Sonnet BioTherapeutics Provides Fiscal Year 2022 Second Quarter Business and Earnings Update

On May 10, 2022 Sonnet BioTherapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SONN) ("Sonnet" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative targeted biologic drugs, reported its financial results for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and provided a business update (Press release, Sonnet BioTherapeutics, MAY 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234614050]).

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"We are excited to have initiated the first clinical trial with our lead Fully Human Albumin Binding pipeline asset, SON-1010," said Pankaj Mohan, Ph.D., Founder and CEO. "This represents a great accomplishment for our research team, and we look forward to continuing the progress by also advancing SON-080 into the clinic by mid-year. Additionally, we plan to initiate a non-human primate non-GLP toxicology study for SON-1210 later this quarter."

"We continue to focus on our financing strategy and are on track with our R&D activities in 2022. We believe there is significant value in our pipeline that is not reflected in our current valuation that we will seek to unlock during this pivotal year for Sonnet," commented Jay Cross, CFO.

FY 2022 Second Quarter and Recent Corporate Updates

Sonnet provided the following corporate updates for the 2022 calendar year:

●IND cleared for SON-1010 and clinical trial initiated; initial safety data for this study are anticipated in the second half of 2022.
●Continued cGMP manufacturing of SON-080, with clinical study initiation planned for the first half of 2022 in patients with Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN).
●Preparing initiation of a non-GLP pre-clinical toxicity study of SON-1210 in non-human primates in the second quarter of 2022.
●Completed sequence confirmation for SON-3015 and preparing for initial in vivo mice studies in the second half of 2022.
●Lead optimization is underway to initiate chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) with cell line development for SON-1410 in the second quarter of 2022.

FY 2022 Second Quarter Ended March 31, 2022 Financial Results

●As of March 31, 2022, Sonnet had $13.6 million cash on hand.
●Research and development expenses were $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase of $2.6 million was primarily due to the development of the cell lines for SON-1010, SON-1210 and SON-080, and an increase in payroll and share-based compensation expense as we continue to expand our operations.
●General and administrative expenses were $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease of $0.3 million was primarily due to a decrease in payroll expense.

BAUSCH HEALTH COMPANIES INC. ANNOUNCES FIRST-QUARTER 2022 RESULTS

On May 10, 2022 Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) ("Bausch Health" or the "Company" or "we") reported its first-quarter 2022 financial results (Press release, Bausch Health, MAY 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234614049]).

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"Our organic3 growth in the first quarter of 2022 was stable compared to the same quarter last year, despite incremental macro pressures and a challenging supply chain environment," said Thomas J. Appio, incoming chief executive officer ("CEO"), Bausch Health. "Following the closing of the initial public offering of the Bausch + Lomb eye health business later today, we will operate as two companies, which enables Bausch Health to increase its focus on accelerating growth with strategic commercial investments and expanding our pipeline with innovative products that improve the quality of life for patients around the world."

Bausch + Lomb Launches IPO and Begins Trading Under "BLCO" Ticker; Bausch Health Will Separate Chairman and CEO Roles
Bausch Health’s eye health business, Bausch + Lomb, which launched its initial public offering ("IPO") and subsequently began trading under the ticker "BLCO" on May 6, 2022, expects the IPO to close today, May 10, 2022. Bausch + Lomb remains on track to spin off from Bausch Health, following the expiry of customary lock-ups related to the IPO, achievement of target net leverage ratios and subject to market conditions, receipt of applicable shareholder and other necessary approvals.2 The Company expects to close the IPO with $630 million in gross proceeds to be applied for the repayment of Bausch Health’s long-term debt on May 10, 2022.

Mr. Appio will assume the role of CEO of Bausch Health, effective upon the closing of the IPO of Bausch + Lomb. The Company also separated the roles of chairman and CEO, with Joseph C. Papa remaining as Chairman until the full separation of Bausch + Lomb. Mr. Papa will be succeeded by Robert N. Power.4

1 This is a non-GAAP measure or a non-GAAP ratio. For further information on non-GAAP measures and non-GAAP ratios, please refer to the "Non-GAAP Information" section of this news release. Please also refer to tables at the end of this news release for a reconciliation of this and other non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
2 The Bausch + Lomb common shares have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and conditionally approved for listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). The common shares began trading on the NYSE and on an "if, as and when issued basis" on the TSX on May 6, 2022; and the IPO is expected to close on May 10, 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.
3 Organic growth/change, a non-GAAP ratio, is defined as a change on a period-over-period basis in reported revenues on a constant currency basis (if applicable) excluding the impact of recent acquisitions, divestitures and discontinuations.
4 All leadership and board appointments are conditional and effective upon the closing of the IPO of Bausch + Lomb.

First-Quarter 2022 Revenue Performance
Total reported revenues were $1.918 billion for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $2.027 billion in the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $109 million, or 5%. Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of $41 million and the impact of divestitures and discontinuations of $72 million, primarily due to the divestiture of Amoun Pharmaceutical Company S.A.E. ("Amoun") on July 26, 2021, revenue was flat organically1,3 when compared to the first quarter of 2021.

Revenues by segment were as follows:

Salix Segment
Salix segment reported and organic1,3 revenues were $464 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $472 million for the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $8 million, or 2%. The decrease was primarily driven by lower volumes due to the loss of exclusivity of certain products, partially offset by increased sales of XIFAXAN (rifaximin), TRULANCE (plecanatide) and PLENVU (polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium ascorbate, sodium sulfate, ascorbic acid, sodium chloride and potassium chloride for oral solution), which grew by 1%, 14% and 60%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2021.

International Segment5
International segment reported revenues were $244 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $306 million for the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $62 million, or 20%. Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of $12 million and the impact of divestitures and discontinuations of $69 million, primarily due to the divestiture of Amoun on July 26, 2021, International segment revenues increased organically1,3 by 8% compared to the first quarter of 2021.

Diversified Products Segment5
Diversified Products segment reported and organic1,3 revenues were $249 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $296 million for the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $47 million, or 16%, primarily attributable to a decrease in volumes, partially offset by an increase in net realized pricing.

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5 Commencing in the first quarter of 2022, the Company realigned its segment reporting structure and now operates in the following reportable segments: Salix, International, Diversified Products, Solta Medical and Bausch + Lomb. Under the new segment structure, Ortho Dermatologics is now part of the current Diversified Products segment and the Solta reporting unit is now the sole reporting unit of the Solta Medical segment.
6 To assist investors in evaluating the Company’s performance, reported sales are adjusted for changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Change at constant currency, a non-GAAP ratio, is determined by comparing 2022 reported amounts adjusted to exclude currency impact, calculated using 2021 monthly average exchange rates, to the actual 2021 reported amounts.

Solta Medical Segment5
Solta Medical segment reported and organic1,3 revenues were $72 million for the first quarter of 2022, which was flat with the first quarter of 2021, which reflects an increase in net realized pricing, offset by a decline in volumes primarily due to inventory shortfalls resulting from the impact of lockdowns in China due to the new COVID-19 variant and microchip supply chain constraints.

Bausch + Lomb Segment5
Bausch + Lomb segment reported revenues were $889 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $881 million for the first quarter of 2021, an increase of $8 million, or 1%. Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of $29 million and the impact of divestitures and discontinuations of $3 million, the Bausch + Lomb segment increased organically1,3 by approximately 5% compared to the first quarter of 2021, primarily due to higher sales in the global Vision Care business, including LUMIFY (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.025%), Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution and Ocuvite/PreserVision, and higher sales in the Global Surgical business.

Operating Results
Operating income was $285 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to an operating loss of $221 million for the first quarter of 2021, a favorable change of $506 million, primarily driven by a goodwill impairment charge of $469 million in our Ortho Dermatologics business that occurred in the first quarter of 2021, a decrease in asset impairments, including the loss associated with the sale of Amoun on July 26, 2021, and a decrease in amortization of intangible assets.

Net Loss
Net loss for the first quarter of 2022 was $69 million, as compared to $610 million for the first quarter of 2021, a favorable change of $541 million. The change was primarily due to the increase in operating results discussed above.

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)1 for the first quarter of 2022 was $263 million, as compared to $370 million for the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $107 million.

Cash from Operations
Cash used by operations was $63 million in the first quarter of 2022, as compared to cash generated from operations of $443 million in the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $506 million. The decrease is primarily attributable to $349 million in payments of legacy legal settlements and the timing of payments in the ordinary course of business.

Earnings Per Share
GAAP Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Diluted for the first quarter of 2022 was ($0.19), as compared to ($1.71) for the first quarter of 2021.

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)1
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)1 was $732 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $852 million for the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $120 million, primarily due to the divestment of Amoun on July 26, 2021; increased Selling, General & Administrative expenses due to profit protection measures taken in the first quarter of 2021 to manage and reduce our operating expenses and preserve cash during the COVID-19 pandemic; and increased R&D spending.

Balance Sheet Highlights:
•First-quarter cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and other settlement deposits were $2.460 billion7 on March 31, 2022
•Gross proceeds from the IPO2 of $630 million and from Bausch + Lomb’s debt financing of $2.5 billion are expected upon closing and will be used to reduce Bausch Health’s total long-term debt
•The Company’s availability under its 2023 Revolving Credit Facility was $1.171 billion at March 31, 2022

Select Company and Pipeline Highlights
•Launched XIPERE8 (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension), a therapy that uses the suprachoroidal space to treat patients suffering from macular edema associated with uveitis, in the United States
•Launched Bausch + Lomb ULTRA ONE DAY daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses in 14 markets in Europe and Malaysia
•Reported revenues for Clear + Brilliant franchise increased by 27% during the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021
•Published new data in Advances In Therapy on the cost impact of treating opioid-induced constipation with FDA-approved medications, including RELISTOR subcutaneous injection (methylnaltrexone bromide), in the Emergency Department
•To date, 83 patients have been enrolled in Phase 2 trial evaluating amiselimod (S1P modulator) for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis
•Global enrollment continues in the Phase 3 trial evaluating the use of rifaximin SSD for the prevention of cirrhosis complications – hepatic encephalopathy, and the Company is preparing for regulatory meetings outside of the United States
•Received regulatory approval for LUMIFY (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.025%) and VYZULTA (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution), 0.024%, in Lebanon; VYZULTA is now approved in 17 countries

2022 Financial Outlook
Bausch Health updated its guidance for the full year of 2022 as follows:
•Full-Year revenue range of $8.25 – $8.40 billion, reaffirming organic1,3 growth of 3 – 5%
•Full-Year Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)1 range of $3.225 – $3.375 billion, including $100 million of the previously disclosed $150 million annual run rate of dis-synergies

Other than with respect to GAAP Revenues, the Company only provides guidance on a non-GAAP basis. The Company does not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)1 to GAAP net income (loss), due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation. Because deductions (such as restructuring, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt and litigation and other matters) used to calculate projected net income (loss)

vary dramatically based on actual events, the Company is not able to forecast on a GAAP basis with reasonable certainty all deductions needed in order to provide a GAAP calculation of projected net income (loss) at this time. The amount of these deductions may be material and, therefore, could result
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7 Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and other settlement deposits includes restricted cash of $1.210 billion of payments into an escrow fund under the terms of a settlement agreement regarding certain U.S. securities litigation (subject to an objector’s appeal of the final court approval of the agreement).
8 In 2019, the Company acquired an exclusive license from Clearside Biomedical, Inc. for the commercialization and development of XIPERE in the United States and Canada.

in projected GAAP net income (loss) being materially less than projected Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)1. These statements represent forward-looking information and may represent a financial outlook, and actual results may vary. Please see the risks and assumptions referred to in the Forward-looking Statements section of this news release.

Werewolf Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Provides Business Highlights

On May 10, 2022 Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company" or "Werewolf") (Nasdaq: HOWL), an innovative biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of conditionally activated therapeutics engineered to stimulate the body’s immune system for the treatment of cancer, reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 (Press release, Werewolf Therapeutics, MAY 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234614048]).

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"To date in 2022, we have successfully executed against corporate and strategic objectives, most notably, signing a collaboration and licensing agreement with Jazz Pharmaceuticals for the global development and commercialization of WTX-613," said Daniel J. Hicklin, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Werewolf Therapeutics. "Beyond supporting our conviction in the power of our innovative PREDATOR platform and the viability of WTX-613 as a next-generation IFNα for treatment of cancer, this agreement provides important access to non-dilutive capital, which, together with our updated term loan facility, extends our cash runway through at least the fourth quarter of 2023. Further, we remain on track as we advance towards clinical development for WTX-124 and WTX-330, while progressing our broader research portfolio in parallel."

First Quarter 2022 and Recent Business Highlights

Entered into exclusive global license and collaboration agreement with Jazz Pharmaceuticals to develop WTX-613: In April 2022, Jazz and Werewolf announced that they entered into a licensing agreement under which Jazz has acquired exclusive global development and commercialization rights to Werewolf’s investigational candidate WTX-613, an IFN⍺2b cytokine pro-drug, currently in preclinical development for a range of cancer types. Werewolf received an upfront payment of $15.0 million from Jazz and is eligible to receive up to $520.0 million in development and regulatory milestones, and up to $740.0 million in commercial milestone payments. Pending approval, Werewolf is eligible to receive a tiered, mid-single-digit percentage royalty on net sales of WTX-613. Jazz is responsible for funding all preclinical and IND-enabling activities conducted by Werewolf for WTX-613 and is responsible for the submission of an investigational new drug application for WTX-613 and all subsequent clinical development and commercialization activities.

Presented preclinical data on two lead INDUKINE molecules at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper): In April 2022, Werewolf presented promising preclinical data on its IL-2 and IL-12 INDUKINE molecules, WTX-124 and WTX-330, during the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. WTX-124 demonstrated high tumor selectivity and generated significant anti-tumor activity in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner, and the WTX-330 surrogate demonstrated significant expansion of the therapeutic

werewolflogohorizontalaa.jpg
window compared to recombinant IL-12 and generated potent anti-tumor immunity in multiple syngeneic tumor models.

Published preclinical data demonstrating efficacy of WTX-124 in delivering IL-2 selectively to the tumor microenvironment: In March 2022, Werewolf announced the publication of preclinical data for its lead molecule, WTX-124, in peer-reviewed Cancer Immunology Research. The article entitled, "Discovery of a conditionally activated IL-2 that promotes anti-tumor immunity and induces tumor regression," includes preclinical data that highlights WTX-124’s design in delivering IL-2 selectively to the tumor microenvironment where it stimulates a potent anti-tumor immune response.

Entered into $40.0 million term loan facility: In April 2022, Werewolf entered into an amended term loan facility with Pacific Western Bank (PWB), which provides access to up to $40.0 million across two tranches, $20.0 million of which is available at Werewolf’s discretion and $20.0 million upon the acceptance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of two investigational new drug application submissions on or before March 31, 2023.

First Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights
•Cash position: As of March 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents were $143.7 million, compared to $157.5 million as of December 31, 2021. This quarter-end balance does not reflect $15.0 million upfront proceeds received in April from the collaboration agreement with Jazz. The Company expects that its existing cash and cash equivalents, together with the upfront payment from the Jazz agreement as well as access to the $20.0 million first tranche of its term loan agreement with PWB, will be sufficient to enable the funding of its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the fourth quarter of 2023.
•Research and development expenses: Research and development expenses were $10.9 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $4.8 million for the same period in 2021. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily due to increased manufacturing, contract research organization, and personnel expenses incurred to advance the Company’s product candidates WTX-124, WTX-330 and WTX-613 and expand research and development activities.
•General and administrative expenses: General and administrative expenses were $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2021. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased personnel, professional services, and other operating costs attributable to operating as a public company.
•Net loss: Net loss was $15.3 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $7.4 million for the same period in 2021.

Immatics Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial to Evaluate Lead TCR Bispecific IMA401 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

On May 10, 2022 Immatics N.V. (NASDAQ: IMTX, "Immatics"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company active in the discovery and development of T cell-redirecting cancer immunotherapies, reported the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial with its T cell engaging receptor (TCER) IMA401 for patients with recurrent and/or refractory solid tumors (Press release, Immatics, MAY 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234614047]). IMA401 is the most advanced product candidate from Immatics’ TCR Bispecific pipeline targeting an HLA-A*02-presented peptide derived from both MAGEA4 and MAGEA8. TCER IMA401 will be developed in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb. Immatics is responsible for conducting the Phase 1 clinical trial.

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The primary objectives of the clinical trial (NCT#05359445) are to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for IMA401 in biomarker-positive (HLA-A*02:01 and MAGEA4/8) patients with recurrent and/or refractory solid tumors. Secondary objectives are to characterize safety and tolerability, evaluate initial anti-tumor activity and assess pharmacokinetics of IMA401. The Phase 1 trial consists of a dose-escalation (Phase 1a) portion that will be followed by a dose-expansion (Phase 1b) portion to treat patients at the recommended dose level. The trial is planned to be conducted at up to 15 centers in Germany, with the first site already being initiated. The Phase 1 trial is designed to enroll approximately 50 patients.

"IMA401 is the first TCER candidate from our TCR Bispecifics pipeline entering clinical development, and expands our clinical portfolio with an exciting new TCR-based immunotherapy approach that can be supplied off-the-shelf compared to autologous cell therapies," said Cedrik Britten, Chief Medical Officer at Immatics. "Our innovative TCER format leads to an extended-half-life and incorporates novel binding-moieties that are designed to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicities in patients. Our TCER IMA401 could treat a range of solid tumors and therefore meet currently unmet needs of a broad patient population. This is best achieved with a strong pharma partner which we have found in Bristol Myers Squibb."

Immatics entered into a global exclusive license agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb in December 2021 for the IMA401 program under which both companies will collaborate to advance the program through clinical development.

Immatics’ TCR Bispecific pipeline includes a second TCER product candidate, IMA402, which targets PRAME. Manufacturing of the clinical IMA402 batch is planned for the second half of 2022 and initiation of the Phase 1 trial is planned in 2023. Immatics’ TCER pipeline is further strengthened by additional innovative TCER program(s), IMA40X, in preclinical development.

About IMA401
IMA401 is Immatics’ most advanced TCER molecule that targets an HLA-A*02-presented (human leukocyte antigen) peptide derived from two different cancer-associated proteins, melanoma-associated antigen 4 and/or 8 ("MAGEA4/8"). The MAGEA4/8 peptide has been identified and validated by Immatics’ proprietary mass spectrometry-based target discovery platform XPRESIDENT and is presented at a 5-fold higher copy number per tumor cell than a MAGEA4 peptide targeted in other clinical trials. Following preclinical proof-of-concept data, including complete remissions of transplanted human-derived tumors in xenograft mouse models, the Phase 1 trial investigates IMA401 in patients with tumors of high MAGEA4/8 prevalence, such as squamous non-small cell lung carcinoma (sqNSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), bladder, uterine, esophageal and ovarian carcinomas, as well as melanoma, sarcoma subtypes and other solid cancer types.

About TCER
Immatics’ half-life extended TCER molecules are antibody-like "off-the-shelf" biologics that leverage the body’s immune system by redirecting and activating T cells towards cancer cells expressing a specific tumor target. The design of the TCER molecules enables the activation of any T cell in the body to attack the tumor, regardless of the T cells’ intrinsic specificity. Immatics proprietary biologics are engineered with two binding regions: a TCR domain and a T cell recruiter domain. The TCER format is designed to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicities in patients. It contains a high-affinity TCR domain that is designed to bind specifically to the cancer target peptide on the cell surface presented by an HLA molecule. The antibody-derived, low-affinity T cell recruiter domain is directed against the TCR/CD3 complex and recruits a patient’s T cells to the tumor to attack the cancer cells. With a low-affinity recruiter aiming for optimized biodistribution and enrichment of the molecule at the tumor site instead of the periphery, TCER are engineered to reduce the occurrence of immune-related adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome. In addition, the TCER format consists of an Fc-part conferring half-life extension, stability, and manufacturability. TCER are "off-the-shelf" biologics and thus immediately available for patient treatment. They can be distributed through standard pharmaceutical supply chains and provide the opportunity to reach a large patient population without the need of specialized medical centers.

Collaboration with Sygnature Discovery in AI for New Drug Design

On May 10, 2022 Iktos, a company specialized in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for new drug design and Sygnature Discovery, a leading integrated drug discovery CRO headquartered in Nottingham, UK, with expertise across a range of therapeutic and biological target classes reported a collaboration agreement in AI for new drug design (Press release, Iktos, MAY 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234614046]).

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Under the 3-year agreement, Sygnature will deploy Iktos’ de novo generative design software Makya, which will be used by Sygnature scientists to facilitate rapid and efficient design of novel compounds and accelerate hit-to-lead/lead optimisation, reinforcing Sygnature Discovery’s drug design expertise delivering its integrated drug discovery solutions to its world-wide customer base.

In the recent years, Iktos has emerged as one of the world leaders in AI for drug design, establishing multiple collaborations with renowned pharmaceutical companies and successfully developing the AI software platforms Makya for new drug design and Spaya for synthesis planning.

Makya, a generative AI-driven de novo design software for Multi-Parametric Optimization (MPO), is available either as a SaaS platform or for implementation on customer premises or in the customer’s Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). Makya’s user-friendly interface enables it to be used by medicinal or computational chemists, and Makya can also be operated as a Python package through a Jupyter notebook interface. Makya is based on Iktos’ generative AI technology, which helps bring speed and efficiency to the drug discovery process by automatically designing virtual novel molecules that have desired activities for treating a given disease. It is a novel solution, validated through many collaborations, to one of the key challenges in drug design: the rapid identification of molecules that simultaneously satisfy multiple parameters, such as potency, selectivity, safety, and project-specific properties.

Sygnature Discovery serves its growing customer base with fully integrated drug discovery services from target validation through to preclinical candidate selection. The company has a relentless focus on quality and continually looks to improve on its ability to deliver novel therapeutics to the clinic.

Colin Sambrook-Smith, Director of Computational Sciences at Sygnature Discovery commented:

"Late stage lead optimisation projects routinely generate substantial data sets which are ideally placed for exploitation by AI and Machine Learning technologies. Our experience with the Iktos Makya AI/ML technology demonstrates that it generates high quality compound ideas, the QSAR models can be rapidly updated, and the interface allows us to distribute the software broadly and quickly. We believe that Makya will allow us to blend our proven medicinal and computational chemistry expertise with the benefit of AI/ML technologies to impact compound design. This is why we have selected Makya to enhance how we help our customers with their lead optimisation projects, with a view to reducing the number of compounds required to identify pre-clinical candidates and so keep overall costs and timelines down."

"We are very pleased to collaborate with Sygnature Discovery, they truly are a leading integrated drug discovery CRO and with a great track record. We are excited and proud to announce our first multi-year collaboration deal in the dynamic CRO sector and to have Sygnature’s scientists use our software to speed up their customers’ discovery programs," said Yann Gaston-Mathé, Co-founder and CEO of Iktos. "We are more than ever committed to make our technology available to biopharma companies around the world and maximize the impact of AI on the productivity of drug discovery."