Pliant Therapeutics has appointed David Raben as chief medical officer. Dr Raben brings over 30 years of experience in academic translational research, clinical care, and oncology drug development. Dr Raben is a board-certified radiation oncologist. Most recently, he served as chief medical officer at Bicara Therapeutics, where he oversaw clinical development of the company's lead asset across multiple indications. Previously, he held senior positions at Amgen and Genentech, leading oncology programmes and clinical strategy. Before moving to industry, Dr Raben spent more than 20 years as a professor at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. His research focused on combining novel biologic therapies with radiation for patients with advanced cancers. Pliant is developing PLN-101095, a dual-selective inhibitor being investigated for treating solid tumours.

Pliant Therapeutics reported second quarter 2026 financial results and announced the appointment of two oncology drug development experts to its board of directors. The clinical-stage biotechnology company appointed Flavia Borellini and Robert Iannone, who bring extensive experience in global oncology drug development and commercialisation. The company is experiencing strong enrollment in FORTIFY, a Phase 1b trial of PLN-101095 in combination with pembrolizumab for immune checkpoint inhibitor-refractory advanced or metastatic solid tumours. The trial will enroll up to 102 patients across three cohorts, with interim data expected in 2027. Research and development expenses decreased to $16.7 million from $32.2 million year-over-year. Net loss fell to $22.4 million from $43.3 million in the prior-year quarter. As of 30 June 2026, Pliant had cash and investments of $159.6 million, expected to fund operations into the second half of 2028.

Pliant Therapeutics announces upcoming presentation at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. Highlights FORTIFY, the Phase 1b indication expansion trial of PLN-101095 enrolling patients with ICI-refractory solid tumors SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX) today announced a presentation at the upcoming 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting taking place in Chicago, Illinois from May 29 to June 2, 2026. Poster Presentation | Presenter: | Timothy A. Yap, MBBS, Ph.D., University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center | | Session: | Developmental Therapeutics - Immunotherapy | | Date: | Saturday, May 30, 2026, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Central Time | | Location: | Hall A, Poster 467b | FORTIFY - PLN-101095 Phase 1b Indication Expansion Trial PLN-101095 is currently being evaluated in Phase 1a/1b open-label, dose-escalation and indication expansion trial (NCT06270706) to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary evidence of antitumor activity of PLN-101095 when administered orally in combination with pembrolizumab, in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-refractory advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Pliant is currently enrolling patients in FORTIFY, a Phase 1b open-label, indication expansion trial enrolling three cohorts of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), tumors with high tumor mutational burden or clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Patients will be treated for 14 days with PLN-101095 dosed at 1,000 mg twice daily as monotherapy, after which pembrolizumab will be added as combination therapy. About Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of integrin-based therapeutics. Pliant's lead program is PLN-101095, an oral, small molecule, dual-selective inhibitor of α[v] ß[8] and α[v] ß[1] integrins, that is being developed for the treatment of ICI-refractory advanced or metastatic solid tumors. PLN-101095 is being investigated in FORTIFY, a Phase 1b indication expansion trial enrolling patients with NSCLC, tumors with high tumor mutational burden or clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Pliant's preclinical research is focused on tissue-specific delivery and internalization of drug payloads utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules with programs focused on delivering siRNAs to skeletal muscle cells, adipocytes, and renal cells. For additional information on Pliant, visit www.PliantRx.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook. Investor and Media Contact: Christopher Keenan Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. [email protected]