Data identify nuclear PD-L1 as a previously unaddressed driver of immunotherapy resistance and metastatic progression

SYDNEY, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kazia Therapeutics (NASDAQ: KZIA), an oncology-focused pharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced compelling preclinical and translational data supporting the development of NDL2, a potentially first-in-class protein degrader that is designed to selectively eliminate nuclear PD-L1, a previously unrecognized intracellular driver of immunotherapy resistance and metastatic progression that is not addressed by currently approved PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Across multiple preclinical models and patient-derived samples, NDL2 demonstrated reversal of immune exhaustion, suppression of metastatic biology, and enhanced anti-tumor activity, including in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. By applying targeted protein degradation to one of the most clinically validated targets in oncology (PD-L1), Kazia aims to address a fundamental limitation of current immunotherapies while advancing a program aligned with growing strategic interest in protein degraders.

The data were generated by Professor Sudha Rao and her team at QIMR Berghofer and collectively support nuclear PD-L1 as a mechanistically distinct and therapeutically actionable driver of immune evasion, disease progression, and metastasis.

Key Highlights

Potentially first-in-class Nuclear PD-L1 degrader: Targets a newly discovered epigenetically regulated intracellular PD-L1 species driving immune evasion, metastasis, and resistance to checkpoint inhibitors.

Clear mechanistic differentiation: Unlike PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies that block extracellular signalling, NDL2 is designed to target nuclear PD-L1 proteins that are linked to aggressive and therapeutically resistant mesenchymal and stem-like cancer phenotypes.

In murine triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) preclinical models, NDL2 reduced primary tumor volume by 49% as monotherapy and 73% in combination with anti-PD-1, with 50% reduction in lung metastases in the combination setting.

Favorable preclinical safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) profile: No observed toxicity, no hemolysis, preserved immune checkpoint function at the cell surface, and favorable plasma stability.

Nuclear PD-L1: A Newly Identified Driver of Resistance and Metastasis

Despite the transformative impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors, most solid tumors develop primary or acquired resistance, frequently accompanied by metastatic progression. Kazia’s collaborators identified nuclear PD-L1 as a transcriptionally active regulator that promotes:

Epithelial (benign) to Mesenchymal (aggressive) Transition (EMT)

Cancer stem-like phenotypes

Metastatic dissemination

Immune exhaustion and evasion

Nuclear PD-L1 was shown to be enriched in immunotherapy-resistant tumor cells, metastatic lesions, and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and to regulate gene programs associated with invasion, survival, and immune suppression. Importantly, this intracellular PD-L1 pool is not addressed by existing PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies, representing a previously inaccessible resistance mechanism.

Robust Translational and Liquid Biopsy Evidence

Using an advanced epigenetic digital pathology and liquid biopsy platform, researchers demonstrated that:

Nuclear PD-L1 is selectively enriched in resistant and metastatic tumors, including TNBC, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and colorectal cancer.

Distinct nuclear versus cytoplasmic PD-L1 post-translational modification states can be reliably quantified in circulating tumor cells.

Longitudinal liquid biopsy analysis showed that reductions in nuclear PD-L1 preceded radiographic tumor responses, supporting its potential utility as an early predictive biomarker of treatment benefit.

These findings support a precision-guided development strategy, integrating therapy and diagnostics from the outset.

Immune Reprogramming and Anti-Metastatic Activity

Spatial transcriptomic and proteomic profiling revealed that NDL2 treatment was able to drive a coordinated shift toward a less aggressive tumor state and a more active anti-tumor immune response in preclinical models, including:

Suppressed aggressive mesenchymal phenotype and metastasis-associated gene programs (including VIM, ZEB1, FN1);

Reduced oncogenic PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling;

Increased intratumoral CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell infiltration and Granzyme B expression; and

Reduced markers of T-cell exhaustion, including TIM-3 and LAG-3.

In combination with anti-PD-1 therapy, these effects translated into meaningful reductions in metastatic burden in the preclinical models evaluated, supporting the potential of NDL2 to address one of the most significant limitations of current immunotherapies.

Strategic Validation: Protein Degradation as a High-Value Oncology Modality

Targeted protein degradation has emerged as a strategically important area of innovation in oncology, with large pharmaceutical companies increasingly prioritizing degrader-based approaches to address therapeutic resistance and intracellular targets not readily accessible through conventional modalities. Importantly, recent strategic acquisitions and collaborations in this space have been predominantly focused on research-stage and preclinical programs, reinforcing the industry’s willingness to invest meaningfully in degrader technologies well ahead of clinical proof-of-concept.

Against this backdrop, NDL2 uniquely combines an innovative approach with one of the most clinically validated targets in oncology. PD-L1 underpins multiple FDA-approved therapies across numerous tumor types and indications globally. By selectively degrading the nuclear, resistance-associated form of PD-L1, Kazia’s approach applies a novel and differentiated mechanism to a well-established biological pathway, positioning the program favorably for future strategic partnerships and long-term value creation.

Development Pathway and Outlook

NDL2 is a bicyclic peptide-based degrader, a modality that combines the selectivity of biologics with the tissue penetration, manufacturability, and pharmacokinetic advantages of small molecules. Future development of the program is supported by scalable synthetic manufacturing, favorable stability and PK characteristics, and absence of off-target nuclear effects observed to date.

Initial clinical development is expected to prioritize immunotherapy-refractory solid tumors where PD-L1 biology, metastatic progression, and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors are well established. Based on the underlying mechanism and preclinical data, these may include triple-negative breast cancer and melanoma, with potential expansion into larger PD-1/PD-L1-treated populations such as lung and colorectal cancers.

Kazia and its collaborators are advancing IND-enabling studies, with the objective of initiating first-in-human clinical trials in 2027, subject to regulatory review.

Kazia also plans to present elements of this dataset at an upcoming oncology-focused scientific meeting in the second quarter of 2026, where additional details on the underlying biology, translational findings, and therapeutic rationale for nuclear PD-L1 degradation are expected to be shared. Further program updates, including expanded preclinical and translational insights, are expected to be included in the Company’s next corporate presentation update scheduled for the first quarter 2026.

“The pharmaceutical industry is clearly signalling that targeted protein degradation represents a transformational opportunity in oncology,” said Dr. John Friend, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Kazia Therapeutics. “Recent high-profile acquisitions of preclinical protein degrader programs underscore the strategic value being placed on this modality. What differentiates NDL2 is that we are applying protein degradation to PD-L1 as one of the most clinically validated targets in cancer, while addressing a resistance mechanism not reached by existing therapies.  Unlike programs focused on narrow biology, PD-L1 protein degraders offers multiple shots on goal across tumor types and treatment settings, which we believe creates a broad strategic partnering opportunity.”

For investor and media, please contact Mike Moyer, Managing Director LifeSci Advisors LLC, mmoyer@lifesciadvisors, +1-617-308-4306.

About Kazia Therapeutics

Kazia Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ: KZIA) is an oncology-focused drug development company, based in Sydney, Australia. Our lead program is paxalisib, an investigational brain penetrant inhibitor of the PI3K / Akt / mTOR pathway, which is being developed to treat multiple forms of cancer. Licensed from Genentech in late 2016, paxalisib is or has been the subject of ten clinical trials in this disease. A completed Phase 2/3 study in glioblastoma (GBM-Agile) was reported in 2024, and discussions are ongoing for designing and executing a pivotal registrational study in pursuit of a standard approval. Other clinical trials involving paxalisib are ongoing in advanced breast cancer, brain metastases, diffuse midline gliomas, and primary central nervous system lymphoma, with several of these trials having reported encouraging interim data. Paxalisib was granted Orphan Drug Designation for glioblastoma by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2018, and Fast Track Designation (FTD) for glioblastoma by the FDA in August 2020. Paxalisib was also granted FTD in July 2023 for the treatment of solid tumor brain metastases harboring PI3K pathway mutations in combination with radiation therapy. In addition, paxalisib was granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation and Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in August 2020, and for atypical teratoid / rhabdoid tumors in June 2022 and July 2022, respectively. Kazia is also developing EVT801, a small molecule inhibitor of VEGFR3, which was licensed from Evotec SE in April 2021. Preclinical data has shown EVT801 to be active against a broad range of tumor types and has provided evidence of synergy with immuno-oncology agents. In addition to its clinical-stage programs, Kazia is advancing NDL2, a potentially first-in-class nuclear PD-L1 protein degrader program targeting a newly identified mechanism of immunotherapy resistance and metastatic progression, currently in preclinical development. For more information, please visit www.kaziatherapeutics.com or follow us on X @KaziaTx.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which can generally be identified as such by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “future,” “forward,” “anticipate,” or other similar words. Any statement describing Kazia’s future plans, strategies, intentions, expectations, objectives, goals or prospects, and other statements that are not historical facts, are also forward looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the ability to address fundamental limitations of current immunotherapies, the potential benefits of NDL2 and the plans and goals of developing NDL2 formulation, the anticipated development pathways and combinations of NDL2, including potentially initiating first-in-human clinical trials in 2027, subject to regulatory review ,the timing for results and data related to Kazia’s clinical and preclinical trials, including presenting the NDL2 data sets in the second quarter of 2026 and the timing for further NDL2 program updated in the first quarter of 2026, Kazia’s strategy and plans, timing for any regulatory submissions or discussions with regulatory agencies and the potential market opportunity and collaborations opportunities for NDL2. Such statements are based on Kazia’s current expectations and projections about future events and future trends affecting its business and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties associated with clinical and preclinical trials and product development, including the risk that interim or early data may not be consistent with final data, risks related to regulatory approvals, risks related to the impact of global economic conditions, and risks related to Kazia’s ability to regain and/or maintain compliance with the applicable Nasdaq continued listing requirements and standards. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in Kazia’s Annual Report, filed on form 20-F with the SEC, and in subsequent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Kazia undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this announcement.

HANGZHOU, China, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jiuzi Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: JZXN) (“Jiuzi” or the “Company”) today announced that it has officially signed a cooperation agreement with Xinhui Solar Technology Group Co., Ltd., securing a USD 30 million investment from the group. Building on this partnership, the two parties will pursue deep collaboration focused on the development of EV charging infrastructure and the deployment of new energy vehicle service networks across Southeast Asia, jointly advancing the upgrade and broader adoption of regional clean mobility infrastructure.

Under the terms of the agreement, Xinhui Solar Technology Group Co., Ltd. will support Jiuzi Holdings, Inc. through a combination of equity investment and co-development initiatives. The partnership will accelerate the rollout of charging networks, integrated charging stations, and supporting new energy vehicle service systems in key Southeast Asian countries. Over the coming years, the parties plan to adopt a phased investment and rolling construction approach to progressively establish a charging and service network covering major cities and key transportation corridors, enhancing regional service capacity and operational efficiency.

Jiuzi Holdings, Inc. noted that this cooperation not only provides strong funding support, but, more importantly, leverages Xinhui Solar Technology Group Co., Ltd.‘s local resources, channels, and operating experience in Southeast Asia. The company expects to realize multidimensional synergy across “capital + technology + channels,” speeding up its overseas expansion and strengthening its brand influence and competitiveness in Southeast Asia’s new energy mobility sector.

Xinhui Solar Technology Group Co., Ltd. stated that it is optimistic about Southeast Asia’s significant growth potential in electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure development, and it recognizes Jiuzi Holdings, Inc.‘s comprehensive capabilities in charging technology, network operations, and service systems. Through this collaboration, the group aims to work with Jiuzi Holdings, Inc. to build a benchmark new energy mobility infrastructure and service platform for the Southeast Asian market.

Industry observers noted that, driven by global decarbonization goals and supportive new energy policies across Southeast Asia, local EV penetration and charging demand are expected to grow rapidly. The cooperation between Jiuzi Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: JZXN) and Xinhui Solar Technology Group Co., Ltd. is expected to help both parties capture first-mover advantages in the region, create a sustainable new engine for business growth, and provide strong support for future performance growth and long-term value creation.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company’s proposed offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

BEIJING, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd. (Nasdaq: AZI) (“Autozi” or the “Company”) today announced that it has formally received US$10 million in share subscription proceeds from its controlling shareholder. Going forward, the Company intends to issue shares to the controlling shareholder at an appropriate time at a price representing a 30% premium to the market price.

The Company stated that the subscription proceeds have been fully received. Subsequent matters, including the issuance and registration of the shares, will be implemented in phases in accordance with the established arrangements, following the completion of the necessary corporate governance procedures and applicable disclosure requirements.

The Company stated that the controlling shareholder’s participation in the share issuance at the agreed subscription price demonstrates strong confidence in AZI’s long-term development strategy, business prospects, and intrinsic corporate value. Upon completion of the capital increase, the Company’s capital base will be further strengthened, which is expected to:

• Optimize the Company’s capital structure and balance sheet and enhance overall financial stability;
• Support continued investment and expansion of the Company’s core businesses and facilitate the execution of key projects;
• Increase investment in technology research and development, product upgrades, and market channel expansion; and
• Enhance the Company’s resilience to industry competition and cyclical fluctuations, while improving strategic flexibility.

“The controlling shareholder’s US$10 million share subscription represents the most direct and meaningful support for the Company’s long-term development,” AZI stated. “Going forward, we will continue to execute our established strategy, accelerate business expansion and product innovation, and deliver stronger and more stable operating performance to reward the trust and support of all shareholders.”

Market observers generally view increases in ownership by controlling shareholders through share purchases or private placements as a positive signal regarding a company’s fundamentals and medium- to long-term share price performance, which may help strengthen investor confidence and improve overall capital market expectations.

AZI reaffirmed that the Company will continue to adhere to prudent operations and compliant corporate governance practices, continuously enhance operational efficiency and profitability, seize industry development opportunities, and create sustainable long-term value for its shareholders.

About Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd.

AZI is a technology-driven operator of comprehensive solution-focused automotive e-commerce platforms. Leveraging advanced internet technologies and big data analytics tools, it provides global participants in the automotive industry with a range of value-added services, including but not limited to new car sales, parts procurement, and logistics coordination. The company aims to promote the upgrading and transformation of the entire industry chain by improving circulation efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company’s proposed offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

HANGZHOU, China, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sciwind Biosciences Co., Ltd. (“Sciwind”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapies for metabolic diseases, announced today that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved ecnoglutide injection for glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), making it the world’s first approved cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist.

The number of diabetes patients in China has been increasing steadily over the past decades, reaching approximately 148 million by 2024. Concurrently, the glucose-lowering strategy has evolved from solely managing hyperglycemia to emphasizing comprehensive, long-term patient benefits. As a cornerstone therapy for T2DM, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have undergone continuous improvement, culminating in the development of “biased GLP-1RAs,” with ecnoglutide serving as an example. This advancement marks a novel direction in diabetes management and has been cited in the Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in China (2024 Edition).

A novel cAMP-biased Mechanism

Ecnoglutide injection represents the world’s first approved long-acting cAMP-biased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. In contrast to unbiased GLP-1 receptor therapies, ecnoglutide selectively activates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathways while minimizing β-arrestin recruitment. This signaling bias attenuates receptor desensitization, preserves receptor expression at the cell surface, and sustains prolonged therapeutic signaling. The unique biased mechanism of ecnoglutide is one of the key factors underlying its enhanced therapeutic efficacy and sustained metabolic benefits.

Comprehensive Benefits with Sustained Efficacy Over 52 Weeks

The approval of ecnoglutide injection is supported by its Phase III EECOH-1 and EECOH-2 clinical trials, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of the drug in Chinese participants with T2DM as monotherapy and in combination with metformin, respectively. Both pivotal trials demonstrated that ecnoglutide injection provides comprehensive clinical benefits, including effective glycemic control, significant weight reduction, and improvements in key metabolic parameters—with sustained efficacy over 52 weeks and a favorable safety and tolerability profile.

• EECOH-1 Study (published in Nature Communications): Using the treatment policy estimand, in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with diet and exercise alone, both ecnoglutide doses resulted in a robust reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) compared with the placebo group after 24 weeks of treatment; importantly, the 1.2 mg dose group demonstrated a 2.43% reduction. Compared with the placebo group, both treatment groups had a significantly higher proportion of participants achieving HbA_1c＜5.7%, ≤6.5% and ＜7.0% at week 24, with 80.3% of participants in the ecnoglutide 1.2 mg dose group achieving an HbA_1c of ＜7.0%. These findings confirm that ecnoglutide effectively reduces HbA_1c, achieves higher proportions of participants reaching HbA_1c targets of <5.7%, ≤6.5% and <7.0% in a dose-dependent manner, and maintains stable efficacy for up to 52 weeks.
• EECOH-2 Study (published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology): Using the treatment policy estimand, in adults with T2DM inadequately controlled by metformin, ecnoglutide 0.6mg and 1.2mg exhibited greater reductions in HbA_1c compared with dulaglutide 1.5 mg. At week 32, the mean reduction in HbA_1c was 1.91% with ecnoglutide 0.6 mg. At week 52, the proportions of participants achieving HbA_1c targets of <7.0% and ≤6.5% in both ecnoglutide dose groups were significantly higher than those observed in the dulaglutide 1.5 mg group. Efficacy was maintained consistently throughout the 52-week treatment period. These data demonstrate that both ecnoglutide doses provide superior reductions in HbA_1c and higher proportions of participants reaching HbA_1c targets of <5.7%, ≤6.5% and <7.0% versus dulaglutide 1.5 mg.

Dr. Hai Pan, Founder and CEO of Sciwind Biosciences, stated, “As the world’s first approved cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist, ecnoglutide’s successful approval marks a major milestone for Sciwind. Building on this achievement, Sciwind will focus on scientific and technological innovation to bring this novel therapy and its broader pipeline of innovative treatments to benefit Chinese patients and hopefully, the patients around the world.”

About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Persistent hyperglycaemia can lead to long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of multiple organs. By 2024, the number of diabetes patients in China had risen to 148 million. Diabetes treatment has evolved from insulin to metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, with drugs progressively advancing from short-acting to long-acting formulations. GLP-1 receptor agonists have achieved progressively elevated positioning in treatment guidelines. Biased GLP-1RA was specially referenced in the newest guideline of Chinese diabetes society in 2024.

About Ecnoglutide

Ecnoglutide injection, originally discovered and developed by Sciwind Biosciences, is the world’s first approved cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist enhancing clinical efficacy and accessibility. Ecnoglutide injection has successfully completed three Phase III clinical trials. From Phase I through Phase III, ecnoglutide injection has consistently demonstrated a favorable safety profile and strong efficacy, with the findings published in leading metabolic journals, underscoring its potential as a promising therapy for patients with metabolic diseases.

About Sciwind Biosciences

Sciwind Biosciences is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, dedicated to addressing the unmet medical needs in the field of weight management and metabolic diseases. Sciwind has established a robust pipeline anchored by the lead asset, ecnoglutide (XW003). It has developed multiple proprietary technology platforms, including biased agonist discovery platform, long-acting and oral peptide delivery platforms, and has identified a series of drug candidates based on these core technology platforms. Sciwind has built an extensive pipeline targeting GLP-1 and synergistic pathways, offering both injectable and oral treatment solutions to deliver sustainable and high-quality therapies for patients with metabolic diseases.

For more information, please visit www.sciwindbio.com.