immunotherapeutics Surges 104% Following Italian Regulatory Clearance for Pincell Acquisition

  • Scinai Immunotherapeutics shares soared 104% to $5.15 after receiving Italian government clearance under Golden Power regulation to potentially acquire 100% of Italian biotech Pincell S.r.l.
  • The acquisition would add PC111, a monoclonal antibody targeting the Fas/FasL pathway for severe skin conditions including Pemphigus, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, which has received Orphan Drug Designation from the European Medicines Agency.
  • While the regulatory approval removes a major hurdle, the deal remains contingent on additional conditions including a €12 million grant decision expected by mid-July to early August 2025.
  • The move represents a significant expansion opportunity for Scinai, which operates dual business units in inflammation/immunology drug development and contract manufacturing services.

Biocytogen Secures Japan Patent for RenMab Platform, Strengthening Global IP Portfolio for Fully Human Antibody Discovery

  • Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals has received a Japan Patent Office invention patent for its RenMab fully human antibody mouse platform technology, marking a significant milestone in global intellectual property expansion.
  • The RenMab platform uses proprietary SUPCE technology to replace murine immunoglobulin genes with human counterparts, enabling generation of fully human antibodies without additional humanization steps.
  • The company has established licensing agreements with over 20 companies including Merck KGaA, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, and BeiGene, generating over 1,000,000 fully human antibody sequences against more than 1,000 therapeutic targets.
  • Biocytogen's RenMice platform has secured patent grants in nearly 10 countries with nearly 40 patent applications under examination across 15 countries and regions.

Mediar Therapeutics Initiates Phase 2 Trial of First-in-Class Anti-WISP1 Antibody for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

  • Mediar Therapeutics has dosed the first patient in its Phase 2 WISPer trial evaluating MTX-463, a first-in-class anti-WISP1 antibody for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment.
  • The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will measure changes in forced vital capacity at 24 weeks as its primary endpoint in IPF patients.
  • MTX-463 targets the myofibroblast, the key pathogenic cell driving fibrosis progression, representing a novel therapeutic approach for this devastating disease.
  • The company has entered a global licensing agreement with Eli Lilly to advance MTX-463 through the Phase 2 trial, while independently developing two additional fibrosis programs.

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals Advances KPL-387 Phase 2/3 Trial for Recurrent Pericarditis

  • Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals announced the trial design for its Phase 2/3 clinical study of KPL-387, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-1R1, in recurrent pericarditis patients.
  • The trial will enroll up to 165 participants across dose-focusing and pivotal portions, with initiation planned for mid-2025 and Phase 2 data expected in the second half of 2026.
  • KPL-387 offers a potential monthly subcutaneous dosing profile, which could expand treatment options for recurrent pericarditis patients currently facing limited therapeutic alternatives.

Rakuten Medical Secures AMED Funding for Novel PD-L1 Photoimmunotherapy RM-0256

  • Rakuten Medical's RM-0256, an anti-PD-L1 antibody conjugated with light-activatable dye IR700, has been selected for funding by Japan's AMED under its orphan drug support program.
  • The novel photoimmunotherapy demonstrates a triple mechanism of action in preclinical studies, targeting PD-L1-expressing tumor cells while activating anti-tumor immunity and providing checkpoint blockade.
  • The therapy addresses an urgent medical need for patients with unresectable, advanced, or recurrent malignant epithelial tumors who develop resistance to current treatments.
  • With approximately 22,000 individuals affected by malignant epithelial tumors annually in Japan, RM-0256 represents a potential breakthrough for multiple solid tumor types including melanoma, breast, and urologic cancers.

Zigakibart Shows Sustained 60% Proteinuria Reduction in 100-Week IgA Nephropathy Study

  • Zigakibart, an investigational anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody, demonstrated sustained efficacy with 60% proteinuria reduction from baseline at 100 weeks in IgA nephropathy patients.
  • Over half of patients (55%) achieved proteinuria below 500 mg/24h, with 31% reaching deeper remission below 300 mg/24h, while kidney function remained stable across all patient subgroups.
  • The treatment showed a reassuring safety profile with mostly mild to moderate adverse events and no treatment-related serious infections or discontinuations throughout the study period.
  • These represent the longest duration of kidney function stabilization reported for an anti-APRIL agent in IgA nephropathy, supporting zigakibart's potential as a disease-modifying therapy.

Biocytogen and Nanjing Chia Tai Tianqing Receive IND Approval for Second-Generation Anti-IGF-1R Antibody NTB003 in Thyroid Eye Disease

  • Biocytogen and Nanjing Chia Tai Tianqing received IND approval from China's NMPA for NTB003, a second-generation fully human anti-IGF-1R monoclonal antibody targeting Thyroid Eye Disease.
  • NTB003 demonstrates enhanced molecular affinity, improved druggability, and extended half-life compared to first-generation anti-IGF-1R therapeutics, with potent signal-blocking activity in vitro studies.
  • Clinical studies of anti-IGF-1R biologics have shown rapid therapeutic response and favorable outcomes in reducing proptosis and diplopia while improving quality of life in TED patients.
  • Nanjing Chia Tai Tianqing will lead clinical development and commercialization in China, while Biocytogen handles global out-licensing outside China.

Chinese Drug Combination Outperforms Keytruda in Advanced Lung Cancer Trial

  • A Chinese-developed drug combination of Benmelstobart and Anlotinib demonstrated superior efficacy over pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in treating PD-L1-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.
  • The combination therapy increased median progression-free survival by 3.9 months to 11 months total, with a 30% reduction in disease progression and death risk compared to the current standard treatment.
  • Results from the Phase III CAMPASS study involving over 500 patients were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting as a Late-Breaking Abstract.
  • The achievement marks a potential shift from Chinese pharmaceutical companies being followers to leaders in international cancer treatment development.

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