# Advancements in cancer immunotherapy and drug discovery > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/advancements-in-cancer-immunotherapy-and-drug-discovery > Updated: 2026-10-06T00:30:08.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Developments in cancer immunotherapy and drug design have focused on expanding treatment access and improving molecular targeting. Strategic partnerships and funding have facilitated the advancement of PD-1 inhibitor biosimilars, such as the agreement between Shilpa Biologicals and SPIMACO Bio to increase affordability in the Middle East and North Africa region. Additionally, PDS Biotech secured $22.3 million in investment to support late-stage development of HPV-targeted immunotherapies. Research has also progressed in molecular technology and artificial intelligence. Hanmi Pharmaceutical reported preclinical success with Small Molecule Drug Conjugate (SMDC) technology designed to penetrate dense tumor microenvironments more effectively than traditional Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Concurrently, Insilico Medicine utilized AI platforms to design a PROTAC-class molecule for blood cancers, aiming to reduce the drug candidate selection process to between 12 and 18 months. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: Pharmaceutical advancements in cancer treatment via SMDC and AI-driven drug design Hanmi Pharmaceutical reveals SMDC technology to improve tumor penetration in cancer treatment, while Insilico Medicine uses AI to design new PROTAC candidates for blood cancer therapy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pharmaceutical-advancements-in-cancer-treatment-via-smdc-and-ai-driven-drug-design ### 2026-09-15: Biotech firms advance cancer immunotherapy through new partnerships and funding Shilpa Biologicals and SPIMACO Bio are partnering to bring PD-1 biosimilars to the MENA region, while PDS Biotech secures up to $22.3 million in funding from Nant Capital for immunotherapy development. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biotech-firms-advance-cancer-immunotherapy-through-new-partnerships-and-funding --- Cite as: Advancements in cancer immunotherapy and drug discovery. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/advancements-in-cancer-immunotherapy-and-drug-discovery