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Pliant Therapeutics Announces Upcoming Presentation of Phase 1 Clinical Trial of PLN-101095 in Patients with Solid Tumors at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting

MWN-AI** Summary

Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. has announced the upcoming presentation of its Phase 1 clinical trial data for PLN-101095, a groundbreaking dual integrin inhibitor targeting advanced solid tumors, at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in San Diego. Scheduled for April 18, 2026, the oral presentation will be delivered by Dr. Timothy A. Yap from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, as part of the Clinical Trials Mini Symposium.

PLN-101095 is designed to specifically inhibit the integrins ?v?8 and ?v?1, aiming to overcome resistance to existing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) by inhibiting TGF-? activation within the tumor microenvironment. This clinical trial is pivotal as it evaluates PLN-101095, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with pembrolizumab, for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors that have proved refractory to current ICI therapies.

The ongoing Phase 1a/1b trial is an open-label, dose-escalation study designed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and initial efficacy of the treatment. Pliant Therapeutics emphasizes the potential of PLN-101095 to significantly impact cancer treatment paradigms by enhancing therapeutic approaches against solid tumors that are resistant to conventional treatments.

Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on integrin-based therapeutics. With PLN-101095 as its lead program, the company aims to pioneer advancements in cancer therapy through innovative drug development approaches, including strategies for targeted delivery and internalization of drug payloads utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules. For more information, Pliant encourages interested parties to visit their website and social media channels.

MWN-AI** Analysis

Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX) is generating notable buzz ahead of the AACR Annual Meeting with the announcement of their Phase 1 clinical trial presentation for PLN-101095. As investors and market analysts, it’s prudent to closely monitor developments around Pliant, particularly due to the innovative mechanisms underlying PLN-101095, which functions as a dual integrin inhibitor aimed at enhancing anti-tumor efficacy in solid tumors resistant to existing immunotherapies.

The upcoming presentation on April 18, led by Dr. Timothy A. Yap, will delve into the data from both monotherapy and combination therapy with pembrolizumab. Given the high market interest in novel oncology therapies and resistance mechanisms, a positive reception of these data could catalyze substantial interest in Pliant’s stock.

From an investment perspective, the sentiment around biopharma stocks often fluctuates with clinical data announcements. If the Phase 1 data exhibit promising safety profiles and initial efficacy, it could significantly bolster Pliant’s market valuation, considering the gap in treatment options for ICI-refractory patients. Conversely, any unfavorable results could lead to increased volatility in PLRX shares and potential downward pressure.

Pliant's focus on integrin-based therapeutics is part of a broader trend within oncology, and the strategic application of PLN-101095 positions the company favorably against competitors also aiming to address checkpoint inhibitor resistance. Investors should look at broader industry trends and peer performances, especially in the context of ongoing innovations in cancer therapeutics.

In conclusion, preparing for potential volatility in PLRX shares is essential as the AACR meeting approaches. Active monitoring of investor sentiment and market reactions post-presentation will be crucial for making informed investment decisions in this dynamic biotechnology landscape.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: GlobeNewswire

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of integrin-based therapeutics, today announced the presentation of data from the Phase 1 trial of PLN-101095 at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting taking place in San Diego, California from April 17-22, 2026.

The abstract was selected for oral presentation as part of the Clinical Trials Mini Symposium.

Oral Presentation

Title: First-in-human phase I study of PLN-101095, a first-in-class dual ?v?8/?v?1integrin inhibitor, as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)

Presenter: Timothy A. Yap, M.D., Ph.D., University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Session: CTMS01: Updates in Anticancer Immunotherapies
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Presentation Time: 10:21 a.m. - 10:31 a.m. Pacific Time
Location: Ballroom 6A - Upper Level – San Diego Convention Center

Oncology Program

PLN-101095 is an oral, small molecule, dual selective inhibitor of ?v?8 and ?v?1 integrins designed to overcome checkpoint resistance by blocking TGF-? activation in the tumor microenvironment. Pliant is currently conducting a Phase 1a/1b open-label, dose-escalation and indication expansion trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary evidence of antitumor activity of PLN-101095, as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-refractory advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

About Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.

Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of integrin-based therapeutics. The Company’s lead program is PLN-101095, a small molecule, dual-selective inhibitor of ?vß8 and ?vß1 integrins, that is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors. Pliant’s early-stage platform includes preclinical research focused on tissue-specific delivery and internalization of drug payloads utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules. For additional information, please visit: www.PliantRx.com. Follow us on social media X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Investor and Media Contact:

Christopher Keenan
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.
ir@pliantrx.com


FAQ**

How does Pliant Therapeutics Inc. PLRX plan to leverage the findings from the oral presentation of PLN-101095 at the AACR Annual Meeting in its future clinical trials and potential partnerships?
Pliant Therapeutics Inc. plans to leverage the findings from the oral presentation of PLN-101095 at the AACR Annual Meeting to inform its future clinical trial designs and to enhance its attractiveness for potential partnerships by demonstrating the drug's efficacy and safety profile.
What are the expected next steps for Pliant Therapeutics Inc. PLRX following the Phase 1 trial results of PLN-101095, particularly regarding advancing its development pipeline?
Following the favorable Phase 1 trial results of PLN-101095, Pliant Therapeutics Inc. (PLRX) is expected to advance its development pipeline by initiating Phase 2 trials, securing additional funding, and potentially pursuing partnerships for further clinical development.
Can Pliant Therapeutics Inc. PLRX provide more insights into the preliminary evidence of antitumor activity observed in the Phase 1 trial of PLN-101095 when used as monotherapy versus its combination with pembrolizumab?
Yes, Pliant Therapeutics Inc. (PLRX) can provide insights into the preliminary evidence of antitumor activity observed in their Phase 1 trial of PLN-101095 by analyzing and disclosing comparative efficacy and safety data from both monotherapy and combination therapy with pembrolizumab.
What strategies does Pliant Therapeutics Inc. PLRX have in place to address any potential challenges in the market for integrin inhibitors, especially in light of PLN-101095’s role in boosting immune response in refractory tumors?
Pliant Therapeutics Inc. employs a combination of strategic partnerships, robust clinical trials, and focused market research to navigate challenges in the integrin inhibitor market, while emphasizing PLN-101095's potential to enhance immune responses in refractory tumors.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Pliant Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: PLRX).

Pliant Therapeutics Inc.

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