Plus, news about Verastem Oncology, Bright Minds Biosciences and Telix Pharmaceuticals:
Aura Biosciences unveils early bladder cancer data: The Boston biotech shared that its light-activated drug led to four complete responses in five patients with low-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. In high-grade NMIBC, the drug did not lead to complete responses, but two of three patients saw “visual tumor shrinkage” via a cystoscopy. Last month, Aura unveiled results in a rare eye cancer, the lead indication for its experimental drug that’s known as bel-sar for short. Aura’s shares $AURA jumped about 10% Friday morning. — Lei Lei Wu
Poseida scores $15M milestone payment from Roche: Poseida received the milestone after Roche nominated a new dual CAR-T therapy per a 2022 deal. The therapy targets antigens expressed in hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma. The companies now have three programs in development, and their lead program is a CAR-T therapy targeting BCMA in the third-line multiple myeloma setting. — Katherine Lewin
Verastem Oncology’s stock falls despite positive mid-stage data: In a Phase 2 trial, ovarian cancer patients taking avutometinib and defactinib saw median progression-free survival of 12.9 months, and those with the KRAS mutation had 22 months. The company said it plans to complete its NDA submission this month. Verastem’s stock $VSTM fell about 20% in after-hours trading on Thursday, with Mizuho analysts attributing the stock’s weakness to Verastem’s decision to first seek approval for patients with a KRAS mutation, and not those with wild-type KRAS. — Katherine Lewin
Bright Minds Biosciences’ $35M private placement: The funds are set to go toward R&D expenses and general working capital. The company’s stock $DRUG soared about 70% on Friday following the announcement. Earlier this week, Bright Minds announced positive preclinical data for BMB-201, which showed that it outperformed morphine in efficacy. The company now plans to move the drug into clinical trials. — Katherine Lewin
Telix Pharmaceuticals files for NASDAQ inclusion: The Australian radiopharma company said listing on the NASDAQ will increase interest from both US and global investors. Last month, Telix paid $230 million upfront to buy radioisotope manufacturer RLS Radiopharmacies. — Katherine Lewin