Altimmune To Report Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results And Provide Business Update On November 10

On November 3, 2022 Altimmune, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, reported that it will report its third quarter 2022 financial results on Thursday, November 10, 2022 and will provide a business update (Press release, Altimmune, NOV 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234623122]).

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Altimmune management will host a conference call at 8:30 am E.T. on November 10 to discuss financial results and provide a business update. The conference call will be webcast live on Altimmune’s Investor Relations website at View Source

Participants who would like to join the call may register here to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN to access the call. Shortly after the call, a replay will be available on the Investor Relations website for up to twelve months.

Autolus Therapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Operational Progress

On November 3, 2022 Autolus Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: AUTL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation programmed T cell therapies, reported its operational and financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 (Press release, Autolus, NOV 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234623121]).

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"Autolus has continued to deliver further strategic and operational progress during the third quarter of 2022, with our pivotal FELIX trial on track for a Q4 2022 update, the commercial manufacturing facility build on schedule for the handover of the first clean rooms to Autolus, and the announcement post-period end of an agreement for our proprietary technology with Bristol Myers Squibb and an option exercise by Moderna," said Dr. Christian Itin, CEO of Autolus "Alongside this, we have continued progressing our pipeline candidates through Phase 1 clinical trials through our long-standing collaboration with UCL, laying the foundations for our clinical pipeline beyond obe-cel. We are looking forward to updating the market with our progress over the coming months as we remain fully focused on bringing obe-cel to market."

Key Pipeline Programs:

Obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel) in relapsed / refractory (r/r) adult ALL – The FELIX Trial
The pivotal FELIX Phase 2 clinical trial is on track to report initial results in Q4 2022. Autolus plans to present FELIX Phase 2 data at a medical conference in mid-2023. Assuming a positive outcome from the FELIX trial, the Company expects the data to form the basis of a Biologics License Application (BLA) submission for obe-cel to the FDA at the end of 2023.
Obe-cel in r/r adult ALL patients – ALLCAR19 Trial
In collaboration with University College London (UCL), Autolus expects to present long term follow-up data from the Phase 1 ALLCAR19 trial in Q4 2022 at the 2022 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting, to be held December 10-13, 2022. Abstracts will be online November 3, 2022 at 09:00 am ET/1:00 pm GMT.
Obe-cel in r/r B-NHL patients – ALLCAR19 Extension Trial
In collaboration with UCL, patients continue to be enrolled into the Phase 1 ALLCAR19 extension trial. Data were presented at the European Hematology Congress (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) in June 2022, and longer-term follow up will be presented at the 2022 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting in December. Abstracts will be online November 3, 2022 at 09:00 am ET/1:00 pm GMT.
Obe-cel in Primary CNS Lymphoma patients – CAROUSEL Trial
In collaboration with UCL, patients continue to be enrolled into the Phase 1 CAROUSEL trial. Data were presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) in June 2022 – and longer-term follow up data is planned in 2023.
AUTO1/22 in pediatric ALL patients – CARPALL Trial
In collaboration with UCL, patients continue to be enrolled into the AUTO1/22 Phase 1 CARPALL trial. Data were presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) in June 2022, and longer-term follow up data will be presented at the 2022 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Meeting in December. Abstracts will be online November 3, 2022 at 09:00 am ET/1:00 pm GMT.
AUTO4 in T Cell Lymphoma patients – LibrA T1 Trial
Autolus has optimized the manufacturing process for AUTO4, and is currently enrolling additional patients into the trial to test this manufacturing change. Data were presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) in June 2022, and longer-term follow up data will be presented at the 2022 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Meeting in December. Abstracts will be online November 3, 2022 at 09:00 am ET/1:00 pm GMT.
AUTO8 in Multiple Myeloma – MCARTY Trial
In collaboration with UCL, patients continue to be enrolled into the AUTO8 Phase 1 clinical trial, with first data expected in H2 2023.
AUTO6NG in Neuroblastoma – MCARGD2 Trial
In collaboration with UCL, the first patient is expected to be dosed in the Phase 1 MCARGD2 clinical trial in H1 2023, with initial data expected towards the end of 2023.
Key Operational Updates during Q3 2022

The build phase of the Company’s new 70,000 square foot commercial manufacturing facility in Stevenage, UK has continued to progress on track with the planned schedule during Q3 2022, with Phase 1 of the buildout scheduled to complete in Q4 2022. This first phase includes the first of three cell product commercial manufacturing clean rooms in Stevenage. Final equipment installations and qualification by Autolus are on track for the commencement of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) operations in H2 2023. This facility has been designed for a capacity of 2,000 batches per year with the option to expand capacity as needed.
Autolus is on schedule to complete the development work and report generation for the Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) package planned to be submitted to the FDA. All work including process qualification activities in the new Stevenage facility are on track for submission of a BLA by the end of 2023.
Post Period End:

In October 2022, Autolus announced a new collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb, and the exercise of an option by Moderna under an existing license and option agreement announced in August 2021. These two technology deals underscore the scientific capabilities and expertise at Autolus.

Bristol Myers Squibb entered into a licensing agreement with Autolus for access to the Company’s proprietary RQR8 rituximab-induced safety switch for incorporation into a set of selected cell therapy programs, in return for an upfront payment, with potential for near term option exercise fees and development milestone payments plus royalties.

Moderna exercised an option on one of the proprietary binders being developed against an undisclosed immuno-oncology target for the delivery of pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics, in return for an upfront payment, development and commercial milestone payments for each product successfully commercialized, as well as royalties on net sales of all products commercialized under the agreement.

This license option stems from a deal announced on August 2, 2021, granting Moderna an exclusive option to license Autolus’ proprietary binders for incorporation in certain mRNA therapeutics.
Financial Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2022

Cash at September 30, 2022, totaled $163.1 million, as compared to cash of $310.3 million at December 31, 2021. Post period end the company received $19.1m in relation to its 2021 U.K research and development tax credit claim.

Net total operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022, were $43.5 million, which included license revenue income of $2.4 million, as compared to net operating expenses of $40.4 million, which included grant income of $0.2 million, for the same period in 2021.

Research and development expenses increased by $5.3 million to $37.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $32.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 primarily due to:

an increase of $3.6 million in clinical costs and manufacturing costs primarily relating to the Company’s obe-cel clinical product candidate,
an increase of $2.0 million in salaries and other employment related costs including share-based compensation expense, which was mainly driven by an increase in the number of employees engaged in research and development activities,
an increase of $0.8 million in legal fees and professional consulting fees in relation to the Company’s research and development activities,
an increase of $0.2 million related to information technology infrastructure and support for information systems related to the conduct of clinical trials and manufacturing operations.
a decrease of $0.7 million in facilities costs related to the termination and closure of the Company’s US manufacturing facility in 2021 and a shift in the Company’s overall manufacturing strategy, and
a decrease of $0.6 million in depreciation and amortization related to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.
General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.1 million to $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $8.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 primarily due to:

an increase of $1.0 million in salaries and other employment related costs including share-based compensation expenses, which was mainly driven by an increase in the number of employees engaged in general and administrative activities,
an increase of $0.1 million in facilities costs due to the increased space utilized for general and administrative activities,
a decrease of $1.1 million primarily related to a reduction in directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums, as well as reduced professional fees and information technology costs, and
a decrease of $0.1 million in depreciation and amortization related to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.
Other (expense) / income net, decreased to an expense of $3.7 million from an income of $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease of $4.7 million is primarily due to the weakening of the pound sterling relative to the U.S. dollar exchange rate during the three month period.

Interest expense increased to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and relates primarily to the liability related to sale of future royalties and sales milestones which arose upon the Company’s entry into the strategic collaboration and financing agreement with Blackstone, in November 2021. There was no interest expense during the comparable period in 2021.

Income tax benefit increased by $0.8 million to $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $5.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 due to an increase in qualifying research and development expenditures for the quarter.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was $42.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $34.0 million for the same period in 2021. The basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share for the three months ended September 30, 2022, totaled $(0.47) compared to a basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share of $(0.47) for the three months ended September 30, 2021.

Autolus estimates that its current cash on hand and anticipated milestone payments in the relevant period from Blackstone extends the Company’s runway into 2024.

Conference Call

Management will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 am ET/12:30 pm GMT to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a general business update. Conference call participants should pre-register using this link to receive the dial-in numbers and a personal PIN, which are required to access the conference call. The webcast can be accessed at this link.

A simultaneous audio webcast and replay will be accessible on the events section of Autolus’ website.

Aurinia Reports Third Quarter and Nine Months 2022 Financial and Operational Results

On November 3, 2022 Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AUPH) (Aurinia or the Company) reported its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2022 (Press release, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, NOV 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234623120]). Amounts, unless specified otherwise, are expressed in U.S. dollars.

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Total net revenue was $55.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $14.7 million for the same period ended September 30, 2021. Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2022 included net product revenues of $25.5 million and license and collaboration revenue of $30.3 million.

"During the third quarter, we demonstrated progress across many key commercial metrics for LUPKYNIS, including an increased total number of patients on therapy, improved patient start form conversion rates and processing speed, and sustained patient adherence, in comparison to the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. Unfortunately, we experienced a slight decline in new patient start forms over the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, which is potentially the result of reduced lupus nephritis diagnoses and patient visits in the quarter," said Peter Greenleaf, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aurinia. "Given these current market dynamics, we are adjusting our net revenue guidance to $100-105 million from sales of LUPKYNIS for 2022. We are also providing preliminary net revenue guidance from product sales of LUPKYNIS for 2023 in the range of $120-140 million."

Mr. Greenleaf continued, "In addition to our U.S. commercial efforts, we have also made meaningful advancement in our planned globalization for LUPKYNIS, highlighted by the European Commission Marketing Authorization for LUPKYNIS for the treatment of adults with active lupus nephritis in Europe in September 2022. Working with Otsuka, we expect to achieve continued important regulatory milestones in additional geographies in 2022 and 2023."

Third Quarter 2022 and Recent Highlights

There were approximately 1,354 patients on LUPKYNIS therapy at September 30, 2022, compared with 1,274 at June 30, 2022.
Aurinia added 374 patient start forms (PSFs) during the third quarter 2022, as compared to 412 in the third quarter of 2021. As of Monday, October 31, 2022, the Company recorded 1,357 total PSFs since January 1, 2022.
PSF conversion rates after 90 days, adherence rates and confirmed patient access remain at peak levels since launch.
Persistency rates at 6 months and at 9 months remain reasonable consistent with prior periods, at approximately, 70% and 60%, respectively. At 12 months post-treatment-start, an average of approximately 50% of patients remain on treatment.
The European Commission (EC) granted Marketing Authorization for LUPKYNIS to Otsuka for the treatment of adults with active lupus nephritis in Europe in September 2022. The centralized marketing authorization is valid in all European Union (EU) member states as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Northern Ireland.
The Company recognized a one-time $30.0 million EC approval-related milestone in connection with its collaboration and licensing agreement with its partner Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., during the quarter, which was subsequently received on October 31, 2022. In addition to the milestone, the Company began recognizing revenue for the supply of product and certain reimbursable collaboration activities under a cost-plus arrangement. Going forward the Company will be eligible to receive further payments tied to additional regulatory and reimbursement milestones, along with low double digit royalties on future net sales.
Additional clinical data, including updates from AURORA 1 and AURORA 2, are expected to be presented at upcoming conferences, including LUPUS, the American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2022, and, the American Society of Nephrology.
Key ongoing clinical updates for LUPKYNIS include the advancement of both the VOCAL pediatric study and the ENLIGHT-LN registry. With the registry, which we just initiated at the beginning of the year, we now have 38 activated sites toward our goal of having 75 sites total. As a reminder, we plan to leverage real-world data collected from this study to gain further knowledge about patients taking LUPKYNIS and help clinicians and payers to improve patient care and ensure access to therapy. We also remain on track to meet our post approval FDA commitments.
As previously reported, on July 26, 2022 the U.S. Patent Office Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) determined to institute an inter partes review (IPR) petition filed by Sun Pharmaceuticals. On October 20, 2022 the PTAB notified the Company that they have denied our rehearing appeal for the institution decision. This follows a prior denial of our precedential opinion panel appeal, which was received on October 5, 2022. The IPR is related to a patent claiming LUPKYNIS dosing protocol that extends patent protection on LUPKYNIS in the United States to 2037. The Company is diligently working on its defense to the IPR, which will be filed after market on November 4, 2022. The defense will address all challenges raised in the IPR process. A determination on patentability, relative to the IPR, is expected on or prior to July 26, 2023.

Financial Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

Total net revenue was $55.8 million and $14.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Total net revenue was $105.6 million and $22.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. The increase in both periods is primarily due to the recognition of a $30.0 million regulatory milestone from Otsuka following the EC marketing authorization of LUPKYNIS in September 2022, coupled with an increase in product sales to our two main customers for LUPKYNIS, which was driven predominantly by further penetration in the lupus nephritis market.

Total cost of sales and operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 were $65.3 million and $65.0 million, respectively. Total cost of sales and operating expenses were $189.0 million and $170.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Further breakdown of operating expenses drivers and fluctuations are highlighted in the following paragraphs.

Cost of sales were $2.4 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Cost of sales were $4.3 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. The increase for both periods was primarily due to an increase in product related revenue, coupled with safety stock inventory reserves.

Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was approximately 96% and 98% respectively. Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was approximately 96% and 97%, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, inclusive of share-based compensation, were $52.2 million and $44.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, SG&A expenses, inclusive of share-based compensation, were $148.9 million and $128.8 million, respectively. The primary drivers for the increase for both periods ended September 30, 2022 as compared to September 30, 2021 were an increase in professional fees and services related to corporate legal matters, and travel and sponsorships to support the commercialization of LUPKYNIS. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the primary drivers were salaries, incentive pay and employee benefits due to employee related expenses such as increased headcount, promotions and inflation, along with an increase in professional fees for corporate legal matters and travel related costs, which increased once the impacts from COVID started to normalize.

Non-cash SG&A share-based compensation expense included above for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was $6.6 million and $6.0 million, respectively. Non-cash SG&A share-based compensation expense included above for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was $21.5 million and $19.2 million, respectively.

Research and Development (R&D) expenses, inclusive of share-based compensation, were $11.0 million and $20.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, R&D expenses, inclusive of share-based compensation expense, were $35.1 million and $40.0 million, respectively. The primary drivers for the decrease were the upfront license and accrued milestone expense for AUR300 from the periods ended September 30, 2021 offset year to date by additional developmental expenses related to AUR200 and AUR300 for the periods ended September 30, 2022. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, AUR300 was recorded as an asset acquisition during the period ended September 30, 2021 and expensed as R&D expense at the acquisition date.

Non-cash R&D share-based compensation expense included above for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was $1.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Non-cash R&D share-based compensation expense included above for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was $3.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

Interest income was $1.5 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Interest income was $2.2 million and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. The increase in both periods is due to higher yields on our investments as a result of increasing interest rates.

For the three months ended September 30, 2022, Aurinia recorded a net loss of $9.0 million or $0.06 net loss per common share, as compared to a net loss of $50.3 million or $0.39 net loss per common share for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, Aurinia recorded a net loss of $82.1 million or $0.58 net loss per common share, as compared to a net loss of $147.6 million or $1.15 net loss per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Financial Liquidity at September 30, 2022

As of September 30, 2022, Aurinia had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and investments of $376.6 million compared to $466.1 million at December 31, 2021. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and investments is primarily related to the continued investment in commercialization activities, advancement of our pipeline and a payment for the achievement of a one-time milestone, partially offset by an increase in cash receipts from sales of LUPKYNIS.

Aurinia believes that it has sufficient financial resources to fund its operations, which include funding commercial activities, including FDA related post approval commitments, manufacturing and packaging of commercial drug supply, funding its supporting commercial infrastructure, advancing its R&D programs and funding its working capital obligations for at least the next few years.

This press release is intended to be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which will be accessible on Aurinia’s website at www.auriniapharma.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.

Conference Call Details

Aurinia will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the quarter ended September 30, 2022 financial results today, Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. ET. The audio webcast can be accessed under "News/Events" through the "Investors" section of the Aurinia corporate website at www.auriniapharma.com. In order to participate in the conference call, please dial +1 (877) 407-9170 (Toll-free U.S. & Canada). An audio webcast can be accessed under "News/Events" through the "Investors" section of the Aurinia corporate website at www.auriniapharma.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on Aurinia’s website.

About Lupus Nephritis

LN is a serious manifestation of SLE, a chronic and complex autoimmune disease. About 200,000-300,000 people live with SLE in the U.S. and about one-third of these people are diagnosed with lupus nephritis at the time of their SLE diagnosis. About 50 percent of all people with SLE may develop lupus nephritis. If poorly controlled, LN can lead to permanent and irreversible tissue damage within the kidney. Black and Asian individuals with SLE are four times more likely to develop LN and individuals of Hispanic ancestry are approximately twice as likely to develop the disease when compared with Caucasian individuals. Black and Hispanic individuals with SLE also tend to develop LN earlier and have poorer outcomes when compared to Caucasian individuals.

Redx to Present RXC004 Phase 1 Combination Data

On November 4, 2022 Redx (AIM:REDX), the clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel, small molecule, highly targeted therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and fibrotic disease, reported that it will present a poster on the combination module of the Phase 1 clinical study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03447470) of RXC004 at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Conference (8-12 November 2022, Boston, MA) (Press release, Redx Pharma, NOV 4, 2022, View Source [SID1234623109]).

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The poster will present results from the combination module of the Phase 1 clinical study in which RXC004 was combined with nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumours. RXC004 is a clinical stage, highly potent and selective, orally active Porcupine inhibitor being developed as a targeted therapy for Wntligand dependent cancer.

RXC004 is currently being evaluated in two Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical studies in genetically selected metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04907539), and in biliary tract cancers and genetically selected pancreatic cancer (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04907851). Following the completion of this Phase 1 combination study, the Company will now initiate enrolment into combination cohorts of RXC004 with anti-PD-1 antibodies in mCRC and biliary tract cancers, within these Phase 2 studies.

iBio Accelerates Transformation to AI-Powered Biotech

On November 3, 2022 iBio, Inc. (NYSEA:IBIO) ("iBio" or the "Company") an AI-driven innovator of precision antibody immunotherapies, reported it is seeking to divest its contract development and manufacturing organization (iBio CDMO, LLC) in order to complete its transformation into an antibody discovery and development company (Press release, iBioPharma, NOV 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234623099]). Proceeds and cost-savings from the divestiture of the CDMO facility and reduction in operations will be invested in advancing the Company’s lead immuno-oncology assets towards the clinic, as well as the continued development of the RubrYc Discovery Engine, the artificial intelligence ("AI") platform used to create the majority of iBio’s therapeutic candidates, and intended to extend the Company’s cash runway.

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"We currently possess valuable assets in both biomanufacturing and biotech," said Tom Isett, CEO of iBio. "We believe focusing our efforts on drug discovery and development to be the path to greatest value-creation for shareholders, especially given the recent addition of RubrYc Therapeutics’ pipeline and tools to engineer precision-targeting antibodies. Concurrently, given the strong demand for biomanufacturing capacity, we are providing the opportunity for another organization to more fully utilize the advanced bioanalytical and bioprocess capacity resident in our large-scale cGMP biologics production facility located in the growing Southeast Texas ‘Biocorridor’. We are expecting to complete the CDMO divestiture in 2023, while we focus on advancing our lead preclinical program and our expanding pipeline and partnership opportunities."

Following a detailed review of its pipeline and growth opportunities, iBio will focus its resources on the continued development of its lead immuno-oncology assets including, IBIO-101, an immunotherapy for the depletion of regulatory T cells, and two differentiated, antibody candidates emanating from its antibody discovery platform, EGFRvIII and CCR8. In pre-clinical research, each demonstrates specificity for its target and a high degree of cell-killing capability, with potentially reduced off-target effects.

In order to fund further pipeline and platform development, a global life science transaction firm has been engaged to lead the sale of the assets of the CDMO. This includes the 130,000-square-foot cGMP facility, which is configurable for a variety of large-scale bioproduction systems and iBio’s proprietary FastPharming Expression System and GlycaneeringTM Technology. The Company expects it may be able to complete a transaction in 2023, although there is no assurance as to when, or for how much, iBio may be able to sell its CDMO assets.

In conjunction with the divestment, iBio has commenced a comprehensive workforce reduction of approximately 60% of the current Company staffing levels, primarily focused on the workforce located at the cGMP facility in Bryan, Texas. After the conclusion of the workforce reduction, the majority of the Company is expected to operate out of the new Drug Discovery Center in San Diego, CA, which opened in September of this year.

"While parting with members of our ‘WeBio’ team will be incredibly difficult, we do so with the knowledge that demand for their talents in the Texas Biocorridor area is high," commented Michael Jenkins, iBio’s VP, Operations. "On behalf of the CDMO site leadership team, we thank our colleagues who have invested so much in our Bryan/College Station facility – and whose dedication to our mission has helped build the Company and developed iBio’s proprietary FastPharming Expression System and Glycaneering Technology."

The transition to a focused AI-Biotech business is expected to reduce iBio’s monthly burn rate by approximately half, or approximately $2.5-3.0 million per month. Assuming an asset sale at levels comparable with other similar cGMP facilities, the Company believes that cost reductions in conjunction with proceeds from asset sales could provide cash runway into the first half of calendar year 2024.

Considering its announced change in geographic location, iBio will commence a search for a new CEO. It is expected that Mr. Isett will continue as CEO of iBio through this transformation. In order to maintain consistency, William D. (Chip) Clark was appointed by the Board of Directors to assume the role of Chairman.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we want to thank Tom for his ongoing service to iBio. Tom’s experience will help us guide the Company through this strategic transformation," said Mr. Clark, Chairman of iBio.