STOCKHOLM – September 22, 2026 – Oncopeptides AB (publ) (Nasdaq Stockholm: ONCO), a biotech company focused on difficult-to-treat cancers, today announces that three abstracts detailing preclinical and translational data on the application of next-generation alkylating Peptide-Drug Conjugates (PDCs) in glioblastoma have been accepted for poster presentation at the 2026 European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) Congress, held in Rome between September 24-27.
This marks the first major scientific presentations within glioblastoma with Oncopeptides’ data, an important step into a new indication with a significant unmet medical need.
In addition, Oncopeptides is proud to announce that one of the abstracts, titled “Next Generation Alkylating Peptide-Drug Conjugates overcome major resistance mechanisms and prolong survival in MGMT unmethylated Glioblastoma PDOX model”, has been nominated at the prestigious EANO 2026 Poster Award.
The accepted abstracts highlight the capacity of Oncopeptides’ proprietary PDC platform to address key challenges in brain tumors, including blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and treatment resistance mechanisms such as MGMT expression.
“Entering the field of glioblastoma represents an important milestone for Oncopeptides and is a natural expansion of our PDC platform,” says Sofia Heigis, CEO of Oncopeptides. “Beyond multiple myeloma, our brain cancer program has entered active clinical evaluation following swift regulatory approval and the initiation of our Window-of-Opportunity study in Oslo. Oncopeptides’ PDC molecules are designed to pass the blood-brain barrier due to their small size and lipophilicity, entering target cancer cells freely to deliver their cytotoxic payload directly where it is needed.”
Summary of EANO Abstracts
The scientific presentations outline the mechanistic rationale supporting the development of next-generation PDCs, including lead candidate OPD5 and melflufen, for glioblastoma:
- Proven brain penetration (EP18.03): Studies in animal models confirmed that the drugs successfully reach high concentrations in the brain relative to the bloodstream. This proves they can cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, supporting our ongoing clinical studies.
- Dual-action cell destruction (EP18.04): Inside the cancer cells, the drug breaks down and attacks both the cell’s main control center (nucleus) and its energy generators (mitochondria). This two-pronged attack helps overcome common resistance methods that cancer cells usually use to survive traditional treatments.
- Overcoming resistance in advanced models (P18.01.A): Tests using advanced laboratory and animal models – including treatment-resistant tumor types – showed that PDCs can overcome major resistance mechanisms in GB, including unmethylated MGMT.
| E-Poster Number: | EP18.04 |
| Abstract Title: | Mitochondrial DNA Damage Contributes to the Cytotoxic Effect of Lipophilic Alkylating Peptide-Drug Conjugates |
| Topic: | 18. Preclinical neuro-oncology |
| E-Poster Number: | EP18.03 |
| Abstract Title: | Alkylating Peptide-Drug Conjugates in Glioblastoma – Towards Translational Assessment |
| Topic: | 18. Preclinical neuro-oncology |
| Poster Presentation Number: | P18.01.A |
| Abstract Title: | Next‑Generation Alkylating Peptide-Drug Conjugates overcome major resistance mechanisms and prolong survival in MGMT unmethylated Glioblastoma PDOX model |
| Topic: | 18. Preclinical neuro-oncology |
| Poster Session Number and Title: | PV01 – Poster viewing with Authors I |
| Poster Session Date: | Friday, September 25, 2026 |
| Poster Session Time: | 9/25/2026 6:30:00 PM – 9/25/2026 7:30:00 PM CEST |
For more information about EANO and to access the above abstracts, please visit their website.
While Oncopeptides continues to advance the commercialization and clinical development of its flagship product Pepaxti in multiple myeloma, the progression into glioblastoma demonstrates the broader therapeutic potential of the PDC platform in addressing difficult-to-treat cancers.
For more information, including questions and answers for investors, please visit www.oncopeptides.com.
