Elizabeth McKenna: New Cancer Grand Challenges Teams Announced
oncodaily - Elizabeth McKenna, Executive Editor of Cancer Discovery, shared a post on X: “The new Cancer Grand Challenges teams have just been announced! Read about the teams tackling cancer avoidance, mechanisms […]
AI Summary: Global funders announced new Cancer Grand Challenges awards, backing five international teams with large, high‑risk grants to pursue transformative cancer science. The initiative aims to accelerate unconventional, high‑reward projects and foster cross‑disciplinary collaboration — essentially underwriting audacity in hopes that at least one risky bet pays off.
ASCO GU 2026 Highlights: Belzutifan + Lenvatinib and Pembrolizumab in RCC – IUCS
oncodaily - International Urology Cancer Summit shared a post on LinkedIn: “IUCS Journal Club – Highlights from ASCO GU 2026: Targeting HIF-2α in RCC. This Journal Club session reviews the data from […]
AI Summary: At ASCO GU, investigators showcased belzutifan‑based combinations for renal cell carcinoma, including belzutifan with lenvatinib and perioperative belzutifan plus pembrolizumab. Data presented indicate these HIF‑2α‑targeted regimens can extend disease‑free intervals in high‑risk clear‑cell RCC, prompting interest in integrating hypoxia‑axis inhibitors into multimodal kidney‑cancer care.
New FDA bonus pilot to address 'workforce challenges'
Max Bayer / endpoints - A new bonus pilot program meant to reward fast-working FDA reviewers will be funded in part by money from industry user fees, the first details on how Commissioner Marty Makary plans to finance the incentive ...
AI Summary: The FDA has introduced a pilot program offering performance bonuses to expedite regulatory reviews, aiming to tackle reviewer workload and improve timeliness. Funded partly by industry user fees, the initiative seeks to reward faster, high‑quality reviews while balancing independence and efficiency—proof that carrots sometimes replace the endless stick of overtime.
FDA lifts hold on Intellia trial
Ella Jeffries / beckershospitalreview - The FDA has lifted a clinical hold on Intellia Therapeutics’ phase 3 Magnitude trial of nexiguran ziclumeran, or nex-z. The trial was paused Oct. 29 after a patient developed grade 4 liver transaminase elevations and elevated bilirubin following a Sept. 3…
AI Summary: The FDA has lifted clinical holds on Intellia Therapeutics’ Phase 3 gene‑editing trials, allowing the company to resume patient enrollment and advance its nexiguran (nex‑z) development program. Regulators appear satisfied with submitted safety updates, clearing a major regulatory hurdle and moving the gene-editing program back toward its clinical milestones.
Moderna to Pay Up to $2.25B to Settle Patent Suit Over Covid-19 Vaccine Technology
Frank Vinluan / medcitynews - Under the settlement, Genevant Sciences and Arbutus Biopharma will grant Moderna a non-exclusive license to their lipid nanoparticle technology for mRNA delivery in infectious disease vaccines. If Moderna’s full financial payout to the companies is reache…
AI Summary: Moderna has agreed to settle long-running patent disputes over its COVID-19 vaccine technology for up to $2.25 billion, resolving litigation with several claimants. The deal provides Moderna with broad licensing rights and clears a major legal uncertainty, allowing the company to move forward without another courtroom cliffhanger.
Servier Boosts Presence in Rare Cancers With $2.5B Acquisition of Day One Biopharma
Frank Vinluan / medcitynews - Day One Biopharmaceuticals is Servier’s biggest acquisition yet, topping the $2.4 billion it paid to buy Shire’s cancer business in 2018. Day One markets Ojemda, approved for treating pediatric low-grade glioma, the most common type of brain cancer in chi…
AI Summary: Servier is buying Day One Biopharmaceuticals for about $2.5 billion to bolster its rare oncology portfolio, gaining access to promising targeted therapies. The deal expands Servier’s presence in specialty cancer medicines and aligns with its strategic push into rare tumors, with integration and regulatory steps expected to follow.