Akeso

David Epstein, after selling Seagen to Pfizer, joined Francesco de Rubertis' startup Ottimo Pharma, developing a cancer drug targeting PD-1 and VEGF pathways. Ottimo raised $140 million, aiming to outperform Keytruda and other immunotherapies, with a unique bifunctional antibody design.

Viking Therapeutics and Summit Therapeutics stocks doubled in 2024. Analysts predict Viking could gain 166% to $125, and Summit 68% to $30 in 2025. Viking's VK2735, a weight loss drug, shows promising trial results. Summit's ivonescimab, a cancer therapy, outperforms Keytruda in trials.

Akeso's cadonilimab and ivonescimab included in China's NRDL, effective Jan 1, 2025, for treating cervical cancer and EGFR-mutated nsq-NSCLC, respectively.

Merck's $588 million deal for LaNova Medicines' LM-299, a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, aims to replace Keytruda's revenue post-2028 patent expiration. LM-299, in early clinical development, could bring LaNova up to $2.7 billion in milestone payments. Bispecific antibodies targeting PD-1 and VEGF are gaining traction, with BioNTech's $800 million acquisition of Biotheus and its PD-L1/VEGF bispecific antibody highlighting the trend.

Merck & Co. acquires LaNova Medicines' LM-299 cancer therapy for $588 million, aiming to bolster its cancer immunotherapy portfolio against emerging PD-1 and VEGF bispecific therapies, which pose a threat to its Keytruda drug. The deal reflects Merck's strategic interest in advancing dual-target cancer treatments, as Keytruda faces potential patent expiration and limited durable response rates.

Akeso Biopharma announces first patient enrollment in Phase III AK112-309 trial for biliary tract tumor, comparing ivonescimab with durvalumab. The study aims to improve overall survival in advanced biliary tract cancers, following positive Phase II results showing significant antitumor activity and safety.

Akeso Biopharma announces first patient enrollment in Phase 3 trial of ivonescimab combination for first-line therapy in biliary tract tumors, comparing it to durvalumab.