Pembrolizumab

CHENGDU, China, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Kelun-Biotech" or the "Company") announced that the sNDA (the "Application") for the Company's TROP2 ADC sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT, also known as SKB264/MK-2870) (佳泰莱®) was accepted for review by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China. The application is for sac-TMT in combination with MSD's [1] anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA ® [2] ) as first‑line treatment for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1% and are EGFR-negative and ALK-negative. This acceptance is based on the positive results from the OptiTROP-Lung05 registrational Phase III study, and the application is the fifth indication application for sac-TMT that has been accepted by the NMPA. The OptiTROP-Lung05 is a randomized, open-label, multicenter, Phase III clinical study that evaluates the efficacy and safety profile of sac-TMT in combination with pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab monotherapy as first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. At a pre-specified interim analysis, the study has met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) and demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement as concluded by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC). A positive trend in overall survival (OS) was also observed. Notably, the OptiTROP-Lung05 study is the first Phase III study of an immunotherapy and ADC combination to meet its primary endpoint in first-line NSCLC treatment. The study has been selected for an oral presentation at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (Abstract number #8506, Lung Cancer –Non-Small Cell Metastatic). Previously, sac-TMT in combination with intravenous and subcutaneous pembrolizumab for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have PD-L1 TPS≥1% and are EGFR-negative and ALK-negative was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the NMPA. On April 9, 2026, the CDE's official website announced that the Application has entered the priority review and approval process. This marks the fifth sac-TMT indication to enter the CDE's priority review and approval process. Through this process, the review time will be significantly shortened, potentially expediting its approval pathways. Dr. Michael Ge, CEO of Kelun-Biotech said, "We are delighted to see the acceptance of the fifth indication application for sac-TMT. Compared to immunotherapy alone, the ADC combination with KEYTRUDA® as first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive NSCLC has achieved not only positive results in PFS, but also a trend toward benefit in OS. This achievement holds significant importance for improving current treatment regimens for lung cancer. We will continue to collaborate with our partners to advance the clinical development and commercialization of sac-TMT, to help more patients with lung cancer and enhance their survival outcomes." About sac-TMT Sac-TMT, a core product of the Company, is a novel human TROP2 ADC in which the Company has proprietary intellectual property rights, targeting advanced solid tumors such as NSCLC, breast cancer (BC), gastric cancer (GC), gynecological tumors and genitourinary tumors, among others. Sac-TMT is developed with a unique, bifunctional linker that maximizes payload delivery to tumor cells both through its irreversible connection with the anti-TROP2 monoclonal antibody sacituzumab and its pH-sensitive cleavage from a belotecan-derivative topoisomerase I inhibitor payload in the lysosome, with a drug-to-antibody-ratio (DAR) of 7.4. Sac-TMT specifically recognizes TROP2 on the surface of tumor cells by recombinant anti-TROP2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, which is then endocytosed by tumor cells and releases the payload KL610023 intracellularly. KL610023, as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, induces DNA damage to tumor cells, which in turn leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it also releases KL610023 in the tumor microenvironment. Given that KL610023 is membrane permeable, it can enable a bystander effect, or in other words kill adjacent tumor cells. In May 2022, the Company licensed the exclusive rights to MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA) to develop, use, manufacture and commercialize sac-TMT in all territories outside of Greater China (which includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan). To date, four indications for sac-TMT have been approved and marketed in China for: 1) unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received at least two prior systemic therapies (at least one of them for advanced or metastatic setting); 2) EGFR mutant-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following progression on EGFR-TKI therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy; 3) EGFR mutant-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who progressed after treatment with EGFR-TKI therapy; 4) unresectable or metastatic HR+/HER2- (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) BC who have received prior ET and at least one line of chemotherapy in advanced setting. The first two indications above have been included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). This inclusion is expected to bring clinically meaningful benefits to a greater number of patients with BC and NSCLC. Additionally, sac-TMT has been granted six Breakthrough Therapy Designations (BTDs) by the NMPA. Sac-TMT is the world's first TROP2 ADC drug approved for marketing in lung cancer. A new indication application for sac-TMT in combination with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®) as first‑line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have PD-L1 TPS≥1% and are EGFR-negative and ALK-negative has been accepted for review by the NMPA, and has entered the priority review and approval process. As of today, Kelun-Biotech has initiated 9 registrational clinical studies in China. MSD has initiated 17 ongoing global Phase III clinical studies of sac-TMT as a monotherapy or in combination with pembrolizumab or other anti-cancer agents for several types of cancer. These studies are sponsored and led by MSD. About Kelun-Biotech Kelun-Biotech (6990.HK) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical, which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. Kelun-Biotech focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. Kelun-Biotech is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, Kelun-Biotech has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 4 projects with 8 indications have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. Kelun-Biotech has established one of the world's leading proprietary ADC and novel DC platforms, OptiDC™, and has 2 ADC projects with 5 indications approved for marketing, and multiple ADC and novel DC assets in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit . SOURCE Kelun-Biotech 21% more press release views with Request a Demo

BOSTON, May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pyxis Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PYXS), a clinical-stage company developing next-generation therapeutics for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced the appointment of Nelson Azoulay as Chief Business Officer. Mr. Azoulay joins Pyxis Oncology with more than 15 years of experience in corporate strategy, business development, and value-creating transactions across the biopharma industry, including deep antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) experience. In his role, he will lead corporate development strategy and pursue strategic opportunities to advance MICVO, the Company’s lead clinical asset. “We’re excited to welcome Nelson to Pyxis Oncology,” said Tom Civik, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director of Pyxis Oncology. “His deep ADC experience and strong track record in corporate strategy make him a valuable addition to the team as we work toward important milestones this year. Nelson’s appointment reflects our shared conviction in the program, and we look forward to working with him to pursue opportunities that create long-term value.” Mr. Azoulay added, “I’m thrilled to join Pyxis Oncology as we head into key clinical inflection points. The opportunity to address a significant unmet need in head and neck cancer is compelling, and I look forward to partnering with the team to build the right external relationships and help bring a meaningful treatment option to patients.” Mr. Azoulay most recently served as Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, at Flagship Pioneering, where he spearheaded business development initiatives across select portfolio companies. Previously, he was Vice President of Corporate Development at ImmunoGen, where he helped shape the Company’s mid- to long-term strategy, led search and evaluation efforts, supported fundraising activities, and helped secure key transactions, including collaborations and partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies. He also played a role in ImmunoGen’s acquisition by AbbVie and subsequent integration in 2024. Earlier in his career, at PDL BioPharma, Mr. Azoulay led corporate restructuring and managed strategic divestitures. At Syneos Health Consulting, he advised global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on portfolio strategy, transactions, and commercial planning. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MS in Neuroscience from McGill University, and a BA from Wesleyan University. About Pyxis Oncology, Inc. Pyxis Oncology, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for difficult-to-treat cancers. The Company’s lead candidate, micvotabart pelidotin (MICVO), is a first-in-concept antibody drug conjugate (ADC) that targets extradomain-B of fibronectin (EDB+FN), a non-cellular structural component of the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). EDB+FN is selectively overexpressed in the tumor microenvironment of a wide range of solid tumors and largely absent from normal adult tissues. MICVO is designed to treat solid tumors through a three-pronged mechanism of action: direct cancer cell killing, bystander effect and immunogenic cell death. MICVO is currently being evaluated as monotherapy in a Phase 1 clinical study in patients with recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) and in combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) in a Phase 1/2 clinical study in patients with R/M HNSCC and other solid tumors. Pyxis Oncology is focused on advancing MICVO, with the goal of improving outcomes for patients living with R/M HNSCC and contributing to meaningful progress in cancer treatment. MICVO received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult patients with R/M HNSCC whose disease has progressed following treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy and an anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. KEYTRUDA ® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA. To learn more, visit or follow us on LinkedIn . Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “to be,” “will,” “would,” or the negative or plural of these words, or similar expressions or variations, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. We cannot assure you that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified herein, and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” set forth in Part II, Item 1A. of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with SEC on March 23, 2026, and our other filings, each of which is on the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date hereof and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. Pyxis Oncology Contact Alex Kane IR@pyxisoncology.com