Purple Biotech Presents New IM1240 Data at EACR 2026
Purple Biotech announced the presentation of new preclinical data from its CAPTN-3 program, IM1240, at the European Association for Cancer Research, or EACR, 2026 Annual Congress, being held June 8-11, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary. IM1240 induced apoptosis of PD-1-resistant patient-derived biopsies from six HNSCC metastatic lymph node samples and one enfortumab vedotin/pembrolizumab-resistant muscle-invasive bladder cancer sample, with both the CD3 and NKG2A functional arms required for full activity. In a PD-1/chemotherapy-resistant NSCLC patient-derived explant, IM1240 induced mature tertiary lymphoid structures - immune cell organizations associated with effective anti-tumor immunity and favorable clinical prognosis - while increasing CD8 T cell and NK cell abundance and reducing regulatory T cells and tumor cells. These effects were not observed with IM1340, the NKG2A loss-of-function variant, underscoring the essential and differentiated contribution of the NKG2A arm. In a non-GLP dose-range finding toxicology study in NHPs, IM1240 demonstrated markedly superior pharmacokinetics compared to the non-capped variant IM1222, including an approximately 8-fold longer half-life and 16-fold greater systemic exposure. IM1240 showed dose-proportional PK with a broad therapeutic window, as systemic exposure associated with tumor regression in mouse models remained well below the tolerated levels in NHPs. The CAPTN-3 masking strategy effectively mitigated peripheral T-cell activation and prevented systemic cytokine release in NHPs, which is associated with one of the main safety challenges of T-cell engagers, cytokine release syndrome: IM1240 induced minimal IL-6 and TNF-a at 10 mg/kg dose, whereas the non-capped IM1222 induced robust cytokine release at just 0.03 mg/kg - a more than 300-fold difference in the dose required to trigger cytokine release. The IM1240 capping design also improved the PK profile by reducing the CD3-mediated antigen sink effect and incorporating human serum albumin to further extend half-life, as compared to the non-capped variant IM1222. IM1240 demonstrated an approximately 14-fold slower clearance than active non-capped IM1222, supporting extended exposure and potential efficacy; rapid clearance of peripherally released non-capped IM1222 reduces systemic accumulation and lowers CRS risk and off-tumor toxicity.
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- Extended Half-Life: IM1240 demonstrated an 8-fold longer half-life and 16-fold greater systemic exposure in a non-human primate toxicology study, indicating significant potential for enhanced anti-cancer efficacy and laying the groundwork for future clinical trials.
- Validated Anti-Tumor Activity: The drug exhibited anti-tumor activity across PD-1 and chemotherapy-resistant patient-derived tumor samples, particularly in head and neck, bladder, and lung cancers, with the NKG2A arm identified as a crucial contributor to its efficacy, highlighting its potential in treating resistant tumors.
- Induction of Immune Structures: IM1240 induced mature tertiary lymphoid structures in non-small cell lung cancer patient-derived explants, increasing CD8 T and NK cell abundance while reducing regulatory T cells, suggesting a favorable prognosis and enhanced anti-tumor immune response for patients.
- Improved Safety Profile: Compared to the non-capped variant IM1222, IM1240 showed significantly reduced cytokine release in NHPs, with minimal IL-6 and TNF-α at a 10 mg/kg dose, indicating a better safety and tolerability profile for clinical applications.
- Financial Overview: Purple Biotech reported a GAAP EPS of -$0.09 for Q1 2026, indicating ongoing challenges in profitability, which may lead to cautious market sentiment regarding its future prospects.
- Adjusted Net Loss: The adjusted net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2026, was $2.1 million, an increase of $0.8 million compared to $1.3 million in the same period of 2025, reflecting pressures on cost control and revenue growth that could impact investor confidence.
- Cash Position: As of March 31, 2026, Purple Biotech had cash and cash equivalents totaling $6.4 million, which is expected to provide a cash runway into 2027, ensuring continued investment in R&D and market initiatives.
- Non-GAAP EPS: The company reported a non-GAAP EPS of $19.85, which, while potentially attracting investor interest, contrasts sharply with GAAP figures, highlighting discrepancies in financial transparency and profitability that could affect long-term stock performance.
New Advisory Board Established: Purple Biotech Ltd has formed a scientific advisory board for its CAPT-N-3 antibody platform.
Focus on Antibody Development: The board will provide expertise and guidance to enhance the development of the CAPT-N-3 antibody platform.

Collaboration Announcement: Purple Biotech has announced a collaboration with Converge Bio to enhance the development of its next-generation tri-specific antibody platform.
Focus on Accelerated Development: The partnership aims to accelerate the development process of innovative therapeutic solutions using advanced antibody technology.
- Compliance Restoration: Purple Biotech confirmed on March 13, 2026, that it has regained compliance with Nasdaq rules, maintaining a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per ADS for at least 10 consecutive business days, ensuring its continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
- Market Reaction: This compliance restoration may boost investor confidence and improve the company's stock performance, especially after facing compliance risks, potentially enhancing market expectations for its future development.
- Financial Performance: Purple Biotech reported a Non-GAAP EPS of $19.85, indicating strong profitability, which further solidifies its market position in the biotechnology sector.
- Future Outlook: With compliance issues resolved, Purple Biotech can focus more on its R&D and market expansion strategies, which is expected to drive long-term growth potential in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Widening Financial Losses: Purple Biotech reported an operating loss of $23.4 million in Q4, an increase of $22.4 million compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to $20.5 million in non-cash impairment expenses recognized during the period, indicating significant R&D expenditures.
- Adjusted Operating Loss: The adjusted operating loss was $2.9 million, up from $1.0 million in the same period of 2024, primarily reflecting increased activities in the CAPTN-3 platform development, showcasing the company's ongoing investment in new product development.
- Significant Net Loss: The net loss reached $23.6 million, a substantial increase of $23.1 million compared to $0.4 million in 2024, largely driven by the $20.5 million non-cash impairment expenses, highlighting the growing financial pressures faced by the company.
- Cash Flow Status: As of December 31, 2025, Purple Biotech had cash and cash equivalents totaling $9.5 million, which is expected to provide a cash runway into 2027, despite ongoing financial challenges.








