IBN Initiates Coverage of Lantern Pharma Inc. - Lantern Pharma (NASDAQ:LTRN)

Lantern Pharma (LTRN) reported Q2 2026 earnings with $7.1M net loss, $7.4M cash, and reduced R&D expenses. LP-300 showed 8.9-month median PFS in L858R patients. The company is advancing LP-184 trials and plans to raise capital for Open Medicine AI, a new AI subsidiary. Management highlighted potential partnerships and cost efficiencies.

Lantern Pharma Inc. (LTRN) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Results of Operations and Financial Condition. Exhibit 99.1 Lantern Pharma Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Provides Business Update Open Medicine AI Established as a Separate Company with Executed Commercial Licenses; Progression-Free Survival Benefit Deepens in EGFR Exon 21 L858R Lung Cancer with LP-300; EM

Lantern Pharma (NASDAQ: LTRN) said the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a Notice of Allowance for a patent covering patient selection and treatment for ovarian, primary liver, kidney and thyroid cancers using LP-184 (zirdafulven). The allowed claims relate to a three-gene biomarker signature (PTGR1, PTPN14, ASPH). Lantern cited a 45% disease control rate at or above the effective dose in Phase 1a and plans multiple Phase 1b/2 studies in 2026.

BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX) halted a mid-stage trial of its mRNA cancer vaccine, autogene cevumeran, due to an overall survival imbalance. The decision raises concerns about its mRNA strategy in colorectal cancer and other 'cold' tumors. BioNTech plans to continue other trials, including one for pancreatic cancer and BNT113 for head and neck cancer. The company also focuses on diversifying its oncology pipeline. According to Reuters, the news caused a 7.5% drop in BioNTech's US-listed shares.

Volkswagen (VW) plans to produce components for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system at its Osnabrück, Germany factory. The move is part of VW's restructuring efforts amid economic challenges and competition. The project involves a joint venture with Israeli defense company Rafael and the German state of Lower Saxony, aiming to overcome opposition from Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, a VW stakeholder. This marks VW's return to defense-related manufacturing as European defense spending rises.

Piper Sandler raised its price target for ExxonMobil (XOM) to $185, citing strong fundamentals, cost savings, and growth in Guyana. XOM's Q2 earnings beat expectations, with high free cash flow and shareholder returns. However, risks include exposure to Middle East conflicts and potential crude price normalization. XOM's stock has risen 30% in 2026, with a 16% upside implied by the new target.