As the world’s most influential academic summit in oncology, the most notable shift at this year’s AACR may be that oncology R&D has pivoted from single-target validation toward engineered innovation via target combinations.

This trend is prominent across key studies: Among Hengrui Pharma’s four shortlisted breakthrough preclinical studies, three are bi/multi-specific T-cell engagers (TCEs), including a PD-1×VEGF×CTLA-4 trispecific antibody, aiming to overcome drug resistance through multi-target synergy. Meanwhile, Abogen Biosciences utilised mRNA technology to encode a CD19×CD3 TCE, demonstrating the clinical translation potential of combining new technology platforms with proven target combinations.

Target combinations are becoming the critical path to raising the efficacy ceiling. However, from concept to clinic lies a massive data gap. For frontline practitioners, several practical challenges have emerged:

As R&D evolves from single-target to multi-target strategies, traditional research methods are becoming obsolete. This complicates the competitive landscaping of a specific combination for project teams at small-to-mid-sized biotechs, as well as business development (BD) professionals and investors seeking differentiated assets.

NextBiopharm’s Target Combinations Function: Rebuilding the Intelligence Framework for Multi-target Drug Research

The newly launched Target Combinations feature in PharmCube’s NextBiopharm® database shifts the focus from single-target queries to the multi-target searches. It aggregates all pipelines, technological pathways, clinical results, and transactions under the same combination into a single unified view, helping users gain a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape.

Key Features:

1. Target Combination Search

Supports free-form combination searches across any dimension, such as dual or triple targets. All related pipelines and intelligence are aggregated with one click.

From PD-1×VEGF to PD-1×VEGF×CTLA-4, any combination can be precisely matched, bypassing the need for manual filtering and eliminating the risk of missing a multi-target pipeline.

1. Target Combination Statistics

Summarises shifts in drug data, indications, and clinical trials across multiple dimensions to capture rising target combination trends early.

Monthly indicator tracking: How many drugs are in development for a combination? How many indications are covered? Are clinical trials increasing? Is deal activity high? Dark horse combinations can be identified before they flood the headlines.

1. Target Combination R&D Landscape

A single table presenting the distribution of indications and development stages for all pipelines within the same combination, showing at a glance who is leading and who has the broadest layout.

Using PD-1×VEGF as an example: Who has an approved product? Who has the widest footprint in solid tumours? Who is covering CRC, HCC, or TNBC? The answers are laid out in one view.

1. Target Combination Clinical Results

From ORR to OS, key data from various pipelines within the same combination are structurally aligned, to quickly identify the most robust clinical evidence.

Clinical results scattered across different literature articles and press releases are now aggregated side-by-side, making it possible to compare efficacy metrics directly without digging through independent reports.

1. Opportunity Alerts

Users receive weekly updates on who added new pipelines or advanced their development stages within a combination, eliminating the need for periodic logins.

Once targets are locked in and monitoring conditions are set, the system sends every Monday an automated email detailing the new developments, moving from passive searches to proactive alerts.

The NextBiopharm® database's Target Combinations tool supports key decision making in:

· Business Development (BD): Map the competitive landscape for target combinations to evaluate product value; identify high-potential multi-target candidates to gain early access to assets.

· R&D: Determine if the window of opportunity for a specific target combination has closed; choose the ideal technological modality for a given combination.

· Investment: Evaluate the potential of a biotech’s technology platform; conduct sector research to track hot spots and technology trends.

Whether you are in BD, project planning, or Investment, you will find your answers in the Target Combination view.