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Zumutor Biologics Announces Dosing of First Patient with ZM008, a First-in-Class Anti LLT1 Antibody

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First-in-Human Phase 1 Clinical Trial (NCT06451497) in Solid Tumor Patients, Begins Across Multiple Sites in the US

BOSTON and BANGALORE, India, June 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Zumutor Biologics Inc. “Zumutor”, a Boston-based clinical stage Oncology Company developing first-in-class monoclonal antibody molecules targeting innate immunological pathways, today announced that the first patient was dosed in its Phase 1 clinical trial, with ZM008. The dose escalation trial is evaluating ZM008 in patients with advanced solid tumors, as a single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab.

ZM008 is a novel fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody against LLT1 (CLEC2D), which disrupts the interaction of LLT1-CD161 between NK cells and tumor cells. ZM008-mediated NK cell activation and subsequent T cell activation will modify the immune infiltrate in the tumor microenvironment driving eventual antitumor effects. The mode of action of ZM008 is to convert the ‘cold’ or less immune responsive cancers (TME) into ‘hot’ or highly immune responsive tumors. This approach could provide significant benefits to patients resistant to available immunotherapy treatments.

“While immunotherapy has made a significant and positive impact on patient outcomes, there remains a significant unmet need. ZM008 is a first-in-class antibody that could help patients, both as a single agent as well as in combination with anti-PD-1 directed therapy. We are pleased to participate in the study and are optimistic that early clinical activity may be observed in this heavily pre-treated patient population based on clinical evaluation and translational data,” commented Dr. Ildefonso Ismael Rodriguez, MD, Principal Investigator at NEXT Oncology.

Understanding the Trial Design

The ZM008-001 trial is an open-label, first-in-human, multicenter, Phase 1 dose escalation trial of ZM008 administered alone or combined with Pembrolizumab. The trial will assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, establish the maximum tolerated dose, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and initial antitumour activity of ZM008. The study will recommend the Phase 2 dose.

In stage 1A, increasing doses of ZM008 will be administered to patients with solid tumors, without standard therapeutic options. This will be followed by stage 1B, where ZM008 will be given in combination with the anti PD1 drug, Pembrolizumab. Multiple solid cancer indications will be enrolled: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), prostate cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), and others. Clinical responses and detailed translational studies will be performed, to evaluate the activation of the immune system, safety and patient benefits, after ZM008 monotherapy and combination therapy.

Knowing the Criteria

The ZM008-001 clinical trial is for adults, aged 18 or older, with advanced metastatic solid tumors. Patient must have adequate hematologic, renal and hepatic functions. Patients with a history of auto-immune reactions and toxicities with previous anti-cancer therapies (irAEs) are not eligible. ZM008 will be administered intravenously once every three weeks. This trial requires multiple visits to NEXT Oncology sites for lab tests, safety evaluations, and other follow-up appointments each month.

“Advancing our first novel drug ZM008 into clinical development is an important inflection point for Zumutor and underscores the power of our Antibody discovery engine, INABLR®, supporting the immuno-oncology pipeline,” said Maloy Ghosh, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Zumutor Biologics. “We are excited to enroll patients in this first-in-human Phase 1 study, focused on advanced solid tumor patients. Activation of immune pathways, by targeting this novel mechanism with ZM008, will be a viable option for patients to fight advanced solid cancers.”

“We are looking forward to see safety and efficacy data from the ZM008-001 clinical trial,” said Kavitha Iyer Rodrigues, Founder/CEO of Zumutor. “There is such a tremendous unmet need for patients suffering from multiple solid cancers. We are eager to see this novel monoclonal antibody advance through clinical trials and hope it will one day be available for these patients in need.”

“ZM008 is a very exciting molecule. The preclinical work, including the ex-vivo studies, have shown remarkable activity both as a single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab. We are hoping this will translate to beneficial activity in patients and are thankful to the trial sites for joining us in developing ZM008,” said Dr. Debasish Roychowdhury, MD, Medical Oncologist. 

Additional information on this clinical trial will be updated on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06451497).

For questions or to enroll in this study, the patient’s treating physician can contact Jordan Georg. Phone: 210-580-9521

About Zumutor Biologics

Zumutor is a novel immuno therapeutics company driving transformational change by harnessing the power of NK cells in modulating the Tumor Micro Environment (TME). HQ’d in Boston, with labs in Bangalore, the company has developed a proprietary INABLR® platform consisting of multiple high diversity human antibody libraries, which are mined through a combination of yeast and phage display technologies.

Zumutor’s pipeline has two more assets targeting NK cell activation pathways involved in antitumor functions. The company was founded in 2015 and has raised a total of US$28mil from a strong syndicate of investors, which includes Accel Partners, Bharat Innovation Fund, Siana Capital, Aarin Capital, and KITVEN.

To learn more, visit us www.zumutor.com

Contact

Kavitha Iyer Rodrigues
CEO | Zumutor Biologics
Kavithaiyer.rodrigues@zumutor.com 

Maloy Ghosh
CSO | Zumutor Biologics
Maloy.ghosh@zumutor.com

Jordan Georg
210-580-9521

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2184016/4216721/Zumutor_Biologics_Logo.jpg

 

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Skai Launches Celeste AI and Expands Platform with Commerce Insights and Operations Solutions

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Celeste AI is now generally available, alongside a best-in-class suite of commerce operations solutions, to drive efficiency and growth for leading brands and agencies.

SAN FRANCISCO, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today at ShopAble 2025, Skai, the leading omnichannel platform for commerce media, announced the general availability of Celeste AI, the first GenAI-powered agent purpose-built for commerce marketers. Skai also introduced a new suite of solutions including Strategic Digital Shelf, Retail Insights, Content Optimization, Retail Operations, and Revenue Recovery, designed to unify marketing and commerce functions across retailers into a seamless, best-in-class platform.

Celeste AI, which first launched in a closed beta this spring with over 50 clients, is now fully integrated into Skai’s platform and available to all customers. From budget recommendations and bidding strategy insights to cross-channel performance comparisons and anomaly detection, Celeste helps marketers understand both the “what” and the “why” behind performance shifts, offering actionable recommendations to drive results. Early users have reported impressive outcomes, including 30-50% efficiency gains and 10-20% performance improvements.

Live on stage at ShopAble, the premier event for brands, agencies, and retailers, Kelly Gerrard, Director of eCommerce Marketing at Marshall, shared how Celeste has already impacted her business: “We’re already seeing value from Celeste across both agency and client work. My team manages 350,000 SKUs and over a million keywords across 10 retailers. Tasks that once took 20 minutes now take just one. More importantly, Celeste uncovered a growth opportunity for one of our brands in the kids and youth segment. By analyzing competitive insights, we found that most competitors only target adults, while our client serves both. This led us to unlock a cost-effective, higher-converting niche ahead of peak season — an opportunity we may have missed without Celeste.”

It was also revealed at ShopAble that Celeste AI will soon power Skai’s newly announced suite of commerce solutions, which include:

Strategic Digital Shelf: Real-time visibility into product availability, buy box metrics, search rank, reviews, share of voice, and competitor activity — plus keyword-level and category share data — enabling advertisers to optimize media within the full shelf context.Retail Insights: Links media performance to sales, profit, and operational health across 100+ retailers. Tracks inventory, traffic, reviews, Subscribe & Save, and repeat purchases in a unified view.Content Optimization: Uses AI to flag content gaps, surface missed keywords, and generate optimized listings. Automates updates across the content lifecycle to improve relevance and reduce ACOS.Retail Operations: Detects and resolves catalog issues using AI, automation, and ticketing workflows, helping teams maintain accurate content and protect performance across retailers.Revenue Recovery: Identifies and recoups lost revenue from chargebacks, deductions, and invoice errors across major retailers, enabling brands to reinvest in growth-driving efforts.

Developed with leading commerce technology innovators, these new solutions address the growing need to align media with commerce operations. With 61% of marketers emphasizing the importance of integrating operational insights into media strategies, Skai’s platform unifies media, content, and operational data. “Our clients want the best of both worlds: a premium commerce operations stack and world-class media capabilities,” said Nich Weinheimer, Chief Strategy Officer at Skai. “We’ve eliminated the friction — one login, one contract, no compromises.”

With the rollout of these solutions and the general availability of Celeste AI, Skai is positioning itself to lead the next generation of commerce media — unifying media, content, and operations into a single, intelligent platform.

“Our mission has always been to cut through complexity and drive growth,” said Gil Sadeh, President at Skai. “Today, that means offering brands one place to manage it all — omnichannel media activation integrated with omnichannel commerce operations, powered by GenAI. That’s incredibly powerful, and only Skai can make it possible.”

About Skai
Skai is an omnichannel advertising platform, uniquely enabling brands and agencies to run data-driven programs across commerce media. It empowers both media leaders and activation teams to drive impactful results from their advertising program with AI-powered decisioning, activation, and optimization solutions. Its partners include Google, Amazon Ads, Microsoft, Walmart Connect, Instacart, Criteo, TikTok, Snap, Pinterest, Meta, and more.

For over a decade, Skai has earned trust from notable brands such as Adidas, DoorDash, Haleon, Sony, Philips, Taschen, and WaterWipes. Renowned for innovation and a values-driven culture, Skai is headquartered in San Francisco and has eight international locations.

Visit skai.io for more information.

Media Contact: 5WPR skai@5wpr.com

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Arrive AI Secures Direct Listing on Nasdaq Stock Exchange

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Automated delivery company to begin trading as ARAI on Thursday, May 15, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Arrive AI, an autonomous delivery network anchored by patented AI-powered Arrive Points™, announced today that it has received approval to list its shares on the Nasdaq under the symbol (NASDAQ: ARAI). The company expects its shares to commence trading tomorrow.

“Arrive AI’s Nasdaq listing marks the culmination of a significant journey,” said Arrive AI Founder and CEO Dan O’Toole. “Building upon our initial patent filing in 2014, we’ve relentlessly refined our technology and unique positioning in last-mile logistics. Today signifies a new dawn of secure, autonomous package delivery. We owe this milestone to our nearly 5,000 investors who believed in us since the start.”

Arrive AI makes autonomous delivery work, ensuring security and chain-of-custody to the intended recipients at the right time. The company provides tracking data, smart logistics alerts and advanced custody controls to secure last-mile delivery for shippers, delivery services and autonomous networks. Arrive AI’s foundational patent – for a universal access point that asynchronously interacts with people, robots and drones – was filed four days before Amazon’s. Since then, the company has expanded its IP portfolio to include numerous claims and patents such as climate assistance and anti-theft features.

“With Arrive AI, you get a network and a platform. Our value proposition lies in building the essential and patent-protected infrastructure – a universal network of intelligent endpoints – that underpins our entire autonomous delivery ecosystem,” O’Toole said. “We leverage data technology and artificial intelligence to simplify last mile service, avoid failed deliveries, streamline processes to increase efficiencies and improve partner and end user outcomes. Our long-term objective is to achieve critical data mass to create a platform for additional innovative services.”

Prior to its direct public listing, Arrive AI raised nearly $12 million, largely via crowdfunding and secured $40 million in funding from an institutional investor.

Arrive AI Chief Financial Officer Todd Pepmeier said the direct listing “will enable the company to raise capital through public means and fuel our growing revenue streams.”

Maxim Group LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Arrive AI in connection with the direct listing.

The Company also launched a new Investor Relations section on its website: http://arriveai.com/investor-relations. This dedicated section will serve as a central resource for shareholders, featuring information such as stock information, press releases, shareholder meetings, FAQs and more.

About Arrive AI

Arrive AI’s patented Autonomous Last Mile (ALM) platform enables secure, efficient delivery to and from a smart, AI-powered mailbox, whether by drone, ground robot or human courier. The platform provides real-time tracking, smart logistics alerts and advanced chain of custody controls to support shippers, delivery services and autonomous networks. By combining artificial intelligence with autonomous technology, Arrive AI makes the exchange of goods between people, robots and drones frictionless and convenient. Its system integrates with smart home devices such as doorbells, lighting and security systems to streamline the entire last-mile delivery experience.

Learn more at www.arriveai.com.
Media contact: Cheryl Reed, 317-446-5240, 395242@email4pr.com.
Investor Relations Contact: Alliance Advisors IR, ARAI.IR@allianceadvisors.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release and statements of Arrive AI’s management in connection with this news release or related events contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements (including statements related to the closing, and the anticipated benefits to the Company, of the private placement described herein) related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “potential,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “optimistic” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may be beyond our control.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. Potential investors should review Arrive AI’s Registration Statement for more complete information, including the risk factors that may affect future results, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

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65% Say 50+ Has Untapped Spending Power Yet Only 3.2% Feel Seen in Ads. Cheryl Overton Communications Launches GRWN™ to Rewrite the Narrative

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From stylish to sexy to tech-savvy, 50+ consumers are rewriting the rules but brands are stuck in outdated stereotypes. GRWN™ gives marketers the insights and tools to show up smarter.

MIAMI, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Despite holding the majority of consumer wealth, adults 50+ are grossly under- and misrepresented in marketing according to new research from Cheryl Overton Communications (COC). The launch of GRWN™, a comprehensive strategic marketing communications toolkit designed to help brands forge meaningful connections with consumers 50+, aims to reverse this brand bias.

“The 50+ demographic controls substantial wealth and influence yet our research confirms they feel brands rely on outdated perceptions instead of engaging with their reality,” said Cheryl Overton, founder + CXO, Cheryl Overton Communications.

A national survey among adults 18+ revealed that while 65% of all respondents believe people over 50 represent significant untapped spending potential, nearly half of those 50+ (48%) felt overlooked as consumers within the past year.

“Our work has always centered helping brands create authentic connections with audiences that deserve better representation,” said Cheryl Overton, founder + CXO, Cheryl Overton Communications. “The 50+ demographic controls substantial wealth and influence yet our research confirms they feel brands rely on outdated perceptions instead of engaging with their reality.”

The research illuminates a striking perception gap: While adults 50+ want to be portrayed as active (55%), stylish (55%), wise (45%), and adventurous (45%), 60% of all respondents report that brands prioritize their past over present capabilities and future aspirations.

Introducing GRWN™: A Fresh Perspective on Age-Inclusive Marketing

Drawing from the same data-inspired and insights-driven expertise that helped shape influential campaigns for P&G’s “My Black is Beautiful,” Unilever Dove’s “Campaign for Real Beauty,” and the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women,” GRWN™ offers brands a thoughtful path to connecting with this valuable audience.

The GRWN™ approach includes:

Consumer Insights Mining: Research that uncovers their genuine motivations and preferencesStrategic Framework Development: Custom approaches that honor their complexity and diversityNarrative and Creative Direction: Content strategies that authentically represent their lived experiencesIntegrated Implementation: Activation across channels where these consumers meaningfully engagePerformance Measurement: Analytics that capture both business outcomes and sentiment evolution

“Over 40% of our respondents identified ‘becoming invisible’ as their greatest fear about aging. This is the real impact of persistent underrepresentation,” Overton noted. “Brave brands have an extraordinary opportunity to lead a cultural conversation about aging and, in the process, win market share and help reshape societal perceptions.”

Key Insights

The survey revealed several noteworthy findings that underscored the need for GRWN™:

Industry Room(s) for Improvement: Fashion/Beauty (32%) and Entertainment (23%) were cited as the industries with the most significant room for improvement in age representation, followed by Technology and Financial Services (13% each).Security x Freedom: Consumers 50+ value security (36%) and freedom (23%), suggesting a nuanced audience seeking solid foundations that enable continued growth and exploration.Cross-Generational Understanding Gap: 55% of respondents believe younger generations don’t fully understand the needs and values of 50+, highlighting a need for more inclusive perspectives within marketing teams.

GRWN™ joins COC’s suite of proprietary brand strategy and activation tools, including the DEI Monitor™, All Girl Band™ and Amewa™, all designed to brands create meaningful connections through authentic, thoughtful engagement.

For more information about GRWN™, visit www.covertoncomms.com/GRWN.

About Cheryl Overton Communications

Cheryl Overton Communications is a strategic marketing communications collective where human truths, cultural insights and community impact converge to create business solutions that resonate and disrupt. We help forward-thinking organizations build meaningful relationships with their audiences through storytelling that inspires action and drives change. We have been recognized by Adcolor, Chief New Era of Leadership, Florida State Minority Supplier Diversity Business, Inc. Magazine, PR Week and PR News. For more information, visit www.covertoncomms.com

Media Contact

Cheryl Overton, Cheryl Overton Communications, 1 9173733514, cheryl@cheryloverton.com, www.covertoncomms.com/GRWN

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