Friday Five: ASCO Takeaways, ADA Focus, China Deals & More – Clinical Trials
Decision brief
Answer first · skim in under a minute
This week's Friday Five covers standout data from ASCO 2025, including Revolution Medicines' pancreatic cancer results, a preview of the upcoming ADA meeting, and a significant Eli Lilly deal in China. The roundup also highlights ADC safety findings and a new BMS-Hengrui collaboration, providing decision-useful insights for pharma stakeholders.
This Friday Five ASCO news brief covers three decision points for BD and investors: daraxonrasib’s Phase 3 pancreatic survival win, a multi-billion BMS–Hengrui China partnership, and Lilly’s ongoing China biotech deals—plus what to track next at the American Diabetes Association meeting.
Contents9 sections
Key Takeaways
- RASolute 302 (NCT06625320) reported median OS 13.2 vs 6.7 months for daraxonrasib versus chemotherapy in previously treated metastatic PDAC (HR 0.40; p<0.0001), presented as ASCO plenary LBA5.
- ClinicalTrials.gov lists RASolute 302 as Phase 3, ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING, with actual enrollment of 500.
- On May 12, 2026, BMS and Hengrui announced a 13-program pact with up to $950 million near-term cash and potential total value about $15.2 billion.
- Lilly continues China-origin licensing; Innovent’s February 8, 2026 release cited $350 million upfront and up to about $8.5 billion in milestones for oncology/immunology programs.
What ASCO news did RASolute 302 deliver?
Revolution Medicines’ May 31, 2026 GlobeNewswire release said detailed RASolute 302 results would appear in an ASCO late-breaking plenary (LBA5) and in The New England Journal of Medicine the same day.
Earlier topline messaging on April 13, 2026 stated oral daraxonrasib once daily improved PFS and OS versus investigator’s choice of intravenous cytotoxic chemotherapy.
In the intent-to-treat population, the company reported median OS of 13.2 months versus 6.7 months (HR 0.40; p<0.0001). Treat those figures as sponsor-reported Phase 3 outcomes pending full labeling.
How is RASolute 302 registered on ClinicalTrials.gov?
NCT06625320 titles the study as a Phase 3 trial of daraxonrasib (RMC-6236) in previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Registry details list status ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING, Phase 3, and actual enrollment of 500. Patients receive 300 mg oral daraxonrasib daily or investigator’s choice of standard chemotherapy, per the company trial description.
- Indication focus: previously treated metastatic PDAC.
- Drug: daraxonrasib / RMC-6236 (RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor).
- Design: global randomized controlled Phase 3.
- Enrollment snapshot: 500 (actual) on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Why do China deals matter for Lilly and BMS this week?
On May 12, 2026, Hengrui and Bristol Myers Squibb said they entered collaboration and license agreements for 13 early-stage oncology, hematology, and immunology programs (four Hengrui assets, four BMS immunology assets, five jointly discovered).
Cash terms in the release: up to $950 million including a $600 million upfront, a $175 million first anniversary payment, and a contingent $175 million second anniversary payment in 2028. Potential total value is up to about $15.2 billion with milestones and options. Closing is expected in the third quarter of 2026 subject to HSR and customary conditions.
Separately, Innovent’s February 8, 2026 PR Newswire release described a seventh Lilly collaboration: $350 million upfront and up to about $8.5 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, with Lilly rights outside Greater China after Innovent leads through Phase 2 proof-of-concept in China.
What should you watch at the ADA meeting?
The American Diabetes Association scientific sessions remain the next large catalyst for metabolic assets after this ASCO news cycle. Track GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual agonists, and oral incretin programs that can move 2026–2027 revenue models.
Prefer primary registries and labeled trial identifiers over secondary rumor. Pair ADA abstracts with ClinicalTrials.gov primary-completion dates before re-rating a franchise.
What remains unproven?
Sponsor OS and PFS claims for daraxonrasib are not a substitute for an FDA-approved label. Cross-trial chemotherapy controls differ by regimen mix.
Vague claims about “standing ovations” or unnamed ADC blood-toxicity studies are omitted here because they lack a dated primary paper or registry ID in this rewrite.
Deal totals up to $15.2 billion or $8.5 billion are potential maxima, not cash already paid.
Related NovaPharma coverage
- Eli Lilly pipeline and deals: GLP-1, vaccines, and 2026 outlook
- GLP-1 usage statistics and clinical signals
- Cardiff Oncology pipeline update and FDA meeting catalysts
Frequently Asked Questions
What ASCO news stood out from RASolute 302?
Revolution Medicines presented Phase 3 RASolute 302 (NCT06625320) results for daraxonrasib (RMC-6236) in previously treated metastatic PDAC as ASCO plenary LBA5. Sponsor-reported intent-to-treat median overall survival was 13.2 months versus 6.7 months for chemotherapy (HR 0.40; p<0.0001).
What are the terms of the BMS–Hengrui deal?
On May 12, 2026, Bristol Myers Squibb and Hengrui announced collaboration and license agreements covering 13 early-stage oncology, hematology, and immunology programs. BMS will pay up to $950 million near-term (including a $600 million upfront), with potential total value up to about $15.2 billion including milestones and options.
What should teams watch at the ADA meeting?
Focus on GLP-1 and dual-agonist updates that move competitive timelines for diabetes and obesity. Use ClinicalTrials.gov and company filings for enrollment and primary-endpoint dates rather than rumor roundups when sizing pipeline risk.
Primary Sources
Sources & references 1 primary sources
Sources verified at publication. See our editorial policy and data sources.
This article follows our editorial standards. Report a correction via editorial contact.
