Strategic Signals Weekly

Genprex announced positive preclinical data for its diabetes gene therapy, GPX-002 (Pdx1/MafA gene therapy), presented at the ASGCT Annual Meeting. The data demonstrated that the therapy reversed hyperglycemia and improved beta-cell function and maturation in Type 2 diabetic mouse models. This preclinical success is considered a pivotal step towards a potentially transformative treatment for T2D, aiming for long-term glycemic control by directly addressing beta-cell dysfunction.

Allogene Therapeutics terminated its Exclusive License Agreement with Overland Therapeutics, effective May 12, 2026. This agreement, originally signed in December 2020, granted Overland exclusive rights to develop and commercialize allogeneic CAR T cell therapies targeting BCMA, CD70, FLT3, and DLL3 in specific Asian territories. No termination payments were exchanged, and Allogene reduced its equity stake in Overland to approximately 3%.

Partner: Overland Therapeutics (SH) Co. Ltd. and Overland Therapeutics Inc.

Arvinas and Pfizer have entered into a license agreement with Rigel Pharmaceuticals, granting Rigel exclusive global rights for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of VEPPANU™ (vepdegestrant). VEPPANU is an approved PROTAC estrogen receptor degrader for ER+, HER2-, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Under the terms, Rigel will pay an upfront of $70.0 million, contribute up to $40.0 million towards ongoing development, and is eligible for up to $320.0 million in future milestones plus tiered royalties.

Drug: VEPPANU™ (vepdegestrant) · Indication: estrogen receptor–positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2-), ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer, with disease progression following at least one line of endocrine therapy · Partner: Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Rigel Pharmaceuticals entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with Arvinas and Pfizer for VEPPANU (vepdegestrant). VEPPANU is approved in the United States for ER+, HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Rigel will pay an upfront fee of $70 million, with potential for additional regulatory and sales milestones up to $320 million, plus tiered royalties.

Drug: VEPPANU (vepdegestrant) · Indication: estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer · Partner: Arvinas, Inc., Arvinas Operations, Inc., Arvinas Estrogen Receptor, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. has suspended sales of its common stock under its At The Market Offering Agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC and is terminating the agreement, effective 7 business days after May 14, 2026. Since March 28, 2025, the company has sold 3,116,012 shares, generating gross proceeds of approximately $5.68 million through this ATM facility.

Lantern Pharma Inc. completed a registered direct offering and a concurrent private placement, raising approximately $4.4 million in gross proceeds. The offering included the sale of common stock, pre-funded warrants, and purchase warrants to institutional investors. The company intends to use the net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes, and also announced plans to create an independent business entity for its AI platform, withZeta.ai.

Whitehawk Therapeutics, Inc. entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement for a private placement (PIPE Financing) totaling $87.5 million. The financing involves the sale of 4,330,866 shares of common stock and 17,991,021 pre-funded warrants to PIPE Investors, including certain executive officers and directors. The transaction is expected to close on May 14, 2026, and includes 60-day lock-up arrangements for officers and directors.

iSpecimen Inc. completed a private placement, raising approximately $2.5 million in gross proceeds through the sale of common stock and pre-funded warrants to accredited investors. The company plans to use these funds for working capital, including up to $900,000 for marketing expenses. Additionally, iSpecimen announced that it has regained compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement.

Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc. entered into a five-year term loan facility of up to $150.0 million with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. An initial Tranche A Term Loan of $55.0 million was funded, with proceeds used to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes. Additional tranches are contingent on FDA approval for Anaphylm™ and achievement of net sales milestones.