On August 13, 2024, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Company") entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the "Sales Agreement") with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., as sales agent (the "Sales Agent") under which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), through the Sales Agent (Filing, 8-K, Inovio, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645810]).

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Pursuant to the Sales Agreement, sales of the Common Stock, if any, will be made under the Company’s previously filed and effective Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-275445). The Company will file a prospectus supplement for the offer and sale of its Common Stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement having an aggregate offering price of up to $60,000,000.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement, the Sales Agent may sell the Common Stock by any method permitted by law deemed to be an "at the market offering" as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Sales Agent will use commercially reasonable efforts to sell the Common Stock from time to time, based upon instructions from the Company, including any price, time or size limits or other customary parameters or conditions the Company may impose. The Company will pay the Sales Agent a commission of up to three percent (3.0%) of the gross sales proceeds of any Common Stock sold through the Sales Agent under the Sales Agreement, and the Company has provided the Sales Agent with certain indemnification rights. The Company also will reimburse the Sales Agent for certain specified expenses in connection with entering into the Sales Agreement. The Company has no obligation to sell any of the Common Stock under the Sales Agreement and may at any time and from time to time suspend the offering of the Common Stock under the Sales Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Sales Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Sales Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The legal opinion of Cooley LLP relating to the validity of the Common Stock being offered pursuant to the Sales Agreement is filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

This Current Report on Form 8-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

On August 13, 2024 Immatics N.V. (NASDAQ: IMTX, "Immatics" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company active in the discovery and development of T cell-redirecting cancer immunotherapies, reported a business update and announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 (Press release, Immatics, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645809]).

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"It is an exciting time for Immatics as we prepare to reach several major clinical milestones in the second half of the year. Starting with the presentation of the first clinical data on our TCR Bispecific, TCER IMA401, at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper), followed by further data updates from our cell therapy pipeline and the initiation of the IMA203 registration-enabling clinical trial, we look forward to the continued advancement of our product candidates in the coming months," said Harpreet Singh, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of Immatics. "Patients with advanced solid tumors are in need of transformative therapies that make a meaningful difference in their quality of life. With each clinical milestone we reach, we move one step closer to making an impact in the lives of these patients."

Second Quarter 2024 and Subsequent Company Progress

ACTengine Cell Therapy Program

ACTengine IMA203 and IMA203CD8 (GEN2) monotherapy

On May 14, 2024, Immatics provided a data update on IMA203 monotherapy targeting PRAME from the ongoing Phase 1 trial at the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D, 1 to 10 billion total TCR-T cells) in 30 heavily pretreated metastatic melanoma patients evaluable for efficacy.

As of the data cut-off on April 25, 2024, treatment with IMA203 monotherapy in the efficacy population has demonstrated a confirmed objective response rate (cORR) of 55% (16/29), a disease control rate of 90% (27/30) and tumor shrinkage in 87% (26/30) of patients.

Median duration of response (mDOR) was 13.5 months (min 1.2+, max 21.5+ months) including 11 of 16 confirmed objective responses ongoing at data cut-off and longest duration of response ongoing at >21 months after infusion.

Confirmed response rates are similar across all melanoma subtypes (56% (9/16) in cutaneous melanoma and 54% (7/13) in other melanoma subtypes). IMA203 has exhibited a favorable tolerability profile (N=65 patients across all dose levels and all tumor types).

The next data update, which will include translational and clinical data for IMA203, as well as further details on the clinical trial design for the planned IMA203 Phase 2/3 study, will be presented in 2H 2024 at a medical conference.

Immatics is continuing dose escalation of IMA203CD8 (GEN2) with the goal of defining the optimal dose for further development. The next data update for IMA203CD8 (GEN2) is planned for 2H 2024 with a focus on continued dose escalation data in melanoma patients. In addition to treating melanoma patients, Immatics has also started to expand its clinical footprint outside of melanoma to address a broader patient population with a particular focus on ovarian and uterine cancers.

TCR Bispecifics Programs

Immatics’ T cell engaging receptor (TCER) candidates are next-generation, half-life extended TCR Bispecific molecules. They are designed to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicities and provide a patient-convenient dosing schedule through the proprietary format consisting of a high-affinity TCR domain against the tumor target and a low-affinity T cell recruiter binding to the T cell.

Upcoming milestones for Immatics’ clinical TCER pipeline

Martin Wermke, M.D. will present the first clinical data from Immatics’ IMA401 (MAGEA4/8) at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress during an oral presentation titled, Initial safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-tumor activity data of TCER IMA401, a MAGEA4/8-directed half-life extended TCR Bispecific, in Phase 1 dose escalation, on September 16, 2024, at 11:25 CEST.

Data from approximately 30 patients from the dose escalation phase will be presented. Key objectives include: (1) Demonstrating tolerability of the novel, next-generation, half-life extended TCR Bispecifics format; (2) optimizing dosing schedule to a less frequent regimen during dose escalation, based on pharmacokinetics data; and (3) demonstrating initial clinical anti-tumor activity.

IMA402 (PRAME) data are planned to be announced later in 2H 2024 and will include data from at least 15 patients in early stages of dose escalation across multiple solid cancers, but initially focused on melanoma.

TCER IMA401 (MAGEA4/8)

The Phase 1 dose escalation basket trial to evaluate safety, tolerability and initial anti-tumor activity of TCER IMA401 in patients with recurrent and/or refractory solid tumors is ongoing. IMA401 targets an HLA-A*02:01-presented peptide that occurs identically in two different proteins, MAGEA4 and MAGEA8. This target peptide has been selected based on natural expression in native solid tumors at particularly high target density (peptide copy number per tumor cell identified by Immatics’ proprietary quantitative mass spectrometry engine XPRESIDENT is >5x higher than for a MAGEA4 peptide target used in other clinical trials). MAGEA4 and MAGEA8 are expressed in multiple solid cancers including lung cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, sarcoma and others.

IMA401 is being developed in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb.

TCER IMA402 (PRAME)

Immatics initiated the Phase 1/2 trial investigating the Company’s fully owned TCER candidate IMA402 in patients with recurrent and/or refractory solid tumors in August 2023. Initial focus indications are ovarian cancer, lung cancer, uterine cancer and cutaneous and uveal melanoma, among others. IMA402 targets an HLA-A*02:01-presented peptide derived from the tumor antigen PRAME. This target peptide has been selected based on natural expression in native solid primary tumors and metastases at particularly high target density (peptide copy number per tumor cell identified by Immatics’ proprietary quantitative mass spectrometry engine XPRESIDENT).

Corporate Development

In July 2024, Alise Reicin, M.D., was appointed to Immatics’ Board of Directors as the Company is advancing its pipeline of TCR-based cell therapy and bispecific product candidates into the next phase of development. Dr. Reicin brings extensive experience in early- and late-stage clinical development and has led the successful development of multiple important new therapies, including Keytruda.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents as well as other financial assets total €531.1 million ($568.5 million1) as of June 30, 2024, compared to €425.9 million ($455.9 million1) as of December 31, 2023. The increase is mainly due to the public offering in January 2024, partly offset by ongoing research and development activities. The Company projects a cash runway into 2027.

Revenue: Total revenue, consisting of revenue from collaboration agreements, was €18.8 million ($20.1 million1) for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to €22.4 million ($24.0 million1) for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease is mainly the result of a one-time revenue of €13.7 million associated with an opt-in payment by BMS during the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Research and Development Expenses: R&D expenses were €35.2 million ($37.7 million1) for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to €27.3 million ($29.2 million1) for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase mainly resulted from costs associated with the advancement of the clinical pipeline candidates.

General and Administrative Expenses: G&A expenses were €10.1 million ($10.8 million1) for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to €9.4 million ($10.1 million1) for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Net Profit and Loss: Net loss was €18.0 million ($19.3 million1) for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of €24.6 million ($26.3 million1) for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in net loss despite decreased revenue and increased operating expenses is driven by an increased financial result.

Full financial statements can be found in the 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 13, 2024, and published on the SEC website under www.sec.gov.

Upcoming Investor Conferences

Jefferies London Healthcare Conference, London, United Kingdom – November 19 – 21, 2024

To see the full list of events and presentations, visit www.investors.immatics.com/events-presentations.

On August 13, 2024 Gritstone bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRTS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company working to develop the world’s most potent vaccines, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 and provided recent corporate and clinical updates (Press release, Gritstone Bio, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645807]).

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"This is an exciting time for Gritstone, as we are on the cusp of unlocking important data about our promising new therapeutic modality in front-line metastatic microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC)," said Andrew Allen, MD, PhD, Co-founder, President & CEO of Gritstone bio. "Up to 95% of patients with metastatic CRC, the second most common cause of cancer death, are MSS. Delivering a new treatment option to these patients, who do not benefit from today’s immunotherapies, would be transformative. The emerging progression-free survival (PFS) benefit we reported in April is highly encouraging, especially in this tough to treat patient population. We have waited for these clinical data to mature and look forward to sharing the updated dataset next month. If we continue to see evidence of a clinical benefit with GRANITE, as measured by PFS, we believe new hope can be brought to patients who have not been helped by immune checkpoint blockade."

Dr. Allen added, "Along with advancing GRANITE in CRC, our team continues to innovate across our programs, reinforcing the potential of our underlying technologies. Our recent AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) presentation highlights the unique power of EDGE, our proprietary neoantigen identification platform that underpins all our programs. Our recent presentation at ESCMID showcases the ability of our self-amplifying mRNA vector (samRNA) to induce long-lasting immune responses. Gritstone remains uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of next-generation vaccine technologies to prevent, treat and eradicate disease."

Corporate Updates

In April 2024, Gritstone completed an underwritten public offering resulting in gross proceeds of $32.5 million.
In April 2024, Gritstone appointed Stephen Webster to its Board of Directors. A veteran finance executive with over 30 years in the biotechnology industry, Mr. Webster has held several key roles and been involved in multiple strategic transactions. Mr. Webster was the Chief Financial Officer of Spark Therapeutics from July 2014 until its acquisition by Roche for $4.3 billion in December 2019.
In July 2024, Gritstone bio engaged the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and the Paltown Development Foundation 501(c)(3), the fiduciary for Colontown.org, as part of its effort to educate and empower patients living with colorectal cancer and their caregivers.
In August 2024, Gritstone bio held a virtual KOL event to discuss the unmet need and potential role of GRANITE in metastatic microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC). The event featured J. Randolph Hecht, MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine and Director of the UCLA GI Oncology Program, and Howard Brown, CRC Survivor, Patient and Advocate. Details here.
Clinical Program Updates
Tumor-Specific Neoantigen Oncology Programs (GRANITE and SLATE)
GRANITE – Personalized neoantigen vaccine program
SLATE – "Off-the-shelf" neoantigen vaccine program

Preliminary results (reported April 1, 2024) from the ongoing randomized Phase 2 study suggest GRANITE could drive meaningful clinical benefit in front-line metastatic microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC). Gritstone expects to report mature progression-free survival (PFS) data in 3Q 2024.
Preliminary data, while immature, showed a trend of extended PFS in GRANITE-treated vs. control patients.
Hazard ratio of 0.82 (18% relative risk reduction of progression or death with GRANITE vs. control) in the overall population, where clinical data are less mature ([95% CI, 0.34-1.67]; 62% censored)
Hazard ratio of 0.52 (48% relative risk reduction of progression or death with GRANITE vs. control) in a fast-progressor, i.e. ‘high-risk’ group1, where clinical data are more mature ([95% CI, 0.15-1.38]; 44% censored). Too few events in the slow-progressor group at this early look to draw any efficacy conclusions.

1Fast-progressor subgroup defined as baseline ctDNA above the median value (2%) for the control group (ctDNA quantified as mean variant allele frequency [VAF] at time of study randomization).

Long-term circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) data aligned with PFS trend and favored GRANITE vs. control patients
EDGE predicts HLA Class I presentation with >80% accuracy. In April 2024, Gritstone presented an update on the predictive performance of both HLA Class I and HLA Class II presentation at the 2024 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. The findings further Gritstone’s belief that EDGE is leading the field in neoantigen prediction.

The clinical trial collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to evaluate an autologous mutant KRAS-directed TCR-T cell therapy in combination with SLATE-KRAS, Gritstone’s KRAS-directed "off-the-shelf" vaccine candidate, is ongoing. The study is led by Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of the Surgery Branch at the NCI’s Center for Cancer Research and builds into the growing interest in combining tumor-antigen specific cell therapy with matched vaccines.
Infectious Disease Programs
CORAL – Next-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccine program that serves as proof-of-concept for Gritstone’s samRNA platform and novel approach in infectious diseases

Efforts to initiate a head-to-head Phase 2b study of Gritstone’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine (the CORAL Phase 2b study) per the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)2 contract continue. Gritstone will provide further updates as it is able.

Follow up data from the Phase 1 CORAL study highlight the durability and potential broad utility of Gritstone’s samRNA COVID-19 vaccine. In April 2024, Gritstone presented 12-month follow up data from the Phase 1 CORAL-CEPI at ESCMID 2024. The results reinforced previous findings showing induction of broad and durable immune responses through 12 months.
HIV – Collaboration with Gilead to research and develop vaccine-based HIV immunotherapy treatment

The collaboration with Gilead to research and develop a vaccine-based HIV immunotherapy treatment continues under Gilead’s direction.
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash were $61.7 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $52.8 million as of March 31, 2024.
Research and development expenses were $20.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $31.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease of $10.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023 was primarily due to decreases of $3.2 million in personnel-related expenses, $3.2 million in laboratory supplies, $2.6 million in outside services, consisting primarily of clinical trial and other chemistry, manufacturing and controls related expenses and $1.2 million in facilities related costs.

General and administrative expenses were $7.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $6.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $1.0 million was primarily attributable to increases of $0.9 million in personnel-related expenses, including a $0.5 million increase of non-cash stock-based compensation, and $0.1 million in facilities related costs.

Grant revenues were $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded $0.9 million in grant revenue from CEPI.

On August 13, 2024 Genprex inc. ("Genprex" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes, reported that the Singapore Patent Office has granted a patent to Genprex that covers the use of the Company’s lead drug candidate, Reqorsa Gene Therapy, in combination with anti-PD-1 antibodies through 2037 (Press release, Genprex, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645806]).

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This patent expands on the previously granted patents in the U.S., Japan, Mexico, Russia, Australia, Chile, China and Korea to cover the use of REQORSA in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, i.e., PD-1 antibodies. The granted Korean patent also claims the use of REQORSA in combination with PD-L1 antibodies. Genprex will be pursuing additional patent applications with claims to combinations of REQORSA and PD-L1 antibodies in the US, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe and Israel. Should these applications grant, they would be applicable to Genprex’s Acclaim-3 clinical trial.

PD-1 inhibitors and PD-L1 inhibitors are a type of targeted immunotherapy and a part of a group of checkpoint inhibitor anti-cancer drugs that block the activity of PD-1 and PDL1 immune checkpoint proteins present on the surface of cells.

"This patent expands our intellectual property portfolio, providing us with additional protection and exclusivity for our drug combinations with REQORSA and furthering our patent protection in the Asian markets where lung cancer is the most prevalent," said Thomas Gallagher, Esq., Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Genprex.

According to GLOBOCAN, in 2022 Asia accounted for 63% of new lung cancer cases worldwide, which is equal to more than 1.5 million new cases of lung cancer per year. In 2022, China alone had more than 1 million new cases of lung cancer.

The Acclaim-3 study is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial that uses a combination of REQORSA and Genentech’s Tecentriq as maintenance therapy for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) who developed tumor progression after receiving Tecentriq and chemotherapy as initial standard treatment. The Acclaim-3 clinical trial has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Fast Track Designation for this patient population, and Acclaim-3 has received FDA Orphan Drug Designation.

On August 13, 2024 Fortress Biotech, Inc. (Nasdaq: FBIO) ("Fortress"), an innovative biopharmaceutical company focused on acquiring and advancing assets to enhance long-term value for shareholders through product revenue, equity holdings and dividend and royalty revenue, reported financial results and recent corporate highlights for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 (Press release, Fortress Biotech, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645805]).

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Lindsay A. Rosenwald, M.D., Fortress’ Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We had a very productive first half of the year and we anticipate an exciting second half, as we have a New Drug Application ("NDA") and a Biologics License Application ("BLA") on file with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") from our diversified portfolio, both with PDUFA goal dates in the fourth quarter, including DFD-29 for rosacea and cosibelimab for metastatic and locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma ("cSCC"). Our late-stage candidates could generate up to three regulatory approvals in the next 12 months and a potential fourth BLA submission as early as 2025. Additionally, we had a solid second quarter 2024 of product revenue from our marketed dermatology products of $14.9 million, representing growth of approximately 15% compared to first quarter 2024 product revenues of $13.0 million. We continue to prioritize the development of our candidates and the expansion of our business for long-term success. This involves business development efforts and the growth of additional revenue streams, all aimed at benefiting our shareholders. Our business model provides the potential for significant growth as we acquire new assets and our subsidiary and partner companies grow in value, allowing for the opportunity to collect diversified cashflows such as royalties, milestones, product revenues, cash and stock dividends and through meaningful monetizations."

Recent Corporate Highlights1:

Regulatory Updates

● In March 2024, the FDA accepted the NDA for DFD-29 (Minocycline Hydrochloride Modified Release Capsules, 40 mg) and set a PDUFA goal date of November 4, 2024. If approved, DFD-29 has the potential to be the new treatment paradigm for the millions of patients suffering from inflammatory lesions and erythema of rosacea. Both double blinded, randomized controlled DFD-29 Phase 3 clinical trials achieved their co-primary and all secondary endpoints with subjects completing the 16-week treatment with no significant safety issues. DFD-29 demonstrated statistical superiority compared to both Oracea capsules and placebo for Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) treatment success and
1 The development programs depicted in this press release include product candidates in development at Fortress, at Fortress’ private subsidiaries (referred to herein as "subsidiaries"), at Fortress’ public subsidiaries (referred to herein as "partner companies") and at entities with whom one of the foregoing parties has a significant business relationship, such as an exclusive license or an ongoing product-related payment obligation (such entities referred to herein as "partners"). The words "we", "us" and "our" may refer to Fortress individually, to one or more of our subsidiaries and/or partner companies, or to all such entities as a group, as dictated by context. the reduction in the total inflammatory lesion count in both clinical trials. Additionally, DFD-29 showed significantly superior reduction in Clinicians Erythema Assessment compared to placebo in both of the Phase 3 clinical trials. DFD-29 is currently in development at our partner company, Journey Medical Corporation (Nasdaq: DERM) ("Journey Medical").
● In July 2024, the FDA accepted the BLA resubmission for cosibelimab, our investigational anti-PD-L1 antibody, as a treatment for patients with metastatic or locally advanced cSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation, and set a PDUFA goal date of December 28, 2024. In June 2024, we reached alignment with the FDA on our BLA resubmission strategy for cosibelimab and announced the resubmission of the BLA in July 2024. Cosibelimab is currently in development at our partner company, Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CKPT) ("Checkpoint").

Clinical Updates

● In May 2024, we announced that the last patient had completed dosing in a Phase 1b/2a study evaluating AJ201 in the U.S. for the treatment of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy ("SBMA"), also known as Kennedy’s Disease. SBMA is a debilitating rare genetic neuromuscular disease primarily affecting men. Topline data for the Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of AJ201 to treat SBMA are currently expected in the second half of 2024. A webcast replay of the Key Opinion Leader event that took place in April 2024 highlighting expert perspectives on SBMA is available on the Events page of Avenue’s website at View Source AJ201 is currently in development at our partner company, Avenue Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATXI) ("Avenue").
● The Phase 2 clinical trial of Triplex, a cytomegalovirus vaccine, for adults co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus ("HIV") and CMV is now fully enrolled with topline data anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2024. The study aims to show that vaccination with Triplex can safely elicit a CMV-specific immune response and reduce asymptomatic CMV replication in a population of people with HIV on suppressive antiretroviral therapy. The study will also evaluate whether this intervention might reduce chronic inflammation and immune activation, as compared to placebo, and thus, potentially reduce related mortality and morbidity. Triplex is currently in development at our subsidiary company, Helocyte, Inc.
● In May 2024, we announced that the first patient was dosed in a multi-center, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase 2 study of Triplex, a vaccine for control of CMV, in patients undergoing liver transplantation. The trial will enroll up to 416 CMV seronegative prospective liver transplant recipients and will be conducted across up to 20 nationally recognized transplant centers in the U.S. The trial is funded by a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health that could provide over $20 million in non-dilutive funding. We believe this data set could ultimately be used to support the approval of Triplex in this setting.

Other Updates

● In July 2024, we announced a collaboration to explore the combined therapeutic potential of cosibelimab, our anti-PD-L1 antibody, with GC Cell’s Immuncell-LC, an innovative autologous Cytokine Induced Killer ("CIK") T cell therapy composed of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer T cells.
● In July 2024, our majority owned and controlled subsidiary company, Urica Therapeutics, Inc. ("Urica"), entered into an asset purchase agreement, royalty agreement, and related agreements (collectively, the "Transaction Documents") with Crystalys Therapeutics, Inc. ("Crystalys"). Crystalys is a Delaware corporation incorporated in 2022 and seeded by leading life sciences institutional investors. Under the Transaction Documents, Urica transferred rights to its URAT1 inhibitor product candidate in development for the treatment of gout, dotinurad, and related intellectual property, licenses and agreements to Crystalys. In return, Crystalys issued to Urica shares of its common stock equal to 35% of Crystalys’ outstanding equity. The Transaction Documents also grant Urica a securitized three percent (3%) royalty on future net sales of dotinurad to be paid by Crystalys, as well as the right to receive nominal cash reimbursement payments for certain clinical and development costs incurred by Urica related to dotinurad.
● In October 2023, we announced an exclusive worldwide option agreement with City of Hope ("COH") to license certain intellectual property relating to a CMV/HIV bi-specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor

("CAR") (collectively, CMV/HIV-CAR) T cell program for the treatment of adults living with HIV, optionally in combination with Triplex. Additionally, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine awarded a $11.3 million grant to COH to fund a Phase 1 clinical trial involving the CMV/HIV-CAR T. In preclinical studies, administration of the bi-specific CAR T cells followed by administration of a CMV vaccine successfully eradicated HIV, including from latent reservoirs.

Commercial Product Updates

● Journey Medical’s total net revenues for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 were $14.9 million, compared to total net revenues of $13.0 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

General Corporate:

● In April 2024, Avenue announced the exercise of warrants for $4.4 million in gross proceeds and a 1-for-75 reverse split of its issued and outstanding common stock.
● In May and June 2024, Mustang Bio raised approximately $6.5 million across two offerings of its common stock and warrants.
● In July 2024, Checkpoint raised $12 million in a registered direct offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules.
● In July 2024, Fortress’ Board of Directors paused the payment of dividends on the Company’s 9.375% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock") until further notice. The Company believes pausing the dividend is in the best interest of the Company and its stakeholders to maintain financial flexibility ahead of potentially significant inflection points. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock accrue in accordance with their terms; the pausing of these dividends will defer approximately $0.7 million in cash dividend payments each month. The Board intends to revisit its decision regarding the monthly dividend regularly and will assess the profitability and cash flow of the Company to determine whether and when the suspension should be lifted.
● Also in July 2024, Fortress reduced its total debt by entering into a new loan agreement maturing in July 2027 with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. ("Oaktree"), a leading global investment firm. The Company received an initial tranche of $35 million and is eligible to draw an additional $15 million with Oaktree’s consent. In connection with the new loan agreement, the Company repaid its prior term loan with Oaktree of $50 million resulting in a net paydown of $15 million of debt excluding accrued interest and prepayment fees.

Financial Results:

● As of June 30, 2024, Fortress’ consolidated cash and cash equivalents totaled $76.2 million, compared to $83.8 million as of March 31, 2024 and compared to $80.9 million as of December 31, 2023, a decrease of $7.6 million during the quarter and a decrease of $4.7 million year-to-date.
● Fortress’ consolidated cash and cash equivalents, totaling $76.2 million as of June 30, 2024, includes $38.2 million attributable to Fortress and the private subsidiaries, $4.9 million attributable to Avenue, $5.0 million attributable to Checkpoint, $4.3 million attributable to Mustang Bio and $23.9 million attributable to Journey Medical.
o Fortress’ consolidated cash and cash equivalents totaled $80.9 million as of December 31, 2023, which included $40.6 million attributable to Fortress and private subsidiaries, $1.8 million attributable to Avenue, $4.9 million attributable to Checkpoint, $6.2 million attributable to Mustang Bio and $27.4 million attributable to Journey Medical.
● Fortress’ consolidated net revenue totaled $14.9 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, most of which was generated from our marketed dermatology products. This compares to consolidated revenue totaling $17.4 million for the second quarter of 2023, which included $17.0 million in revenue generated from our marketed dermatology products.
● Consolidated research and development expenses including license acquisitions totaled $12.7 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $32.1 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.

● Consolidated selling, general and administrative costs were $20.8 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $24.4 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.
● Consolidated net loss attributable to common stockholders was $(13.3) million, or $(0.73) per share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to net loss attributable to common stockholders of $(26.9) million, or $(3.65) per share for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.