Moleculin Announces Final Topline Data from Successful European Phase 1 Trial Evaluating Annamycin as Single Agent Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

On February 13, 2023 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq: MBRX) (Moleculin or the Company), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company with a broad portfolio of drug candidates targeting hard-to-treat cancers and viruses, reported the following topline results from its MB-105 European Phase 1 clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of Annamycin as a single agent for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (Press release, Moleculin, FEB 13, 2023, View Source [SID1234627110]). The final MB-105 results align with the overall safety profile of Annamycin and observations made in previously completed and ongoing clinical studies evaluating Annamycin. Additionally in the last cohort where all subjects were at least 60 years of age, Annamycin demonstrated an overall response rate (ORR) of 80%.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"We are very pleased with these topline results, both in terms of safety and the initial data suggesting efficacy," said Moleculin Chairman and CEO Walter Klemp, "especially since these patients were relapsed or refractory." Mr. Klemp continued, "Given the recently published research showing that Annamycin in combination with Cytarabine substantially outperformed Annamycin as a single agent in an aggressive AML mouse model, these topline results are encouraging as we continue to develop Annamycin in combination with Cytarabine for the treatment of AML. Having previously announced the start of our open label MB-106 trial of Annamycin in combination with Cytarabine for the treatment of AML Phase 1/2 trial in Poland and Italy, we are optimistic about Annamycin’s potential for the treatment of AML, as we continue to gather the data that ultimately will be necessary to support approval."

"We also are encouraged by the absence of cardiotoxicity with Annamycin to date," Mr. Klemp added. "This is particularly relevant in light of a recently published retrospective study showing that the incidence of heart failure more than doubles for cancer patients treated with anthracyclines compared to cancer patients not receiving anthracyclines.1 Annamycin was designed to be non-cardiotoxic, and we believe the initial safety data, if replicated along with efficacy data as our development work continues, suggest an opportunity for Annamycin to become a preferred anthracycline treatment for AML and other indications."

Topline results in MB-105, an open label, single arm clinical trial conducted in Europe showed one CRi (complete response with incomplete recovery of peripheral blood count) and three PRs (Partial Response) for an 80% overall response rate (ORR) in the last cohort. In this cohort, the age range at time of treatment of the 5 subjects was 62-73. The subject who achieved the CRi was 65 years of age at time of treatment.

For purposes of this clinical trial, a CR means that the subject’s bone marrow blasts reduced to 5% or less (with CRi meaning a CR where there was incomplete recovery of white blood cell and/or platelet counts), and a PR means the subject’s bone marrow blasts reduced by 50% and resulted in a blast count of 25% or less. 20 subjects were enrolled in the trial with the age range of 24-76 years with a median age of 64.5. The median number of prior therapies for all subjects was 4 (range 1-18). Of the 20 subjects enrolled, 17 received the full 3 consecutive days of dosing per protocol. PRs (3) and CRi (1) were noted in 4 (80%) of the 5 subjects dosed according to protocol in the last cohort (240 mg/m2).

In earlier cohorts receiving lower doses, 2 subjects (1 at 120 mg/m2 and 1 at 180 mg/m2) although qualified to receive a second cycle (they exhibited a 50% decrease in marrow blasts and marrow blasts < 25%), did not meet what the protocol defined as a PR at that time. Per protocol at that time to achieve a PR, these subjects were required to have normalization of blood counts/hematologic values in addition to bone marrow blast reduction to qualify as a PR which did not occur. The final version of the protocol required just a >50% reduction in marrow blasts to qualify as a PR. Despite these subjects qualifying to receive a second cycle of treatment, the two subjects were recorded as having a best overall response of "treatment failure" as they did not mean the definition of PR as defined by the protocol at that time.

All subjects have been included in the evaluation for cardiotoxicity by an independent expert, with none noted. The most frequently reported adverse events (occurring in >10 % of subjects) were hematologic in nature, being neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia.

The clinical study report for MB-105 has been finalized, internally published and reviewed and the Company expects to share detailed data in a paper and/or publication in the near future.

Annamycin currently has Fast Track Status and Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of STS lung metastases and the treatment of relapsed or refractory AML.

Study Design

The Company evaluated Annamycin in both the U.S. (MB-104) and Europe (MB-105) in open label, single arm clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of Annamycin for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Enrollment occurred in cohorts of at least 3 subjects in a conventional 3+3 escalating dose design, starting at a dose level of 120 mg/m2/day administered for 3 days. Dose escalation took place on the basis of safety assessments in sequential cohorts of at least 3 subjects each. The initial cohort received 120 mg/m2/day for 3 days. For Cohorts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 dose escalation occurred in 30-mg/m2/day increments until subjects are enrolled at a 240-mg/m2/day dose. The primary outcome of the study was evaluation of safety and identification of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommend phase 2 dose (RP2D) for Annamycin. As announced in February 2022, upon safely reaching the RP2D of 240 mg/m2 in the MB-105 trial, the Company concluded recruitment for the trial. Based on the safety and dosage data from the two successfully concluded single agent Annamycin AML Phase 1 trials, MB-104 and MB-105, Moleculin is conducting its ongoing Phase 1/2 trial evaluating Annamycin in combination with Cytarabine (Ara-C) for the treatment of subjects with AML who are refractory to or relapsed after induction therapy (MB-106).

About Annamycin

Annamycin is the Company’s next-generation anthracycline that has been shown in animal models to accumulate in the lungs at up to 30-fold the level of doxorubicin. Importantly, Annamycin has also demonstrated a lack of cardiotoxicity in multiple early-stage human clinical trials, including ongoing trials for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and STS lung metastases. For that reason, although additional data will be necessary, the Company believes Annamycin may not face the same usage limitations imposed on doxorubicin, one of the most common currently approved anthracyclines. Annamycin is currently in development for the treatment of AML and STS lung metastases and the Company believes the drug may have the potential to treat additional indications.

BioNova Announces First Patient Dosed in a Phase 1/2 Study of BN301 for the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies in China

On February 13, 2023 BioNova Pharmaceuticals Limited (BioNova), a company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines for the treatment of diseases with unmet medical needs, reported that the first patient has been dosed in the phase 1 clinical study of BN301 (STRO-001) for the treatment of advanced B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) (Press release, Sutro Biopharma, FEB 13, 2023, View Source [SID1234627109]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

BN301 is a novel target, site-specific antibody drug conjugate (ADC) comprised of a human aglycosylated anti-CD74 IgG1 antibody and 2 non-cleavable maytansinoid drug-linkers. BN301/STRO-001 was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US FDA for multiplemyeloma in October 2018. Through a licensing agreement with Sutro Biopharma, Inc. (Sutro, NASDAQ: STRO) in October 2021, BioNova gained the option to obtain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize BN301 in Greater China territory, includingmainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

The multi-center Phase 1/2 clinical trial of BN301 is to evaluate BN301 in patients with B-cell NHL who have previously failed standard therapy or who are intolerant to standard therapy. This study is comprised of a Phase 1 dose escalation part and a Phase 2dose expansion part.

"We are very pleased with the Sutro collaboration and very excited about this important milestone for BN301 global development." said Ye Hua, M.D., Founder and CEO of BioNova, "Patients with relapsed/refractory NHL have limited treatment options and their prognosis are usually poor. We are hopeful that this novel target ADC could provide those patients with a potential new treatment option. Together with Sutro colleagues, our development team is working diligently and efficiently to advance BN301 clinical development program in China."

8-K – Current report

On February 13, 2023 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 months ended December 31, 2022 and provided a business update (Press release, Sonnet BioTherapeutics, FEB 13, 2023, View Source [SID1234627108]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"This was a productive quarter for Sonnet and one of which we are particularly proud. We believe the successful early clinical data we announced sets the stage for SON-1010 as a potentially best-in-class IL-12 therapeutic candidate with unique properties for targeting the tumor microenvironment," commented Pankaj Mohan, Ph.D., Founder and CEO. "Our prioritized business development initiatives culminated in the work Janssen is currently undertaking to evaluate three of our pipeline assets. We continue to progress our platform with our first bispecific, bifunctional pipeline compound, SON-1210, a first-in-class combination of interleukins 12 and 15 and we look forward to delivering on our 2023 research and development initiatives while remaining focused on partnering as a key component of our strategy."

"Having recently completed a $15 million financing, we are advancing our stated objective to reduce operating expenses by approximately 30% beginning in our second fiscal quarter, with an eye to making additional cuts to further extend our cash runway. These next few quarters will play an important role in shaping Sonnet’s future, and we remain confident in the promise of our FHAB technology," said Jay Cross, CFO.

FY 2023 First Quarter and Recent Corporate Updates

Sonnet provided the following corporate updates:

On October 31, 2022, announced a collaboration agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen), one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, where in vitro and in vivo efficacy of SON-1010 (IL12-FHAB), SON-1210 (IL12-FHAB-IL15) and SON-1410 (IL18-FHAB-IL12) will be evaluated in combination with certain Janssen proprietary cell therapy assets. The agreement was facilitated by Johnson & Johnson Innovation.

On November 2, 2022, announced interim data from the SB101 and SB102 Phase 1 dose-escalation trials of SON-1010. At the time of the press release, 36 subjects had been dosed across the two studies, where cytokine data showed extended pharmacokinetics of SON-1010 with controlled induction of IFNγ and no signs of cytokine release syndrome, or dose-limiting toxicities. Subsequent to this announcement, on January 19, 2023, Sonnet announced follow-up data from the SB102 study in a total of 24 healthy volunteers, where the PK profile supported an extended half-life of SON-1010 of approximately 112 hours, compared to 12 hours for rhIL-12. Observed increases in IFNγ were dose-related, controlled and prolonged. Sonnet expects to announce additional data from both studies during the second calendar quarter of 2023.

During December 2022, successfully completed two IND-enabling toxicology studies with SON-1210 in non-human primates. As announced on January 19, 2023, the compound elicited no serious adverse events in repeat, subcutaneous dosing and was well-tolerated using dosing levels at least 50x higher than the highest anticipated human clinical dose level. Data analysis and reporting for both of the studies will enable the preparation of regulatory filings to begin during the first half of 2023 for first-in-human trials of SON-1210.

FY 2022 Third Quarter Ended December 31, 2022 Financial Results

As of December 31, 2022, Sonnet had $1.7 million cash on hand and $0.0 million in debt. On February 10, 2023, the company closed a public offering for gross proceeds of $15 million (net proceeds of approximately $13.5 million), issuing 11,664,888 shares of common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase 2,224,000 shares of common stock, with an exercise of $0.0001 per share, and common warrants to purchase 27,777,776 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $1.08 per share. After the offering, the Company has 20,232,904 shares of common stock outstanding.

Research and development expenses were $3.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $4.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The decrease of $0.6 million was primarily due to the establishment of cost savings by transitioning product development activities to cost advantaged locations such as India and Australia and by reducing expenditures on tertiary programs such as SON-3015, which has been placed on a development hold, as well as a decrease in share-based compensation expense.

General and administrative expenses were $1.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. The decrease of $0.2 million relates primarily to a decrease in share-based compensation expense and consulting expense related to investor relations.

About Sonnet BioTherapeutics Holdings, Inc.

Sonnet BioTherapeutics is an oncology-focused biotechnology company with a proprietary platform for innovating biologic drugs of single or bispecific, bifunctional action. Known as FHAB (Fully Human Albumin Binding), the technology utilizes a fully human single chain antibody fragment (scFv) that binds to and "hitch-hikes" on human serum albumin (HSA) for transport to target tissues. Sonnet’s FHAB was designed to specifically target tumor and lymphatic tissue, with an improved therapeutic window for optimizing the safety and efficacy of immune modulating biologic drugs. FHAB is the foundation of a modular, plug-and-play construct for potentiating a range of large molecule therapeutic classes, including cytokines, peptides, antibodies, and vaccines.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, as amended, including those relating to the Company’s product development, clinical and regulatory timelines, market opportunity, competitive position, possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, potential growth opportunities and other statements that are predictive in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate and management’s current beliefs and assumptions.

These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "potential, "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. These statements relate to future events or our financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include those set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

8-K – Current report

On February 13, 2023 Roivant Sciences (Nasdaq: ROIV) reported its financial results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2022, and provided an update on the Company’s operations (Press release, Roivant Sciences, FEB 13, 2023, View Source [SID1234627107]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Roivant’s Chief Executive Officer, Matt Gline, noted: "This past quarter was a significant one for the company. We announced the in-licensing of our potentially first-in-class and best-in-class TL1A program RVT-3101 along with highly encouraging Phase 2 induction data. Earlier this month we completed a $230M equity financing to further advance our TL1A programs in Phase 3 and Phase 2 for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively. Additionally, we reported strong growth in VTAMA net revenue and made significant progress on payor coverage with a majority of commercial lives now covered. These recent developments and our strengthened balance sheet continue to support Roivant’s growing leadership in immunological and inflammatory diseases and point to an incredibly catalyst-rich year ahead."

Recent Developments

Roivant: In February, Roivant completed an upsized primary equity offering for $230M in gross proceeds, including the exercise in full of the underwriters’ overallotment option following strong investor demand. The company plans to use the net proceeds from the offering principally to fund additional studies of RVT-3101, including the initiation of Phase 3 development in ulcerative colitis and Phase 2 development in other indications. Roivant had consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $1.5B at December 31, 2022, or $1.9B after giving effect to the receipt of the anticipated proceeds from the sale of Myovant equity rights to Sumitomo and the net proceeds from the offering, supporting cash runway into the second half of calendar year 2025.

Dermavant: Through February 10, 2023, nearly 100,000 VTAMA prescriptions have been written by approximately 8,600 unique prescribers, based on IQVIA data. For the quarter ended December 31, 2022, Roivant reported VTAMA net product revenue of $9.2 million, representing a gross-to-net yield of approximately 18%. There has been significant progress on payor coverage with the majority of commercial lives, 57%, now covered. Tapinarof Phase 3 trials in atopic dermatitis, ADORING 1 and ADORING 2, are fully enrolled.

Immunovant: In November 2022, Immunovant initiated a Phase 3 trial to evaluate batoclimab as a treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Additionally, in December 2022, IMVT initiated a pivotal Phase 2b trial of batoclimab as a treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

RVT-3101: In December, Roivant announced a collaboration with Pfizer to develop and commercialize RVT-3101, a potentially first in class, fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A (TL1A). In January, Roivant announced data from the induction period of TUSCANY-2, a large 245-patient global Phase 2b study of RVT-3101 against placebo for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. TUSCANY-2 is a 52-week study, with a 12-week induction period comparing different doses of RVT-3101 against placebo, and a 40-week chronic therapy period during which all subjects receive RVT-3101. In the induction period of the TUSCANY-2 study, RVT-3101 demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful efficacy at each dose tested. At the expected Phase 3 dose, 31% of patients achieved clinical remission (modified Mayo) (p=0.01, 20% delta compared to 12% placebo) and 40% of patients achieved endoscopic improvement (p=0.01, 22% delta compared to 19% placebo). At the expected Phase 3 dose, among patients who were positive for a biomarker that was prospectively defined in TUSCANY-2, clinical remission (modified Mayo) and endoscopic improvement rates were 40% (p=0.02, 30% delta compared to 10% placebo) and 56% (p=0.0005, 46% delta compared to 10% placebo), respectively. Approximately 60% of patients were identified as positive for this biomarker. Across all doses and patient groups, RVT-3101 was well tolerated and showed a favorable safety profile.

Major Upcoming Milestones

Roivant plans to announce data from the chronic therapy period of the ongoing TUSCANY-2 study of RVT-3101 for ulcerative colitis in the first half of calendar year 2023.

Dermavant expects to report topline data from the first Phase 3 trial of VTAMA for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in March 2023, with topline data from the second Phase 3 trial expected in May 2023.

Immunovant plans to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial for IMVT-1402 in early calendar year 2023 contingent on clearance of its Investigational New Drug ("IND") application, with initial data results from this Phase 1 trial expected to be available in mid-calendar year 2023. Immunovant expects to have top-line results from the ongoing MG trial in the second half of calendar year 2024 and from the TED program, consisting of two Phase 3 clinical trials, in the first half of calendar year 2025. Immunovant also expects initial data from period 1 of the Phase 2B trial in CIDP to be available in the first half of calendar year 2024. Immunovant expects to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate batoclimab for the treatment of Graves’ disease in early calendar year 2023 with initial results expected in the second half of calendar year 2023.

Priovant plans to announce topline results from the potentially registrational trial evaluating brepocitinib for the treatment of patients with SLE in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2023. Priovant also expects to announce topline results from the Phase 3 trial in DM in calendar year 2025.

Hemavant plans to announce data from the ongoing open-label Phase 1/2 trial evaluating RVT-2001 for the treatment of transfusion-dependent anemia in lower-risk MDS patients in the second half of calendar year 2023.

Kinevant plans to report topline data from the ongoing Phase 2 trial of namilumab for the treatment of sarcoidosis in the first half of calendar year 2024.

Third Quarter Ended December 31, 2022 Financial Summary

Cash Position

As of December 31, 2022, the company had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of approximately $1.5 billion. Giving effect to Roivant’s February 2023 follow-on offering for $230 million in gross proceeds, and $115 million in expected proceeds from the planned sale of the Myovant top-up shares in connection with the pending acquisition of Myovant by Sumitomo Pharma, Roivant’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash would have been approximately $1.9 billion. The Myovant transaction is expected to close in the quarter ending March 2023, subject to customary closing conditions.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses decreased by $11.8 million to $125.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 compared to $137.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to decreases in share-based compensation of $10.8 million and program-specific costs of $8.0 million, partially offset by increases in personnel-related expenses of $4.1 million and other expenses of $2.8 million.

The decrease of $8.0 million in program-specific costs largely reflects the discontinued development of several programs, including ARU-1801, LSVT-1701, DMVT-502, DMVT-503, DMVT-504, and CVT-TCR-01. These decreases were partially offset by increases reflecting the progression of our programs, including Immunovant’s anti-FcRn franchise.

Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $117.4 million for the three months ended December 30, 2022, compared to $118.9 million for the three months ended December 30, 2021.

Acquired In-Process Research and Development Expenses

Acquired in-process research and development increased by $81.6 million to $97.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $16.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to consideration for the purchase of IPR&D of $87.7 million relating to the acquisition of RVT-3101 by a newly formed subsidiary in November 2022. Additionally, the achievement of a development milestone relating to Immunovant’s batoclimab program resulted in a one-time milestone expense of $10.0 million. Acquired in-process research and development expense for the three months ended December 31, 2021 was primarily driven by consideration for the purchase of IPR&D of $14.1 million relating to the acquisition of RVT-2001 by Hemavant.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $52.7 million to $168.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $115.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses at Dermavant as a result of the commercial launch of VTAMA.

Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $115.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $61.4 million for the three months ended December 30, 2021. The majority of non-GAAP SG&A expenses of $115.9 million were related to Dermavant’s SG&A and ongoing VTAMA commercial launch activities.

Net Loss

Net loss was $384.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $306.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. On a per common share basis, net loss was $0.49 for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and $0.41 for the three months ended December 31, 2021. Non-GAAP net loss was $297.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $173.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021.

Panbela Announces Closing of Approximately $15 Million Public Offering, and Regains Compliance with Nasdaq Listing Standards

On February 13, 2023 Panbela Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PBLA), ("Panbela"), a clinical stage company developing disruptive therapeutics for the treatment of patients with urgent unmet medical needs, reported that, primarily as a result of the January 30, 2023 closing of its public offering of approximately $15 million of common stock and warrants, Panbela has regained compliance with applicable listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") (Press release, Panbela Therapeutics, FEB 13, 2023, View Source [SID1234627106]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Panbela Regains Nasdaq Compliance

Nasdaq has issued notice that Panbela has regained compliance for continued listing of its common stock. On February 9, 2023, Panbela received a letter from Nasdaq confirming that Panbela has cured the previously identified minimum bid price and stockholders’ equity deficiencies under Nasdaq Listing Rules 5550(a)(2) and 5550(b)(1), respectively, and that Panbela is in compliance with all applicable listing standards. Panbela’s previously scheduled delisting determination appeal hearing has been canceled, and its common stock will continue to be listed and traded on Nasdaq.

Panbela Closes $15 million Public Offering

On January 30, 2023, Panbela closed its previously announced public offering consisting of (i) 6,675,000 shares of its common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) and (ii) warrants to purchase up to 13,350,000 shares of its common stock (the "Public Warrants") at a purchase price of $2.25 per share and associated Public Warrants (or $2.249 per pre-funded warrant and associated Public Warrants). All of the pre-funded warrants have been exercised. The Public Warrants have a cash exercise price of $2.75 per share of common stock, were exercisable upon issuance, and will expire five years following the date of issuance. The Public Warrants also contain cashless exercise provisions, subject to certain conditions.

Roth Capital Partners acted as lead placement agent and Maxim Group LLC acted as coplacement agent of the offering.

Gross proceeds from the offering, before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses, were approximately $15.0 million. Panbela intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for the continued clinical development of its product candidates ivospemin (SBP-101) and eflornithine (CPP-1X), working capital, business development and other general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of debt.

The securities described above were offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-268854), as amended, that was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), on January 25, 2023, and a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-269421) filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) with the SEC on January 26, 2023. The offering was made solely by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the offering may be obtained at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by contacting Roth Capital Partners, LLC, 888 San Clemente Drive, Suite 400, Newport Beach, CA 92660 or by email at [email protected].

About Panbela’s Pipeline

The pipeline consists of assets currently in clinical trials with an initial focus on familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer, neoadjuvant pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer prevention and ovarian cancer. The combined development programs have a steady cadence of catalysts with programs ranging from pre-clinical to registration studies.

Ivospemin (SBP-101)

Ivospemin is a proprietary polyamine analogue designed to induce polyamine metabolic inhibition (PMI) by exploiting an observed high affinity of the compound for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and other tumors. It has shown signals of tumor growth inhibition in clinical studies of metastatic pancreatic cancer patients, demonstrating a median overall survival (OS) of 14.6 months and an objective response rate (ORR) of 48%, both exceeding what is typical for the standard of care of gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel suggesting potential complementary activity with the existing FDA-approved standard chemotherapy regimen. In data evaluated from clinical studies to date, ivospemin has not shown exacerbation of bone marrow suppression and peripheral neuropathy, which can be chemotherapy-related adverse events. Serious visual adverse events have been evaluated and patients with a history of retinopathy or at risk of retinal detachment will be excluded from future SBP-101 studies. The safety data and PMI profile observed in the previous Panbela-sponsored clinical trials provide support for continued evaluation of ivospemin in the ASPIRE trial. For more information, please visit View Source

Flynpovi

Flynpovi is a combination of CPP-1X (eflornithine) and sulindac with a dual mechanism inhibiting polyamine synthesis and increase polyamine export and catabolism. In a Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with sporadic large bowel polyps, the combination prevented > 90% subsequent pre-cancerous sporadic adenomas versus placebo. Focusing on FAP patients with lower gastrointestinal tract anatomy in the recent Phase 3 trial comparing Flynpovi to single agent eflornithine and single agent sulindac, FAP patients with lower GI anatomy (patients with an intact colon, retained rectum or surgical pouch), Flynpovi showed statistically significant benefit compared to both single agents (p≤0.02) in delaying surgical events in the lower GI for up to four years. The safety profile for Flynpovi did not significantly differ from the single agents and supports the continued evaluation of Flynpovi for FAP.

CPP-1X

CPP-1X (eflornithine) is being developed as a single agent tablet or high dose power sachet for several indications including prevention of gastric cancer, treatment of neuroblastoma and recent onset Type 1 diabetes. Preclinical studies as well as Phase 1 or Phase 2 investigatorinitiated trials suggest that CPP-1X treatment may be well-tolerated and has potential activity.