Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Ajax Therapeutics, a private biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation JAK inhibitors for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) — a group of blood cancers that includes myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. Under the terms of the deal, Ajax shareholders could receive up to $2.3 billion in cash, comprising an upfront payment and additional milestone-based payments tied to clinical and regulatory progress.
The centerpiece of the acquisition is AJ1-11095, an investigational, once-daily oral drug that represents the first-in-class Type II JAK2 inhibitor currently in Phase 1 clinical development. That distinction matters. Every JAK2 inhibitor currently approved for MPNs — including market standards like ruxolitinib — targets the Type I conformation of JAK2. While these treatments offer symptomatic relief, a significant portion of patients eventually lose response or discontinue therapy altogether due to diminishing efficacy.
AJ1-11095 was specifically engineered to address that gap. By binding JAK2 in its inactive Type II conformation, the compound is designed to deliver deeper and more durable disease control — and potentially serve patients who have already failed on existing Type I therapies. Phase 1 dosing began in late 2024, with dose selection for future development expected later this year. First proof-of-concept clinical data is also expected to be presented in 2026.
For Lilly, this isn’t a cold acquisition. The pharma giant was a founding strategic investor in Ajax, meaning today’s deal is less a discovery and more a conviction play — Lilly has seen the science up close and is now moving to own it outright. The transaction builds on Lilly’s established blood cancer capabilities and continues what has been an aggressive dealmaking year for the Indianapolis-based company. Lilly has already announced the acquisitions of Ventyx Biosciences for $1.2 billion and Orna Therapeutics for up to $2.4 billion earlier in 2026.
Lilly’s activity isn’t an outlier — it’s a signal of where the broader market is heading. Biopharma M&A totaled $15.6 billion across 19 deals in Q1 2026 alone, a pace that reflects the structural pressure Big Pharma is operating under. An estimated $236 billion in annual revenue is at risk across the industry from patent expirations of blockbuster drugs, forcing companies to look externally for pipeline replenishment.
Emerging biopharma companies now represent 70% of all clinical-stage assets, with a significant portion remaining unpartnered — and with the IPO market yet to fully recover, many smaller biotech firms are pursuing M&A or partnerships as the most viable path forward. That dynamic creates a fertile hunting ground for acquirers with balance sheet firepower and strategic focus.
The Ajax deal is a textbook example of what is driving this wave: a differentiated mechanism, a validated scientific rationale, an unmet patient need, and a buyer that already understands the asset. For investors watching the small and micro-cap biotech space, the pattern is worth tracking. Companies developing first-in-class mechanisms in high-need therapeutic areas — particularly in oncology and hematology — are drawing premium attention from large-cap acquirers willing to pay up before Phase 3 data is in hand.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance.
Positioned to Enhance Efficacy of Checkpoint Inhibitors and Next-Generation Oncology Modalities Across Solid Tumors
ATLANTA, GA – April 27, 2026 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapies and vaccines against cancers and infectious diseases, today highlighted the strategic positioning of its oncology asset, Gedeptin® (Ad/PNP), in the context of accelerating industry investment in next-generation in vivo cancer therapies.
Recent high-profile transactions and investments across the biopharmaceutical sector underscore a growing focus on therapies designed to simplify delivery, improve scalability, and expanding therapeutic reach. As these approaches advance, a central challenge remains: many tumors are immunologically “cold,” limiting the effectiveness of even the most advanced therapeutic modalities. GeoVax believes Gedeptin is uniquely positioned to address this challenge.
“While the industry is investing heavily in next-generation cell and gene therapies, the ability to positively modify the local tumor environment is believed to be one of the critical determinants of clinical success,” said David A. Dodd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GeoVax. “Gedeptin is designed to directly destroy both proliferating and non-proliferating tumors, while also demonstrating high bystander activity due to the ability of the in situ generated cytotoxic agent ability to diffuse into neighboring tumor cells.”
Gedeptin is a gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT), delivered intratumorally, designed to generate PNP, selectively destroy both proliferating and non-proliferating tumor cells within the treated tumor. In vivo preclinical experiments have shown PNP treatment to be additive or synergistic with checkpoint blockade–type agents. For example, studies in preclinical in vivo tumor models of metastasis, have demonstrated treatment of a single lesion can robustly sensitize tumors to checkpoint blockade inhibitors, presumably by destroying tumor tissue (including the tumor microenvironment), exposing neoantigens, and enhancing immune response and activity of immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) at distant PNP-untreated lesions This dual mechanism – localized cytotoxicity combined with enhancing the immune response and activity of immune check point inhibitors against both Gedeptin treated and untreated tumors – has the potential to offer an improved therapeutic approach to addressing solid tumor metastatic disease.
GeoVax has generated preclinical, clinical and translational data supporting Gedeptin’s ability to:
Induce localized tumor cell death against both proliferating and non-proliferating tumors, while minimizing systemic toxicity
Potentially improve response rates when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Aligned with the Next Phase of Immuno-Oncology Innovation
As checkpoint inhibitors continue to move earlier in treatment paradigms, including neoadjuvant and first-line settings, the need for complementary approaches that enhance response rates is becoming increasingly evident.
GeoVax is advancing Gedeptin in combination with checkpoint inhibition in a planned Phase 2 clinical trial in first-line head and neck cancer therapy, with additional solid tumor indications under evaluation.
“Checkpoint inhibitors have transformed cancer care, but many patients still do not achieve durable responses,” said Kelly T. McKee, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of GeoVax. “We believe Gedeptin is well positioned as a combination-enabling platform designed to enhance therapeutic response across checkpoint inhibitors and other emerging oncology modalities.”
About Gedeptin®
Gedeptin® is a gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) delivered intratumorally using a non-replicating viral vector encoding purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP). Following administration of a systemically delivered prodrug, the encoded enzyme converts the prodrug into a cytotoxic agent directly within the tumor microenvironment. This localized approach is designed to selectively destroy tumor cells while promoting immune recognition and minimizing systemic toxicity. Gedeptin has received Orphan Drug Designation for oral and pharyngeal cancers.
The Company continues to evaluate strategic partnerships and collaborations to advance the clinical development and potential commercialization of Gedeptin-based combination therapies.
About GeoVax
GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of vaccines and immunotherapies addressing high-consequence infectious diseases and solid tumor cancers. GeoVax’s priority program is GEO-MVA, a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA)–based vaccine targeting mpox and smallpox. The program is advancing under an expedited regulatory pathway, with plans to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial in the second half of 2026, to address critical global needs for expanded orthopoxvirus vaccine supply and biodefense preparedness. In oncology, GeoVax is developing Gedeptin®, a gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) designed to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor activity. Gedeptin has completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial in advanced head and neck cancer and is being advanced into combination strategies, including planned neoadjuvant and first-line settings. GeoVax’s broader pipeline includes the development of GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine candidate being evaluated in immunocompromised and other patient populations. GeoVax maintains a global intellectual property portfolio supporting its infectious disease and oncology programs and continues to evaluate strategic partnerships and funding opportunities aligned with its development priorities. For more information, visit www.geovax.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.
Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
SAN DIEGO, April 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers, today announced that the Company will host a key opinion leader (KOL) webinar to discuss data from an investigator-initiated trial on onvansertib’s single-agent clinical activity in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). The webinar will take place on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET.
The webinar will feature KOL Mrinal Patnaik, MBBS, a physician scientist with the Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota. He is the Chair of the Acute Leukemia and Myeloid Neoplasms group at Mayo Clinic, Rochester and is also the Scientific Director of the Epigenetics Developmental Laboratory and the Epigenomics Program. His main clinical and research interests lie in precision genomics and epigenetics and the application of the same to myeloid neoplasms and bone marrow failure syndromes. He directs the Mayo Clinic Clonal hematopoiesis Clinic (CHIP), bone marrow failure syndrome clinic and the short telomere clinic.
KOL Webinar Information
Interested parties can register for and access the live webcast by visiting the “Events” section of the Cardiff Oncology website. The webcast replay will be available after the conclusion of the discussion.
About CardiffOncology, Inc. Cardiff Oncology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing innovative cancer treatments focused on PLK1 inhibition, a validated oncology target with practice-changing potential. Our lead asset, onvansertib, is a highly specific, oral PLK1 inhibitor currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 trial for first-line treatment of RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (“mCRC”), addressing a large, underserved patient population with high unmet need. Onvansertib is also under investigation in other PLK1-driven cancers through ongoing investigator-initiated trials and has shown robust single agent clinical activity in hard-to-treat tumors. By targeting tumor vulnerabilities, we aim to overcome treatment resistance and deliver improved clinical outcomes for patients.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
We Believe The Proposal Is Misunderstood. On April 20, Ocugen filed its proxy statement and Annual Meeting Notice. In addition to the usual business and shareholder matters, there is a proposal to authorize a reverse split. We believe the reverse split could lift the stock to a trading range that meets minimum share price requirements for ownership by more index funds, institutions, and investors.
The Reverse Split Could Open The Stock To More Investors. Ocugen’s three lead clinical programs have reported data that have driven an increase in its market valuation to about $550 to $600 million. However, many index funds, institutions, and brokerage firms have requirements for both minimum share price and market valuation before they can own the stock. We believe the reverse split would help meet these requirements sooner and open the stock to new investors. We expect the stream of clinical milestones in the coming year to sustain the post-split price and drive it higher.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., April 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (“Tonix” or the “Company”), a fully integrated, commercial biotechnology company, today announced an oral presentation and two poster presentations on its preclinical immuno-oncology portfolio at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, held April 17-22, 2026, in San Diego, California.
“We are pleased to report encouraging preclinical data on our TFF2-albumin fusion protein (TNX-1700) and our anti-BTLA monoclonal antibody (mAb) (TNX-4700) at AACR,” said Bruce Daugherty, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Research at Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “TNX-1700 and TNX-4700 are investigational immuno-oncology candidates in pre-clinical development. TNX-1700 is in development for the treatment of gastric and colorectal cancer in combination with PD-1 inhibitors. TNX-4700 is in development for the treatment of potentially several cancers since its ligand HVEM is expressed and/or upregulated in the tumor microenvironment and generally correlates with reduced overall survival.”
Presenting author: Shuang Li, MD, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Timothy C. Wang, MD, Laboratory at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center
Aging is a major risk factor for gastric cancer, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. The stomach undergoes profound epithelial and immune remodeling during aging. TFF2 is a mucosal protective factor implicated in epithelial repair and immune regulation. However, whether TFF2 regulates age-associated inflammation and tumor progression remains unknown.
TFF2-expressing epithelial cells were reduced in the stomachs of aged mice compared to young mice, with corresponding reductions in tissue and circulating TFF2 levels. Decline of TFF2 led to elevated IL-1β and promoted gastric inflammaging. The murine version of TNX-1700 (mTNX-1700 or TFF2-MSA) treatment reversed aging-associated inflammation. The aged stomach exhibited increased susceptibility to tumor progression. Myeloid-derived stem cells (MDSCs) accumulated and overexpressed IL-1β, interacting with IL-1R1⁺ cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). mTNX-1700 attenuated tumor progression in the aged gastric microenvironment.
Poster Presentation #7940: “Pharmacokinetics of TNX-1700 in Non-Human Primates and Human FcRn/Serum Albumin Transgenic Mice”
Presenting author: Bruce Daugherty, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Research, Tonix
TNX-1700 was evaluated in double-transgenic mice expressing human FcRn and human serum albumin (HSA) and in non-human primates. All animals survived without clinical signs or greater than 10% body-weight loss. TNX-1700 exhibited dose-independent, linear pharmacokinetics, with comparable pharmacokinetic profiles and exposure observed across species and doses. TNX-1700 substantially extends the half-life of TFF2 and achieves durable systemic exposure, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for gastric cancer.
Poster Presentation #6550: In Vitro Characterization of Fully Human Antagonistic Anti-BTLA Monoclonal Antibodies
Presenting author: Bruce Daugherty, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Research, Tonix
B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator (BTLA) is a promising target in immuno-oncology since its ligand HVEM (herpesvirus entry mediator) is expressed in and upregulated in the tumor microenvironment of many cancers and generally correlates with reduced overall survival. Targeting BTLA offers opportunities for cancer immunotherapy and may demonstrate additive or synergistic activity when combined with other checkpoint antagonists, potentially overcoming resistance mechanisms and improving clinical outcomes.
Tonix studied several anti-BTLA mAbs, which demonstrated potent, high-affinity binding and functional antagonism of BTLA in vitro. Antagonists with reduced FcgRI binding and no binding to FcgRIIB may improve pharmacokinetics and confer a reduced risk of FcR-dependent adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome or other immune-mediated toxicities.
Copies of the two poster presentations are available under the Scientific Presentations tab on the Tonix website at www.tonixpharma.com.
About Trefoil Factor Family Member 2 (TFF2) Human TFF2 is a secreted protein expressed in gastrointestinal mucosa where it functions to protect and repair the mucosal lining. In gastric cancer, TFF2 is epigenetically silenced, and TFF2 is suggested to be protective against cancer development through several mechanisms, including its activity as a partial agonist of CXCR4 that modulates myeloid cell trafficking to reduce accumulation of immunosuppressive neutrophils.
About TNX-1700 TNX-1700, a fusion protein of TFF2 and albumin, is in preclinical and pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) stage of development as a treatment of gastric and colorectal cancer in combination with PD-1 blockade.1 The Company in-licensed TFF2 technology from Columbia University. TNX-1700 is an immunotherapy being developed to treat gastric and colorectal cancers in combination with PD-1 blockers. Results of preclinical testing demonstrated that a mouse version of TNX-1700 was able to evoke an increase in anti-tumor immunity in combination with anti-PD-1 in several mouse models of gastric cancer by reducing immunosuppressive neutrophils and activating anti-tumoral CD8+ T cell responses. TNX-1700 administered as both monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD-1 dramatically reduced metastasis and increased survival in these models; these findings were recently published.1 TNX-1700 addresses a central mechanism of therapeutic resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy in gastric cancer by targeting the CXCR4-driven myeloid axis to normalize cancer-induced myelopoiesis and reprogram the tumor microenvironment.
About BTLA BTLA (B and T lymphocyte attenuator) is a protein on the surface of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Targeting BTLA is a promising target in immuno-oncology since its ligand HVEM is expressed and/or upregulated in the tumor microenvironment of many cancers including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, glioblastoma, and prostate cancer and generally correlates with reduced overall survival. Targeting BTLA offers opportunities for cancer immunotherapy and may demonstrate additive or synergistic effects when combined with other checkpoint antagonists, potentially overcoming resistance mechanisms and improving clinical outcomes.
About TNX-4700 Tonix is developing TNX-4700 (anti-BTLA) mAb for immuno-oncology indications. The mAb technology was licensed from Curia.
Citations:
Qian J, et al. Cancer Cell. 2025. 43(8):1512-1529.e11.
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. Tonix Pharmaceuticals* is a fully integrated, commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on central nervous system (CNS) and immunology treatments in areas of high unmet medical need. TONMYA® (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets 2.8 mg), is the first new treatment for fibromyalgia in adults in more than 15 years. Tonix’s CNS commercial infrastructure supports its marketed products, including its acute migraine products, Zembrace® Symtouch® (sumatriptan injection 3 mg) and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray 10 mg). Tonix is investigating TONMYA® in Phase 2 clinical trials to evaluate its potential in major depressive disorder and acute stress disorder/acute stress reaction. Tonix is also advancing a pipeline of immunology programs, including TNX-4800, a Phase 2 ready long-acting human anti-Borrelia OspA monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the prevention of Lyme disease in the U.S., and TNX-1500, a Phase 2 ready third-generation CD40 ligand inhibitor for the prevention of kidney transplant rejection. In addition, the Company is progressing TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), which is Phase 2 ready for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare disease. To learn more, visit www.tonixpharma.com and follow the Company on LinkedIn and X.
*Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics; their efficacy and safety have not been established and have not been approved for any indication.
Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. TONMYA is a registered trademark of Tonix Pharma Limited. All other marks are property of their respective owners.
Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including those relating to the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the intended use of proceeds from the offering and other statements that are predictive in nature. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to successfully launch and commercialize TONMYA® and any of our approved products; risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2026, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.
STAFFORD, Texas, April 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenwich LifeSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLSI) (the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on its Phase III clinical trial, FLAMINGO-01, which is evaluating Fast Track designated GLSI-100, an immunotherapy to prevent breast cancer recurrences, today announced that an abstract has been accepted for publication at the upcoming 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting along with a corresponding poster presentation.
The 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting will be held from May 28 to June 2, 2026. The full text of the abstract and poster will be available on June 1, 2026, the day of the presentation.
CEO Snehal Patel commented, ” We look forward to meeting many of our principal investigators at the conference. Our abstract will be the second abstract co-authored by the Company and the full Steering Committee of FLAMINGO-01 presenting preliminary injection site reaction immune response data from the non-HLA-A*02 open-label arm.”
In addition to ASCO, the Company plans to attend ESMO Breast, BIO partnering, and investor conferences in the coming months.
About the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting
ASCO is the world’s leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer. ASCO offers premier scientific events for oncology professionals, patient advocates, industry representatives, and major media outlets worldwide. The ASCO Annual Meeting program features poster presentations, poster discussion sessions, clinical science symposia, and dynamic education sessions about recent advancements in cancer research, treatment, and patient care. For more information, please visit the conference website at: https://conferences.asco.org/am/attend.
About FLAMINGO-01 Open Label Phase III Data
More than 1,300 patients have been screened with a current screen rate of approximately 800 patients per year. The 250 patient non-HLA-A*02 arm is now fully enrolled, where all patients received GLSI-100, which is 5 times more treated patients and recurrence rate data than the approximately 50 patients treated in the Phase IIb trial. The Primary Immunization Series (PIS), which includes the first 6 GLSI-100 injections over the first 6 months and is required to reach peak protection, is followed by 5 booster injections given every 6 months to prolong the immune response, thereby providing longer-term protection.
In the non-HLA-A*02 arm, a preliminary analysis of recurrence rates after the PIS is completed shows an approximately 70-80% reduction in recurrence rate.
This observation is trending similarly to the Phase IIb trial results and hazard ratio where HLA-A*02 patients were treated and where breast cancer recurrences were reduced up to 80% compared to a 20-50% reduction in recurrence rate by other approved products.
The immune response at baseline prior to any GLSI-100 treatment, the increasing immune response during the PIS, and the safety profile of non-HLA-A*02 patients is trending similarly to the HLA-A*02 arms of FLAMINGO-01 and to the Phase IIb study.
The AACR Meeting 2026 delayed-type-hypersensitivity (DTH) poster can be downloaded here.
The frequency of DTH reactions increased by approximately 4x (290%) in the total open-label non-HLA-A*02 population, increasing from 5.2% of the patients experiencing a DTH reaction at baseline, prior to any GLSI-100 administration, to 20.4% of the patients experiencing a DTH reaction in month 4 or month 6 (McNemar, p < 0.001).
As reported in Table 1 of the poster, each HLA-A type exhibited more frequent immune reactivity after treatment with GLSI-100 than at baseline with frequency increasing from 100% to 700%.
Baseline DTH reaction prior to any treatment suggests that GP2 may be a natural antigen and that GP2 specific T cells may exist in some patients prior to any treatment with GLSI-100. Baseline immune response to GP2 prior to any vaccination with GP2 was also observed in the Phase IIb trial and is being observed in the blinded randomized arms of FLAMINGO-01, where HLA-A*02 only patients are being vaccinated.
Analysis of the open label data from FLAMINGO-01 has been conducted in a manner that maintains the study blind. The open label recurrence rate, immune response, and safety data is based on the patients enrolled to date in FLAMINGO-01 and the data provided by the clinical sites so far, which is not completed or fully reviewed, and is thus preliminary. While comparing any preliminary FLAMINGO-01 data to the Phase IIb clinical trial data may be possible, these preliminary results are not a prediction of future results, and the results at the end of the study may differ.
About GLSI-100 Phase IIb Study
In the prospective, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-center (16 sites led by MD Anderson Cancer Center) Phase IIb clinical trial of HLA-A*02 breast cancer patients, 46 HER2/neu 3+ over-expressor patients were treated with GLSI-100, and 50 placebo patients were treated with GM-CSF alone. After 5 years of follow-up, there was an 80% or greater reduction in cancer recurrences in the HER2/neu 3+ patients who were treated with GLSI-100, followed, and remained disease free over the first 6 months, which we believe is the time required to reach peak immunity and thus maximum efficacy and protection. The Phase IIb results can be summarized as follows:
80% or greater reduction in metastatic breast cancer recurrence rate over 5 years of follow-up with a peak immune response at 6 months and well-tolerated safety profile.
The PIS elicited a potent immune response as measured by local skin tests and immunological assays.
About FLAMINGO-01 and GLSI-100
FLAMINGO-01 (NCT05232916) is a Phase III clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Fast Track designated GLSI-100 (GP2 + GM-CSF) in HER2 positive breast cancer patients who had residual disease or high-risk pathologic complete response at surgery and who have completed both neoadjuvant and postoperative adjuvant trastuzumab based treatment. The trial is led by Baylor College of Medicine and currently includes US and European clinical sites from university-based hospitals and academic and cooperative networks with plans to open up to 150 sites globally. In the double-blinded arms of the Phase III trial, approximately 500 HLA-A*02 patients are planned to be randomized to GLSI-100 or placebo, and up to 250 patients of other HLA types are planned to be treated with GLSI-100 in a third arm. The trial has been designed to detect a hazard ratio of 0.3 in invasive breast cancer-free survival, where 28 events will be required. An interim analysis for superiority and futility will be conducted when at least half of those events, 14, have occurred. This sample size provides 80% power if the annual rate of events in placebo-treated subjects is 2.4% or greater.
For more information on FLAMINGO-01, please visit the Company’s website here and clinicaltrials.gov here. Contact information and an interactive map of the majority of participating clinical sites can be viewed under the “Contacts and Locations” section. Please note that the interactive map is not viewable on mobile screens. Related questions and participation interest can be emailed to: [email protected]
About Breast Cancer and HER2/neu Positivity
One in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over her lifetime, with approximately 300,000 new breast cancer patients and 4 million breast cancer survivors. HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) protein is a cell surface receptor protein that is expressed in a variety of common cancers, including in 75% of breast cancers at low (1+), intermediate (2+), and high (3+ or over-expressor) levels.
About Greenwich LifeSciences, Inc.
Greenwich LifeSciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of GP2, an immunotherapy to prevent breast cancer recurrences in patients who have previously undergone surgery. GP2 is a 9 amino acid transmembrane peptide of the HER2 protein, a cell surface receptor protein that is expressed in a variety of common cancers, including expression in 75% of breast cancers at low (1+), intermediate (2+), and high (3+ or over-expressor) levels. Greenwich LifeSciences has commenced a Phase III clinical trial, FLAMINGO-01. For more information on Greenwich LifeSciences, please visit the Company’s website at www.greenwichlifesciences.com and follow the Company’s Twitter at https://twitter.com/GreenwichLS.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
Statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Greenwich LifeSciences Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including statements regarding the intended use of net proceeds from the public offering; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Greenwich LifeSciences’ Annual Report on the most recent Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Greenwich LifeSciences, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: AMRX) announced on April 21 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Kashiv BioSciences, LLC in a transaction that could exceed $1.1 billion in total value — a strategic bet on one of the most significant inflection points in the pharmaceutical industry in decades.
The deal structure includes $375 million in cash and $375 million in equity payable at closing, plus up to $350 million in potential payments tied to regulatory milestones, royalties, and funding of operations through closing. The Manila Times The transaction is subject to Amneal shareholder approval, regulatory clearance, and customary closing conditions, with an expected close in the second half of 2026. The Manila Times
What Kashiv Brings to the Table
Kashiv isn’t just another acquisition target — it’s a rare asset. Kashiv BioSciences is a vertically integrated biopharmaceutical company among the few U.S.-based firms to both manufacture and receive marketing authorization for multiple biosimilars Business Wire, giving it end-to-end capabilities that most companies in the space simply don’t have. That combination of R&D, clinical, manufacturing, and regulatory infrastructure is precisely what Amneal is paying a premium to absorb.
The combined entity is designed to function as a fully integrated global biosimilars platform — built to scale and launch multiple new biosimilar products each year.
The Market Opportunity Driving This Deal
The timing is deliberate. More than $300 billion in global biologics are expected to lose exclusivity over the next decade, and as biosimilars expand patient access while delivering meaningful savings, adoption is accelerating across physicians, patients, and payers. The Manila Times Amneal is positioning itself ahead of that wave rather than chasing it.
The company highlighted $400 million to $500 million in anticipated financial benefits from the transaction, along with a path to maintain a modest leverage profile. TipRanks That’s not a speculative projection — Kashiv already has commercial biosimilars on the market and a robust pipeline moving through regulatory channels.
Strong Financial Momentum Behind the Move
The acquisition announcement came alongside strong preliminary Q1 2026 results that gave management the confidence to pull the trigger. For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, revenue climbed 4% to $723 million, with net income reaching $78 million and significant margin expansion driven by Specialty segment growth and a higher-value product mix. TipRanks On the strength of those results, Amneal raised its standalone full-year 2026 guidance, positioning the Kashiv acquisition as an accelerator of an already-strengthening growth trajectory. TipRanks
Transaction Oversight and Advisors
The transaction was endorsed by an independent conflicts committee TipRanks, a notable governance detail given the pre-existing commercial relationship between the two companies. J.P. Morgan Securities is serving as financial advisor to Kashiv, with Holland & Knight LLP as legal counsel.
The Bottom Line
This deal is a direct statement about where pharmaceutical value creation is headed. As blockbuster biologics lose patent protection at an accelerating clip, the companies with the infrastructure to develop, manufacture, and commercialize biosimilars at scale will control a growing share of one of healthcare’s most important markets. Amneal is making its move now — and the Kashiv acquisition gives it the fully integrated platform to compete at the highest level.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Phase 3 FLAMINGO-01 Data Presented. Greenwich LifeSciences and the FLAMINGO-01 Steering Committee made two presentations at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) 2026 Meeting. One detailed the FLAMINGO-01 trial design while the other presented preliminary results from delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response data showing a statistically significant immune response.
First Poster Presentation Included DTH Data. As discussed in our Research Note on March 18, the company announced a preliminary analysis of recurrence rates in the non-HLA-A*02 arm. Immune responses to GP2 were measured using Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) skin tests at baseline, then after 4 or 6 months. This open-label arm of the trial has enrolled about 250 patients, with data reported for 191 patients who completed the six-monthly doses of GLSI-100 at four-month or six-month evaluation points.
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SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel cancer therapies, today announced it will present updated data from CRDF-004, a randomized dose-finding Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating onvansertib in combination with standard of care (SoC) regimens (FOLFIRI/bevacizumab (bev) or FOLFOX/bev) in patients with first-line RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The data will be reviewed in a rapid oral presentation at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, taking place May 29–June 2 in Chicago.
Rapid Oral Presentation Details:
Abstract Title: Onvansertib plus standard-of-care chemotherapy plus bevacizumab in first-line RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Interim results from the phase 2 randomized CRDF-004 trial Abstract Number: 3510 Session Title: Gastrointestinal Cancer—Colorectal and Anal Session Date and Time: June 2, 2026, 8:00-9:30 AM CDT
The abstract will be publicly available on Thursday, May 21, 2026 on ASCO’s website, and the presentation will be made available on the Scientific Publications page of the Company’s website following its presentation.
About Onvansertib Onvansertib is a highly specific, oral PLK1 inhibitor currently in mid-stage clinical development for RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. It is also being evaluated in multiple other cancers through investigator-initiated studies, including metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).
About Cardiff Oncology, Inc. Cardiff Oncology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing innovative cancer treatments focused on PLK1 inhibition, a validated oncology target with practice-changing potential. Our lead asset, onvansertib, is a highly specific, oral PLK1 inhibitor currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 trial for first-line treatment of RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), addressing a large, underserved patient population with high unmet need. Onvansertib is also under investigation in other PLK1-driven cancers through ongoing investigator-initiated trials and has shown robust single agent clinical activity in hard-to-treat tumors. By targeting tumor vulnerabilities, we aim to overcome treatment resistance and deliver improved clinical outcomes for patients.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimated” and “intend” or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cardiff Oncology’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on Cardiff Oncology’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are several factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, clinical trials involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; our clinical trials may be suspended or discontinued due to unexpected side effects or other safety risks that could preclude approval of our product candidate; results of preclinical studies or clinical trials for our product candidate could be unfavorable or delayed; our need for additional financing; risks related to business interruptions, including the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus and cyber-attacks on our information technology infrastructure, which could seriously harm our financial condition and increase our costs and expenses; uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement; dependence on key personnel; limited experience in marketing and sales; substantial competition; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. There are no guarantees that our product candidate will be utilized or prove to be commercially successful. Additionally, there are no guarantees that future clinical trials will be completed or successful or that our product candidate will receive regulatory approval for any indication or prove to be commercially successful. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in Cardiff Oncology’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof, and Cardiff Oncology does not undertake any obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Eli Lilly is writing another large check in its aggressive diversification push, this time targeting one of oncology’s most promising frontiers. The pharmaceutical giant announced Monday it has agreed to acquire Kelonia Therapeutics in a deal valued at up to $7 billion — $3.25 billion upfront with the remainder tied to clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
The strategic rationale centers on Kelonia’s proprietary in vivo CAR-T technology — a next-generation approach to cancer immunotherapy that sets itself apart from everything currently on the market. Traditional CAR-T treatments require physicians to extract a patient’s T-cells, engineer them in a laboratory setting outside the body, then reinfuse them — a complex, time-consuming process requiring chemotherapy preconditioning and specialized academic medical centers capable of managing the procedure. Kelonia’s platform eliminates all of that. The therapy is delivered intravenously in a single infusion, reprogramming T-cells to attack cancer directly inside the body, with no preconditioning required.
The commercial implications are significant. The existing ex-vivo CAR-T market is already producing blockbuster revenue — Johnson & Johnson’s Carvykti generated nearly $1.9 billion in sales last year for multiple myeloma alone. Gilead recently paid $7.8 billion to acquire Arcellx and its competing asset. A one-time, broadly accessible in vivo alternative that sidesteps the logistical barriers of ex-vivo therapy could expand the addressable patient population dramatically and reach community oncology settings currently unable to administer existing treatments.
For Lilly, this deal is part of a deliberate strategy to reduce its dependence on GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes — the products that have defined the company’s recent run. Management has been explicit: the goal is to deploy the cash flow generated by its weight-loss franchise into therapeutic diversification. Recent deals include Centessa Pharmaceuticals for sleep disorder drugs and Orna Therapeutics for cell therapy. Kelonia extends that footprint into hematology and potentially solid tumors.
What makes this acquisition particularly noteworthy for investors watching the oncology space is what it signals downstream. Lilly’s willingness to spend $3.25 billion upfront on a platform still in early clinical stages — while acknowledging that many early-stage bets will fail — reflects a maturing view of how large pharma is valuing novel modalities. Smaller biotech companies developing differentiated delivery mechanisms, novel immune engineering platforms, or next-generation cell therapies should expect intensifying M&A interest from strategic acquirers flush with capital.
The Kelonia deal also raises the stakes for any company developing competing in vivo CAR-T or similar tumor-targeting platforms. With Lilly now in the race alongside J&J and Gilead, the race to make cancer immunotherapy more accessible — and more scalable — is entering a new, better-funded chapter. For small and microcap biotech names working in adjacent spaces, that’s both a competitive threat and a significant validation of the underlying science.
STAFFORD, Texas, April 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenwich LifeSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLSI) (the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on its Phase III clinical trial, FLAMINGO-01, which is evaluating Fast Track designated GLSI-100, an immunotherapy to prevent breast cancer recurrences, today presents the published abstract and poster from the AACR Meeting 2026.
The abstract is shown below and the poster being presented today can be seen and downloaded at the bottom of Phase III clinical trial tab on the Company’s website here.
This is the first abstract and poster presented jointly with the Steering Committee of FLAMINGO-01 with statistically significant delayed-type-hypersensitivity (DTH) immune response data, with subgroup analysis by the most prevalent HLA types.
In the non-HLA-A*02 open label arm where all patients (n=247) were treated with GLSI-100, immune responses to GP2 were measured at baseline and over time using skin tests and other methods. The other methods will be presented at a future conference.
A DTH reaction (redness and/or induration) was used to assess in vivo immune responses in patients. The DTH orthogonal mean was also measured 48-72 hours after injection but is not reported here.
In this preliminary data analysis, there was a significant increase in percentage of patients experiencing a DTH reaction (redness) in month 4 or month 6 compared to baseline. There were 191 patients with both baseline and month 4 or 6 assessments.
The frequency of DTH reactions increased by approximately 4x (290%) in the total open-label non-HLA-A*02 population, increasing from 5.2% of the patients experiencing a DTH reaction at baseline, prior to any GLSI-100 administration, to 20.4% of the patients experiencing a DTH reaction in month 4 or month 6 (McNemar, p < 0.001).
As reported in Table 1 of the poster, each HLA-A type exhibited more frequent immune reactivity after treatment with GLSI-100 than at baseline with frequency increasing from 100% to 700%.
Baseline DTH reaction prior to any treatment suggests that GP2 may be a natural antigen and that GP2 specific T cells may exist in some patients prior to any treatment with GLSI-100. Baseline immune response to GP2 prior to any vaccination with GP2 was also observed in the Phase IIb trial and is being observed in the blinded randomized arms of FLAMINGO-01, where HLA-A*02 only patients are being vaccinated.
Mechanism of Action: A positive immune response is an indicator that the immune system has been activated against recurring cancer cells, potentially leading to the prevention of metastatic breast cancer. The Company previously announced that in the non-HLA-A*02 arm, a preliminary analysis of recurrence rates after the Primary Immunization Series (PIS) is completed shows an approximately 70-80% reduction in recurrence rate. Thus, the immune response data is supporting the mechanism of action that reduces recurrences and prevents metastatic breast cancer.
This statistically significant non-HLA-A*02 open label arm immune response data is trending similarly to the immune response data in the HLA-A*02 patients in the Phase IIb study and the HLA-A*02 arms of FLAMINGO-01. The study is ongoing and data collection and cleaning continue, while some patients may still be in their PIS vaccination phase, so final results may vary.
A 1% per year recurrence rate is so low that the number of recurrence events is too few to correlate a negative or lack of immune response to recurrence. The same constraint existed with the Phase IIb data which has a similarly low recurrence rate per year. While DTH immune response may be valuable at an aggregate level looking at whole patient populations, the recurrence rate is too low to validate any immune response measure as a biomarker for individual patient treatment decisions. It is also likely that some responding patients may not exhibit any immune response but still could be protected by GLSI-100 vaccination, thus helping to preserve the blind on the randomized arms of FLAMINGO-01.
The immune response abstract and poster conclusion: The statistically significant increase in the incidence of DTH reactions over time found in this preliminary analysis of GLSI-100 treated non-HLA-A*02 patients shows that GLSI-100 treatment should not be limited to HLA-A*02 patients. Patients treated with GLSI-100 were increasingly able to mount an immune response to GP2 as evidenced in this preliminary data. Future investigations may explore the use of immune responses to assess correlation of DTH to ISRs, immunogenicity of GLSI-100 by specific HLA type, timing of boosters to sustain immunity, clinical site performance, and the discontinuation of treatment for non-responders.
In addition, the second poster describing the Phase III trial design, which is being presented on Tuesday, April 21, can be downloaded and seen on the website using the same link. This poster provides an update that over 1,300 patients have been screened to date in FLAMINGO-01. The new protocol amendment, which is still under regulatory review in certain countries, is not discussed.
CEO Snehal Patel commented, “This new immune response data further supports the combination of HLA-A*02 and non-HLA-A*02 patients in the same randomized arms. In the US, the FDA recently reviewed such protocol changes and the many non-HLA-A*02 patients on waiting lists that were previously screened are now being enrolled. The screen rate continues to be encouraging, reflecting the high patient interest in the study as we have now screened over 1,300 patients. The Company will have the option to pursue approval for both HLA-A*02 and non-HLA-A*02 patients together using the increased statistical power of a combined analysis of the two patient groups or to pursue subgroups based on planned multiple interim analyses.”
The abstract from today’s immune response data and the members of the Steering Committee follow:
Abstract Number: CT138 – Poster Section 52 on April 20, 2026, 2-5pm PT
Abstract Title: Preliminary delayed-type-hypersensitivity immune response results from open-label arm of on-going Phase III study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GLSI-100 (GP2 + GM-CSF) in breast cancer patients with residual disease or high-risk PCR after both neo-adjuvant and postoperative adjuvant anti-HER2 therapy, Flamingo-01
Snehal S. Patel1, Jaye Thompson1, F. Joseph Daugherty1, Francois-Clement Bidard2, William J. Gradishar3, Marcus Schmidt4, Miguel Martin5, Joyce A. O’Shaughnessy6, Hope S. Rugo7, Cesar A. Santa-Maria8, Laura M. Spring9, Mothaffar F. Rimawi10
1Greenwich LifeSciences, Stafford, TX,2Institut Curie, Paris, France,3Northwestern University, Chicago, IL,4University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany,5GEICAM, Madrid, Spain,6Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Dallas, TX,7City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA,8Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,9Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,10Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Background: This Phase III trial is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, multi-center study (NCT05232916) in HLA-A*02 patients at approximately 140 sites in the US and Europe. A third non-randomized arm of approximately 250 non-HLA-A*02 patients is now fully enrolled and preliminary immune response data is presented below. GP2 is a biologic nine amino acid peptide of the HER2/neu protein delivered in combination with Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) that stimulates an immune response targeting HER2/neu expressing cancers, the combination known as GLSI-100.
Methods: After standard of care neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, 6 intradermal injections of GLSI-100 will be administered over the first 6 months and 5 subsequent boosters will be administered over the next 2.5 years. The participant duration of the trial will be 3 years treatment plus 1 additional year follow-up. Immune responses to GP2 were measured over time using delayed-type-hypersensitivity (DTH) skin tests and injection site reactions (ISRs). The patient population is defined by these key eligibility criteria: 1) HER2/neu positive and HLA, 2) Residual disease or High risk pCR (Stage III at presentation) post neo-adjuvant therapy, 3) Exclude Stage IV, and 4) Completed at least 90% of planned trastuzumab-based therapy.
Results: All patients (n=247) were vaccinated with GLSI-100 and continue in treatment and follow-up. A DTH reaction (redness) was used to assess in vivo immune responses in patients. The DTH orthogonal mean was measured 48-72 hours after injection. In this preliminary data analysis, there was a significant increase in percentage of subjects experiencing a DTH reaction in month 4 or month 6 compared to baseline. The frequency of DTH reactions increased by approximately 4x from 5.2% of the patients experiencing a DTH reaction at baseline, prior to any GLSI-100 administration, to 20.4% of the patients experiencing a DTH reaction in month 4 or month 6 (McNemar, p < 0.001). The study is ongoing and data collection and cleaning continue so final results may vary.
Conclusions: The increase in the incidence of DTH reactions over time found in this preliminary analysis of GLSI-100 treated non-HLA-A*02 patients shows that GLSI-100 treatment should not be limited to the HLA-A*02 genotype. Subjects treated with GLSI-100 were increasingly able to mount an immune response to GP2 as evidenced in this preliminary data. Future investigations may explore the use of immune responses to assess: correlation of DTH to ISRs, immunogenicity of GLSI-100 by specific HLA type, timing of boosters to sustain immunity, clinical site performance, and the discontinuation of treatment for non-responders.
The Steering Committee authoring abstract CT138 is comprised of the following experts in the field of breast cancer oncology representing prominent teaching hospitals in the US and 4 of the largest breast oncology networks in the US, Germany, France, and Spain:
Dr. Mothaffar F. Rimawi – Professor of Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine and Executive Medical Director and Co-Leader, Breast Cancer Program of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Francois-Clement Bidard – Professor of Medical Oncology, UVSQ/Paris Saclay University, Head of Breast Cancer Group, Institut Curie, Vice-Chair of the French Breast Cancer research group UCBG (Unicancer)
Dr. William J. Gradishar – Professor of Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chief of Hematology and Oncology in the Department of Medicine, and Betsy Bramsen Professor of Breast Oncology
Dr. Sibylle Loibl – Professor (apl) Goethe University Frankfurt/M, Clinical Consultant Centre for Haematology and Oncology/Bethanien Frankfurt/M, CEO of GBG Forschungs GmbH & Chair of the German Breast Group (GBG)
Dr. Miguel Martin – Professor of Medicine, Head, Medical Oncology Service, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Complutense University, Madrid, CEO of GEICAM
Dr. Joyce A. O’Shaughnessy – Celebrating Women Chair in Breast Cancer, Baylor University Medical Center and Chair, Breast Cancer Program, Texas Oncology, US Oncology, Dallas, Texas
Dr. Hope S. Rugo – Director, Women’s Cancers Program, Division Chief, Breast Medical Oncology, Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Professor Emeritus, University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Cesar A. Santa-Maria – Associate Professor of Oncology, Breast and Gynecological Malignancies Group, Director of Breast Cancer Trials, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Laura M. Spring – Assistant Professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Attending Physician, Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital
About the AACR Annual Meeting 2026
The AACR is the first and largest cancer research organization dedicated to accelerating the conquest of cancer and has more than 61,000 members residing in 143 countries and territories. The AACR Annual Meeting is the focal point of the cancer research community, where scientists, clinicians, other health care professionals, survivors, patients, and advocates gather to share the latest advances in cancer science and medicine. From population science and prevention; to cancer biology, translational, and clinical studies; to survivorship and advocacy; the AACR Annual Meeting highlights the work of the best minds in cancer research from institutions all over the world.
About FLAMINGO-01 Open Label Phase III Data More than 1,000 patients have been screened with a current screen rate of approximately 800 patients per year. The 250 patient non-HLA-A*02 arm is now fully enrolled, where all patients received GLSI-100, which is 5 times more treated patients and recurrence rate data than the approximately 50 patients treated in the Phase IIb trial. The Primary Immunization Series (PIS), which includes the first 6 GLSI-100 injections over the first 6 months and is required to reach peak protection, is followed by 5 booster injections given every 6 months to prolong the immune response, thereby providing longer-term protection.
In the non-HLA-A*02 arm, a preliminary analysis of recurrence rates after the PIS is completed shows an approximately 70-80% reduction in recurrence rate.
This observation is trending similarly to the Phase IIb trial results and hazard ratio where HLA-A*02 patients were treated and where breast cancer recurrences were reduced up to 80% compared to a 20-50% reduction in recurrence rate by other approved products.
The immune response at baseline prior to any GLSI-100 treatment, the increasing immune response during the PIS, and the safety profile of non-HLA-A*02 patients is trending similarly to the HLA-A*02 arms of FLAMINGO-01 and to the Phase IIb study.
Analysis of the open label data from FLAMINGO-01 has been conducted in a manner that maintains the study blind. The open label recurrence rate, immune response, and safety data is based on the patients enrolled to date in FLAMINGO-01 and the data provided by the clinical sites so far, which is not completed or fully reviewed, and is thus preliminary. While comparing any preliminary FLAMINGO-01 data to the Phase IIb clinical trial data may be possible, these preliminary results are not a prediction of future results, and the results at the end of the study may differ.
About GLSI-100 Phase IIb Study
In the prospective, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-center (16 sites led by MD Anderson Cancer Center) Phase IIb clinical trial of HLA-A*02 breast cancer patients, 46 HER2/neu 3+ over-expressor patients were treated with GLSI-100, and 50 placebo patients were treated with GM-CSF alone. After 5 years of follow-up, there was an 80% or greater reduction in cancer recurrences in the HER2/neu 3+ patients who were treated with GLSI-100, followed, and remained disease free over the first 6 months, which we believe is the time required to reach peak immunity and thus maximum efficacy and protection. The Phase IIb results can be summarized as follows:
80% or greater reduction in metastatic breast cancer recurrence rate over 5 years of follow-up with a peak immune response at 6 months and well-tolerated safety profile.
The PIS elicited a potent immune response as measured by local skin tests and immunological assays.
About FLAMINGO-01 and GLSI-100
FLAMINGO-01 (NCT05232916) is a Phase III clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Fast Track designated GLSI-100 (GP2 + GM-CSF) in HER2 positive breast cancer patients who had residual disease or high-risk pathologic complete response at surgery and who have completed both neoadjuvant and postoperative adjuvant trastuzumab based treatment. The trial is led by Baylor College of Medicine and currently includes US and European clinical sites from university-based hospitals and academic and cooperative networks with plans to open up to 150 sites globally. In the double-blinded arms of the Phase III trial, approximately 500 HLA-A*02 patients are planned to be randomized to GLSI-100 or placebo, and up to 250 patients of other HLA types are planned to be treated with GLSI-100 in a third arm. The trial has been designed to detect a hazard ratio of 0.3 in invasive breast cancer-free survival, where 28 events will be required. An interim analysis for superiority and futility will be conducted when at least half of those events, 14, have occurred. This sample size provides 80% power if the annual rate of events in placebo-treated subjects is 2.4% or greater.
For more information on FLAMINGO-01, please visit the Company’s website here and clinicaltrials.gov here. Contact information and an interactive map of the majority of participating clinical sites can be viewed under the “Contacts and Locations” section. Please note that the interactive map is not viewable on mobile screens. Related questions and participation interest can be emailed to: [email protected]
About Breast Cancer and HER2/neu Positivity
One in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over her lifetime, with approximately 300,000 new breast cancer patients and 4 million breast cancer survivors. HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) protein is a cell surface receptor protein that is expressed in a variety of common cancers, including in 75% of breast cancers at low (1+), intermediate (2+), and high (3+ or over-expressor) levels.
About Greenwich LifeSciences, Inc.
Greenwich LifeSciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of GP2, an immunotherapy to prevent breast cancer recurrences in patients who have previously undergone surgery. GP2 is a 9 amino acid transmembrane peptide of the HER2 protein, a cell surface receptor protein that is expressed in a variety of common cancers, including expression in 75% of breast cancers at low (1+), intermediate (2+), and high (3+ or over-expressor) levels. Greenwich LifeSciences has commenced a Phase III clinical trial, FLAMINGO-01. For more information on Greenwich LifeSciences, please visit the Company’s website at www.greenwichlifesciences.com and follow the Company’s Twitter at https://twitter.com/GreenwichLS.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
Statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Greenwich LifeSciences Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including statements regarding the intended use of net proceeds from the public offering; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Greenwich LifeSciences’ Annual Report on the most recent Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Greenwich LifeSciences, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.
Biotech’s long IPO drought may finally be breaking — but don’t mistake a crack in the window for a wide-open door.
This week, two biopharma companies launched roadshows that signal a cautious return of investor appetite to the public markets. GLP-1 developer Kailera Therapeutics hit the road at a $1.9 billion valuation, while proteomics company Alamar Biosciences priced at $17 per share — the top of its marketed range — and opened trading on the Nasdaq Friday with a 33% pop, valuing the company at roughly $1.53 billion. The upsized offering raised $191.3 million, a meaningful signal that institutional demand is real, not manufactured.
But the story isn’t really about IPOs. It’s about M&A.
The primary engine driving this biotech resurgence is an aggressive acquisition cycle fueled by the pharmaceutical industry’s looming patent cliff. Major drug companies are racing to backfill pipelines before blockbuster drugs lose exclusivity, and that urgency is translating into deal flow at a historic pace. According to a Stifel report, 19 biopharma M&A transactions of $1 billion or more were announced between January 1 and April 7 alone — putting the industry on pace for its second-highest annual total ever. Marquee deals include Merck’s $6.7 billion acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly’s $6.3 billion upfront commitment for Centessa Pharmaceuticals, both announced last month.
That M&A velocity matters beyond the deal itself. When large acquisitions close, venture investors recycle that capital back into the ecosystem — funding the next generation of companies and, critically, making investors more willing to participate in secondary offerings and IPOs. It’s a flywheel, and right now it’s spinning.
Valuations in the private markets are reflecting it. Median pre-money valuations for venture-growth biopharma companies jumped from $65 million to $247 million in 2025, according to PitchBook’s Q4 2025 Biopharma VC Trends report. And the Russell 2000 Biotech Index is up 9.7% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500.
That said, the numbers tell a sobering parallel story: of the six biopharma companies that have gone public since January, four are currently trading below their offer price. The market is rewarding quality — and punishing everyone else.
The threshold to go public has risen considerably since the 2020–2021 boom years, when companies with minimal patient data could attract institutional money. Today, clinical-stage companies are bringing 50 or more patients’ worth of data to the roadshow. Pre-clinical companies aren’t even in the conversation.
For small and microcap investors, this environment requires nuance. The biotech IPO window is open — but narrowly, and selectively. Companies that are scientifically de-risked, operationally sound, and well-positioned relative to M&A comps are getting deals done. Everything else is waiting.
The broader implication: as Big Pharma’s acquisition appetite grows, smaller biotech names that could plausibly become targets deserve a closer look. The deals are getting done — the question is who’s next on the list.
Onvansertib in combination with trastuzumab deruxtecan demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity, including tumor regression and apoptosis in HER2-low breast cancer models, supporting its potential for patients with limited treatment options
SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers, will present new preclinical data in a poster at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17–22 in San Diego, California. These data highlight the potential of Cardiff’s highly specific oral PLK1 inhibitor, onvansertib, in combination with the HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), demonstrating robust antitumor activity and the ability to overcome resistance in HER2-low breast cancer models.
“These preclinical findings highlight a potential new opportunity for onvansertib, demonstrating its ability to enhance the activity of ADCs, which are becoming mainstays in oncology across multiple indications,” said Tod Smeal, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Cardiff Oncology. “By enhancing and prolonging DNA damage, this combination appears to drive greater apoptosis than either agent alone, offering a promising new approach for patients whose cancers have become resistant to standard-of-care treatments.”
Poster Presentation Highlights:
Onvansertib + T-DXd synergistically inhibited the viability of HER2-low breast cancer cell lines, including fulvestrant- and CDK4/6i-resistant cells
In the resistant triple-negative breast cancer model and two hormone receptor-positive models, the combination drove tumor regression in nearly all mice, with complete response rates up to 62%
Increased tumor regression, improved tumor growth inhibition, and extended event-free survival across models
Combination showed favorable tolerability in vivo
Following the presentation on April 19, 2026 from 2:00–5:00 PM PT, the poster titled “PLK1 inhibitor onvansertib potentiates the antitumor efficacy of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) and reverses its resistance in therapy-resistant HER2-low breast cancer models” will be available on the Scientific Publications page of the Company’s website.
About Onvansertib Onvansertib is a highly specific, oral PLK1 inhibitor currently in mid-stage clinical development for RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. It is also being evaluated in multiple other cancers through investigator-initiated studies, including metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).
About Cardiff Oncology, Inc. Cardiff Oncology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing innovative cancer treatments focused on PLK1 inhibition, a validated oncology target with practice-changing potential. Our lead asset, onvansertib, is a highly specific, oral PLK1 inhibitor currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 trial for first-line treatment of RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), addressing a large, underserved patient population with high unmet need. Onvansertib is also under investigation in other PLK1-driven cancers through ongoing investigator-initiated trials and has shown robust single agent clinical activity in hard-to-treat tumors. By targeting tumor vulnerabilities, we aim to overcome treatment resistance and deliver improved clinical outcomes for patients.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimated” and “intend” or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cardiff Oncology’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on Cardiff Oncology’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are several factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, clinical trials involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; our clinical trials may be suspended or discontinued due to unexpected side effects or other safety risks that could preclude approval of our product candidate; results of preclinical studies or clinical trials for our product candidate could be unfavorable or delayed; our need for additional financing; risks related to business interruptions, including the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus and cyber-attacks on our information technology infrastructure, which could seriously harm our financial condition and increase our costs and expenses; uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement; dependence on key personnel; limited experience in marketing and sales; substantial competition; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. There are no guarantees that our product candidate will be utilized or prove to be commercially successful. Additionally, there are no guarantees that future clinical trials will be completed or successful or that our product candidate will receive regulatory approval for any indication or prove to be commercially successful. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in Cardiff Oncology’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof, and Cardiff Oncology does not undertake any obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
