ASCO 2026 Day 1: ADCs, Bispecifics, and Precision Oncology Take Center Stage
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ASCO 2026 Day 1 Highlights: ADCs, Bispecifics, and Precision Oncology Take Center Stage
ASCO 2026 is underway, and Day 1 delivered important updates across hematologic malignancies, lung cancer, genitourinary cancers, and gynecologic oncology.
While many presentations reinforced existing standards of care, several datasets highlighted the continued momentum behind antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and precision oncology approaches. The day also offered a reminder that positive clinical data alone is not always enough to move stocks higher, as investors increasingly focus on differentiation, competitive positioning, and long-term commercial potential.
Biggest Winners
Corbus Pharmaceuticals (CRBP)
One of the strongest performers on Day 1 was Corbus Pharmaceuticals, whose next-generation Nectin-4 ADC, CRB-701, demonstrated encouraging activity in recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. The study reported an unconfirmed ORR of up to 37.5% at higher dose levels alongside a manageable safety profile.
Stock move: +3.5%
Corcept Therapeutics (CORT)
Corcept presented additional analyses from the Phase 3 ROSELLA study evaluating relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The presentation reinforced a significant overall survival benefit that remained consistent regardless of prior taxane exposure.
Stock move: +1.6%
Nuvalent (NUVL)
Nuvalent's ALK inhibitor neladalkib continued to impress in ALK-positive NSCLC. The dataset demonstrated activity in heavily pretreated patients, including those with CNS disease and resistance mutations, while early first-line data showed an ORR of 86%.
As investors continue searching for the next generation of ALK-targeted therapies, neladalkib remains one of the most closely watched assets in the space.
Stock move: +1.0%
Notable Presentations
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY)
Bristol Myers Squibb delivered positive updates from two important hematology programs.
Golcadomide showed encouraging efficacy in newly diagnosed aggressive B-cell lymphoma, while mezigdomide met its primary endpoint in the Phase 3 SUCCESSOR-2 study in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
Together, these presentations reinforced the company's growing CELMoD platform and its potential expansion into earlier treatment settings.
Stock move: +0.5%
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN)
Regeneron reported encouraging first-line data for odronextamab plus CHOP in high-risk DLBCL.
Response rates were strong, with complete response rates reaching 85%, and the company selected a dosing regimen for advancement into the Phase 3 portion of the OLYMPIA-3 program.
Stock move: -1.1%
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
Johnson & Johnson generated several important myeloma updates during Day 1.
Teclistamab improved progression-free survival and overall survival in the Phase 3 MajesTEC-9 study, while daratumumab continued to demonstrate benefit across genomic risk groups in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
These results further strengthen J&J's leadership position across multiple myeloma treatment settings.
Stock move: -2.4%
Technology Themes Emerging
ADCs Continue to Dominate Oncology Discussions
If Day 1 had a technology winner, it was ADCs.
Presentations from Eli Lilly, Corbus, AbbVie, and GSK highlighted the continued investment and competition across targeted payload delivery platforms. From Nectin-4-targeted therapies in urothelial and cervical cancers to next-generation hematology programs, ADCs remain one of the hottest areas in oncology development.
Bispecific Antibodies Continue Expanding
Bispecific antibodies featured prominently throughout lymphoma and multiple myeloma sessions.
Programs including odronextamab, mosunetuzumab, epcoritamab, teclistamab, linvoseltamab, and elranatamab continue to push these therapies into earlier treatment settings and broader patient populations.
ctDNA Shows Promise, But Challenges Remain
A ctDNA analysis from KEYNOTE-564 suggested prognostic value for molecular residual disease detection in renal cell carcinoma. However, the study also highlighted ongoing sensitivity challenges for ctDNA assays in certain solid tumors.
Catalysts We Will Be Watching
Several Day 1 presentations have the potential to influence future clinical development and competitive dynamics:
• Phase 3 advancement of Regeneron's odronextamab program in DLBCL
• Continued first-line development of Nuvalent's neladalkib in ALK-positive NSCLC
• Expansion opportunities for Bristol Myers Squibb's CELMoD platform
• Competitive positioning among Nectin-4 ADCs following presentations from Eli Lilly and Corbus
• Broader adoption of ctDNA-guided treatment strategies in solid tumors
Don't Miss Any Upcoming Catalysts! The BPIQ catalyst calendar tracks every upcoming readout, PDUFA, and major medical conference across biopharma, in one place, updated daily, so you can spot the next move before it moves.
This article is not investment, tax, or legal advice. Please do your own diligence and seek advice from professional advisors representing your interests.
Article history:
First published 05/29/26 MD, RF