STAT+: Inhibrx claims first win for long-sought immunotherapy target

STAT PlusBiotech Inhibrx claims first win for long-sought immunotherapy target Benefit largely driven by small subset of patients Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Jason MastSept. 8, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Jason Mast[email protected]Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77.

Inhibrx said Tuesday that its experimental immunotherapy targeting a protein called OX40 showed responses in patients with head and neck cancer. But the most striking results were in a small subset of patients with HPV-positive tumors, which could significantly limit the drug’s use. The results are notable as a legion of drugmakers — including Pfizer, Genentech, GSK, and AstraZeneca — previously tried and failed to use OX40 as a weapon against tumors over the past 15 years.Advertisement “It’s just really gratifying for us,” said CEO Mark Lappe.

“Pushing this is like a rock up a hill, because there’s been so much failure in the space.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account?

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