IDWeek 2026: BNT163 poised to fulfil a substantial unmet need for genital herpes

BioNTech and Bristol Myers Squibb reported Phase 2 trial results for pumitamig, an experimental lung cancer drug, showing a 36.7% response rate in advanced NSCLC patients. The trial, involving 50 patients, also reported a median progression-free survival of 6.9 months. The companies aim to address a significant unmet medical need in this patient population.

Moderna (MRNA) shares fell 20% after leaked trial data for its melanoma vaccine, despite analysts calling results 'strong.' The drop may signal the end of its 700% year-to-date rally. Merck (MRK), partnering on the vaccine, saw minimal impact. Analysts expect Merck to report strong earnings. BioNTech (BNTX) and Illumina (ILMN) are also mentioned.

BioNTech and DualityBio report that trastuzumab pamirtecan (BNT323/DB-1303) met its primary end point of progression-free survival in a phase 3 trial for HR-positive, HER2-low metastatic breast cancer. The trial enrolled 541 patients, with interim analysis showing improved PFS over chemotherapy. Interstitial lung disease occurred at a higher rate, but no new safety signals were observed. The companies will determine next steps for development.

At ESMO 2026, Amgen and AstraZeneca presented data showing their combination therapy (Imdelltra + Imfinzi) reduced death risk by 58% in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. Roche's divarasib outperformed first-gen KRAS inhibitors in NSCLC, improving PFS and OS. MSD and Kelun-Biotech's sac-TMT with Keytruda showed PFS benefits in PD-L1-negative NSCLC. BioNTech's pumitamig showed potential in advanced NSCLC.

BioNTech (BNTX) and DualityBiologics (subsidiary of Duality Biotherapeutics, 9606.HK) reported that trastuzumab pamirtecan met the primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial for HER2-low metastatic breast cancer, showing a modest improvement in progression-free survival over chemotherapy. However, the drug showed a higher rate of interstitial lung disease. The companies will review data to determine next steps.

BioNTech (BNTX) and DualityBio reported that trastuzumab pamirtecan met the primary endpoint in the Phase 3 DYNASTY-Breast02 trial, showing a modest improvement in progression-free survival for HR-positive, HER2-low metastatic breast cancer. The treatment showed increased interstitial lung disease cases, including severe and fatal ones, with overall survival data still immature. The companies plan to review the findings before deciding on next steps.