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Why it matters: The results suggest that a chemotherapy-free combination could challenge existing first-line treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a disease historically associated with median survival of about 10–12 months after recurrence or metastasis, according to Genmab. Everett Vokes of University of Chicago Medicine called the LiGeR-HN1 trial “the first positive Phase 3 study in this patient population in several years” in the company’s press release.

It is a remarkable return to its core business: TME Pharma wants to bring its drug candidate NOX-A12 back into clinical development. To that end, the company has signed an exclusive negotiation agreement with Japan’s TMS Co. Ltd. The focus is on the worldwide development and commercialization of the drug for glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive brain tumor. TMS intends to establish a subsidiary to finance the project and organize further clinical development.

What’s happening: Molecular Partners, based in Schlieren, Switzerland, is taking out the red pen. The Swiss biotech company plans to cut up to 55 jobs, equivalent to around 44% of its workforce. The layoffs are due to be completed by the second quarter of 2027, although the full cost savings will only take effect in the second half of the year. Officially, the company attributes the move to a strategic focus on its Radio-DARPin pipeline. It seems likely, however, that its financial resources and constraints also play a significant role.

Orbis Medicines: A new CEO, with its co-founder staying on. Joanne Smith-Farrell has succeeded co-founder Morten Graugaard as CEO of the Copenhagen-based company. Graugaard becomes chief business officer, focusing on partnerships. Smith-Farrell takes over as Orbis advances its own oral macrocycle programs in immunology and inflammation after having secured a €90 million Series A last year and a Novo Nordisk collaboration in 2026. She previously led Be Biopharma through its move from a platform-focused company to one with clinical-stage programs. Before that, she was Chief Operating Officer and Head of the Oncology Business Unit at bluebird bio and held senior business development roles at Merck, Pfizer, and Gene Logic, and worked in Boston Consulting Group’s healthcare practice.