$FRO

Aptevo Therapeutics reported that 21% of newly diagnosed AML patients in a study reached stem cell transplant using mipletamig plus venetoclax and azacitidine, compared to 0.7% with VEN+AZA in VIALE-A. The company expects dose optimization in the RAINIER trial to conclude by year-end 2026.

At ESMO 2026, clinicians discussed novel cancer therapies like ADCs and bispecifics, highlighting their potential to replace chemotherapy in frontline treatments. AbbVie presented data on temab-A + Avastin, showing improved survival in colorectal cancer. ZaiLab's trial of zocilurtatug pelitecan + Tecentriq showed high response rates in small cell lung cancer without chemotherapy.

Salesforce launched Slack Frontline, a mobile-first platform for frontline workers in retail, healthcare, and manufacturing. It combines AI, real-time communication, and automated workflows to improve productivity and data security. The service is available as an add-on to Slack Enterprise+ and aims to connect frontline employees with corporate teams and critical information. According to Salesforce, frontline workers make up 80% of the global workforce but often rely on outdated methods.

Dutch defense firm Bravo1Alpha B.V. has deployed its Close Satellite Support (CSS) system, enabling frontline drone pilots in Ukraine to receive high-resolution satellite imagery within minutes. The handheld system bypasses traditional command layers, improving targeting precision and reducing delays. According to field operators, CSS has compressed the sensor-to-effector loop by up to 90 percent, enhancing battlefield effectiveness.

Amgen's phase 3 trial (DeLLphi-305) showed that tarlatamab (Imdelltra) plus durvalumab (Imfinzi) improved overall survival (21.1 vs 12.7 months) and progression-free survival in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patients. The combination also increased objective response rates. Data were presented at the 2026 ESMO Congress and published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The trial enrolled 563 patients, with median follow-up of 15.9-16.1 months.

Iovance reported Phase 2 data showing 62.5% ORR and 29.2% CR for lifileucel plus pembrolizumab in frontline advanced melanoma. Median OS not reached at 50.9 months' follow-up. The results support a potential shift to frontline use, aligning with Phase 3 strategy.

A phase II trial of 42 patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) or marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) showed a 100% overall response rate and 86% complete response rate to mosunetuzumab, a CD20×CD3 bispecific antibody. The study used a response-adapted approach, adding polatuzumab vedotin and obinutuzumab for partial responders. Two-year progression-free survival was 89%. The trial suggests potential for chemo-free frontline therapy, though long-term data are needed.

Crude tanker spot rates have declined from recent highs due to slower chartering demand, shifting power to charterers. The peak was driven by increased crude transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Frontline's stock fell 15% from its recent high. US plans to approve former shadow fleet tankers may add supply, pressuring rates further. VLCC rates remain high but have dropped 13-19% from peaks.

The Trump administration is considering easing sanctions on select shadow-fleet vessels, potentially increasing competition for tanker operators like DHT Holdings (DHT), Frontline (FRO), and International Seaways (INSW). Shares of these companies and a tanker-freight ETF declined last week. DHT reported strong Q3 earnings, while International Seaways announced a $370M acquisition. Analysts question if sanctions relief would significantly lower tanker rates.

Elevar Therapeutics resubmitted an NDA to the FDA for camrelizumab plus rivoceranib to treat unresectable or metastatic HCC. The submission follows a third CRL in July 2026, citing manufacturing issues. The NDA is supported by the CARES-310 trial, which showed improved overall and progression-free survival compared to sorafenib. Elevar's CEO expressed optimism about the FDA's review.