Ascentage Pharma (NASDAQ: AAPG) highlights four AACR 2026 preclinical cancer studies
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Ascentage Pharma Group International filed a Form 6-K detailing that four preclinical studies from its oncology pipeline have been selected for poster presentations at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 in San Diego. The work covers three novel drug candidates: the BCR-ABL inhibitor Olverembatinib (HQP1351), the FAK/ALK/ROS1 inhibitor APG-2449, and the PRC2/EED inhibitor APG-5918 across endometrial carcinoma, mantle cell lymphoma, BRAF V600E-mutant tumors and small-cell lung cancer models.
The filing also highlights that Ascentage Pharma is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company with two approved products in China: Olverembatinib for multiple chronic myeloid leukemia indications and Lisaftoclax for CLL/SLL after prior systemic therapy including BTK inhibitors. Both lead assets are in multiple global registrational Phase III trials, underscoring an advanced late-stage pipeline.
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of March 2026
Commission File Number: 001-42484
ASCENTAGE PHARMA GROUP INTERNATIONAL
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
68 Xinqing Road
Suzhou Industrial Park
Suzhou, Jiangsu
China
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On March 17, 2026, Ascentage Pharma Group International issued a press releases entitled “Ascentage Pharma to Present Data From Four Preclinical Studies In Its Innovative Pipeline at American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026”. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1. On March 18, 2026, Ascentage Pharma Group International issued an announcement entitled “Ascentage Pharma To Present Data From Four Preclinical Studies In Its Innovative Pipeline At American Association Of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026”. A copy of the announcement is furnished as Exhibit 99.2.
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| Exhibit | ||
| Number | Exhibit Title | |
99.1 |
Press Release dated March 17, 2026 | |
| 99.2 | Announcement dated March 18, 2026 |
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ASCENTAGE PHARMA GROUP INTERNATIONAL | ||
| Date: March 18, 2026 | /s/ Dajun Yang | |
| Name: | Dajun Yang | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
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Exhibit 99.1
Ascentage Pharma to Present Data From Four Preclinical Studies In Its Innovative Pipeline at American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026
ROCKVILLE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, Mar. 17, 2026 — Ascentage Pharma Group International (NASDAQ: AAPG; HKEX: 6855), a global, commercial stage, integrated biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel, differentiated therapies to address unmet medical needs in cancer, announced that four abstracts highlighting the latest preclinical results from its pipeline programs have been selected for poster presentations at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17-22, 2026, in San Diego, CA, USA.
The data to be presented encompasses three of the Company’s novel drug candidates: BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor Olverembatinib (HQP1351), FAK/ALK/ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor APG-2449, and PRC2/EED inhibitor APG-5918.
The AACR Annual Meeting 2026 is the critical driver of progress against cancer, the place where scientists, clinicians, other health care professionals, survivors, patients, and advocates gather to share and discuss the latest breakthroughs. From population science and prevention; to cancer biology, translational, and clinical studies; to survivorship and advocacy; the AACR Annual Meeting showcases cutting-edge cancer science and medicine.
The four preclinical abstracts from Ascentage Pharma include:
Multitarget kinase inhibitor olverembatinib (HQP1351) is efficacious and synergizes with chemotherapy in preclinical models of endometrial carcinoma (EC)
| ● | Abstract#: 4583 | |
| ● | Poster Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics | |
| ● | Session Title: Novel Antitumor Agents 2 | |
| ● | Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT |
Multikinase inhibitor olverembatinib (HQP1351) is efficacious and synergizes with BTK inhibitor acalabrutinib in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) preclinical models
| ● | Abstract#: 5875 | |
| ● | Poster Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics | |
| ● | Session Title: Tyrosine Kinase, Phosphatase, and Other Inhibitors | |
| ● | Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT |
FAK inhibition by APG-2449 enhances the antitumor activity of MAPK pathway blockade in BRAF V600E-mutant tumor models
| ● | Abstract#: 1858 | |
| ● | Poster Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics | |
| ● | Session Title: Targeting Drug Resistance 1: Apoptosis and Autophagy | |
| ● | Time: Monday, April 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT |
Embryonic ectoderm development (EED) inhibitor APG-5918 synergizes with topoisomerase I inhibitors in preclinical small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) models through epigenetic priming of chemosensitivity
| ● | Abstract#: 4500 | |
| ● | Poster Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics | |
| ● | Session Title: Epigenetic Modulators 1 | |
| ● | Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT |
| * | Olverembatinib, APG-2449, and APG-5918 are currently under investigation and have not been approved by the U.S. FDA. |
About Ascentage Pharma
Ascentage Pharma Group International (NASDAQ: AAPG; HKEX: 6855) (“Ascentage Pharma” or the “Company”) is a global, commercial stage, integrated biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel, differentiated therapies to address unmet medical needs in cancer. The Company has built a rich pipeline of innovative drug products and candidates that includes inhibitors targeting key proteins in the apoptotic pathway, such as Bcl-2 and MDM2-p53, as well as next-generation kinase inhibitors.
The lead asset, Olverembatinib, is the first novel third-generation BCR-ABL1 inhibitor approved in China for the treatment of patients with CML in chronic phase (CML-CP) with T315I mutations, CML in accelerated phase (CML-AP) with T315I mutations, and CML-CP that is resistant or intolerant to first and second-generation TKIs. All indications are covered by the China National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). The Company is currently conducting an FDA-cleared, global registrational Phase III trial, or POLARIS-2, of Olverembatinib for CML, as well as global registrational Phase III trials for patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL and SDH-deficient GIST patients.
The Company’s second approved product, Lisaftoclax, is a novel Bcl-2 inhibitor for the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. Lisaftoclax is being commercialized in China following National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have previously received at least one systemic therapy including BTK inhibitors. The Company is currently conducting four global registrational Phase III trials: the FDA-cleared GLORA study of Lisaftoclax in combination with BTK inhibitors in patients with CLL/SLL previously treated with BTK inhibitors for more than 12 months with suboptimal response; the GLORA-2 study in patients with newly diagnosed CLL/SLL; the GLORA-3 study in newly diagnosed, elderly and unfit patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML); and the GLORA-4 study in patients with newly diagnosed higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR MDS), a study that was simultaneously cleared by the U.S. FDA, the EMA of the EU, and China CDE.
Leveraging its robust R&D capabilities, Ascentage Pharma has built a portfolio of global intellectual property rights and entered into global partnerships and other relationships with numerous leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, such as Takeda, AstraZeneca, Merck, Pfizer, and Innovent, in addition to research and development relationships with leading research institutions, such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, National Cancer Institute and the University of Michigan. For more information, visit https://ascentage.com/
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements, including statements that express Ascentage Pharma’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results of operations or financial condition.
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These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties as discussed in Ascentage Pharma’s filings with the SEC, including those set forth in the sections titled “Risk factors” and “Special note regarding forward-looking statements and industry data” in its Registration Statement on Form F-1, as amended, filed with the SEC on January 21, 2025, and the Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 16, 2025, the sections headed “Forward-looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the prospectus of the Company for its Hong Kong initial public offering dated October 16, 2019, and other filings with the SEC and/or The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited we made or make from time to time that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this presentation do not constitute profit forecast by the Company’s management.
As a result of these factors, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on Ascentage Pharma’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects and speak only as of the date of such statements. Ascentage Pharma does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contacts
Investor Relations:
Yuly Chen, Senior Investor Relations Director
Ascentage Pharma
IR@ascentage.com
+86 512 85557777
+1 (301) 792-5658
Stephanie Carrington
ICR Healthcare
AscentageIR@icrhealthcare.com
+1 (646) 277-1282
Media Relations:
Sean Leous
ICR Healthcare
AscentagePR@icrhealthcare.com
+1 (646) 866-4012
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Exhibit 99.2
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement.
ASCENTAGE PHARMA GROUP INTERNATIONAL
亞 盛 醫 藥 集 團
(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability)
(Stock Code: 6855)
VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT
ASCENTAGE PHARMA TO PRESENT DATA FROM FOUR PRECLINICAL STUDIES IN ITS INNOVATIVE PIPELINE AT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CANCER RESEARCH (AACR) ANNUAL MEETING 2026
Ascentage Pharma Group International (the “Company” or “Ascentage Pharma”) is pleased to announce that four abstracts highlighting the latest preclinical results from its pipeline programs have been selected for poster presentations at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place from April 17, 2026 to April 22, 2026, in San Diego, California, USA.
The data to be presented encompasses three of the Company’s novel drug candidates: BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor Olverembatinib (HQP1351), FAK/ALK/ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor APG-2449, and EED inhibitor APG-5918.
The AACR Annual Meeting 2026 is the critical driver of progress against cancer, the place where scientists, clinicians, other health care professionals, survivors, patients, and advocates gather to share and discuss the latest breakthroughs. From population science and prevention; to cancer biology, translational, and clinical studies; to survivorship and advocacy; the AACR Annual Meeting showcases cutting-edge cancer science and medicine.
The four preclinical abstracts from Ascentage Pharma include:
Multitarget kinase inhibitor olverembatinib (HQP1351) is efficacious and synergizes with chemotherapy in preclinical models of endometrial carcinoma (EC)
| ● | Abstract number: 4583 | |
| ● | Poster Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics | |
| ● | Session Title: Novel Antitumor Agents 2 | |
| ● | Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT | |
| Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 0:00 AM – 3:00 AM Beijing Time |
Multikinase inhibitor olverembatinib (HQP1351) is efficacious and synergizes with BTK inhibitor acalabrutinib in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) preclinical models
| ● | Abstract number: 5875 | |
| ● | Poster Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics | |
| ● | Session Title: Tyrosine Kinase, Phosphatase, and Other Inhibitors | |
| ● | Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT | |
| Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM Beijing Time |
FAK inhibition by APG-2449 enhances the antitumor activity of MAPK pathway blockade in BRAF V600E-mutant tumor models
| ● | Abstract number: 1858 | |
| ● | Poster Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics | |
| ● | Session Title: Targeting Drug Resistance 1: Apoptosis and Autophagy | |
| ● | Time: Monday, April 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT | |
| Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 0:00 AM – 3:00 AM Beijing Time |
Embryonic ectoderm development (EED) inhibitor APG-5918 synergizes with topoisomerase I inhibitors in preclinical small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) models through epigenetic priming of chemosensitivity
| ● | Abstract number: 4500 | |
| ● | Poster Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics | |
| ● | Session Title: Epigenetic Modulators 1 | |
| ● | Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT | |
| Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 0:00 AM – 3:00 AM Beijing Time |
Cautionary Statement required by Rule 18A.05 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited: We may not be able to ultimately develop and market APG-2449 and APG-5918 successfully.
By order of the Board Ascentage Pharma Group International Dr. Yang Dajun Chairman and Executive Director |
Suzhou, People’s Republic of China, March 18, 2026
As at the date of this announcement, the Board comprises Dr. Yang Dajun as Chairman and executive Director, Dr. Wang Shaomeng and Dr. Lu Simon DazhongNote1 as non-executive Directors, and Mr. Ye Changqing, Mr. Ren Wei, Dr. David SidranskyNote2, Ms. Marina S. Bozilenko, Dr. Debra Yu and Dr. Marc E. Lippman, MD as independent non-executive Directors.
| Notes: | 1. | Dr. Lu Simon Dazhong satisfy the independence requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq corporate governance requirements |
| 2. | Dr. David Sidransky is the Lead Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company. |
FAQ
What did Ascentage Pharma (AAPG) announce in this Form 6-K?
Which drug candidates from Ascentage Pharma (AAPG) will be featured at AACR 2026?
When and where will Ascentage Pharma’s AACR 2026 posters be presented?
What approved products does Ascentage Pharma (AAPG) currently market?
What late-stage clinical trials is Ascentage Pharma running for Olverembatinib?
What Phase III trials are underway for Lisaftoclax at Ascentage Pharma (AAPG)?
Filing Exhibits & Attachments
2 documents