Cellectis Announces the execution of the Subsequent Investment Agreement with AstraZeneca

On November 15, 2023 Cellectis (Euronext Growth: ALCLS – NASDAQ: CLLS) reported that, following the consultation of its works council, it has now signed a binding Subsequent Investment Agreement with AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) regarding the contemplated additional equity investment of $140M by AstraZeneca, which was previously announced on November 1, 2023 (Press release, Cellectis, NOV 15, 2023, View Source [SID1234637700]). The additional investment will be made by way of subscription of 10,000,000 "class A" convertible preferred shares and 18,000,000 "class B" convertible preferred shares, in each case at a price of $5.00 per share (the "Additional Investment").

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The closing of the Additional Investment remains subject to (i) the approval of the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Cellectis to be called in the coming days and expected to be held on or around December 22, 2023, (ii) clearance of such investment from the French Ministry of Economy according to the foreign direct investment French regulations, and (iii) other customary closing conditions. Immediately following the Additional Investment, it is anticipated that AstraZeneca would own approximately 44% of the share capital of the Company and 30% of the voting rights of the Company (based on the number of voting rights currently outstanding).

In the absence of a public offering, no prospectus will be established in France or outside of France in connection with the Additional Investment.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Augtyro™ (repotrectinib), a Next-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI), for the Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic ROS1-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

On November 15, 2023 Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Augtyro (repotrectinib) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, NOV 15, 2023, View Source [SID1234637699]). Administered as an oral therapy, Augtyro is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting ROS1 oncogenic fusions.

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The approval is based on the TRIDENT-1 study, an open-label, single-arm, Phase 1/2 trial that evaluated Augtyro in TKI-naïve and TKI-pretreated patients. In TKI-naïve patients (n=71), the primary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR), defined as the percentage of people treated within a certain period of time whose tumor size decreased (partial response) or who no longer have signs of cancer (complete response),was 79% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 68 to 88). The median duration of response (mDOR) was 34.1 months. Among patients pretreated with one prior ROS1 TKI and no prior chemotherapy (n=56), the ORR was 38% (95% CI: 25 to 52) and the mDOR was 14.8 months. Among those who had measurable central nervous system (CNS) metastases at baseline, responses in intracranial lesions were observed in 7 of 8 TKI-naïve patients (n=71) and 5 of 12 of those who were TKI-pretreated (n=56).

"New treatment options continue to be needed for patients with ROS1 fusion-positive NSCLC that support important clinical goals, including achieving durable therapeutic responses," said Jessica J. Lin, MD, TRIDENT-1 primary investigator and attending physician at the Center for Thoracic Cancers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.4,5,6,7 "Based on the data we have seen in the TRIDENT-1 trial, repotrectinib has the potential to become a new standard of care option for patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1 fusion-positive lung cancer."

Augtyro is associated with the following Warnings & Precautions: central nervous system (CNS) effects, interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis, hepatotoxicity, myalgia with creatine phosphokinase elevation, hyperuricemia, skeletal fractures, and embryo-fetal toxicity. Please see Important Safety Information below.

"While progress has been made in the treatment of NSCLC over the past decade, there is still a need to address this particularly difficult-to-treat form of the disease with innovative science and a targeted approach," said Samit Hirawat, MD, executive vice president, chief medical officer, Global Drug Development, Bristol Myers Squibb.6,7 "As the only approved next-generation TKI for ROS1-positive NSCLC patients, Augtyro builds on our legacy of delivering transformational therapies for patients with thoracic cancers."

"ROS1-positive NSCLC patients and their families face a stressful journey because our cancer can be difficult to treat, especially when it spreads to the brain," said Janet Freeman-Daily, co-founder and president of The ROS1ders, a patient advocacy organization. "Today’s approval brings a new treatment option for the ROS1-positive patient community, which gives us hope for more time with loved ones."

Augtyro is designed to minimize interactions that can lead to certain forms of treatment resistance in ROS1-positive metastatic NSCLC patients. It is expected to be available to patients in the U.S. in mid-December 2023. Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved in the TRIDENT-1 clinical trial program.

About TRIDENT-1

TRIDENT-1 is a global, multicenter, single-arm, open-label, multi-cohort Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor activity of repotrectinib in patients with advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Phase 1/2 includes patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors harboring ROS1 fusions.2 Additional analyses of the trial are still being conducted; asymptomatic central nervous system (CNS) metastases are allowed.1,2 The trial excludes patients with symptomatic brain metastases, among other exclusion criteria.1 Phase 1 of the trial included the dose escalation that determined the recommended Phase 2 dose.

Phase 2 of the trial has a primary endpoint of overall response rate (ORR).1,2 Key secondary endpoints include duration of response (DOR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1) as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR), progression-free survival (PFS), and intracranial response in six distinct expansion cohorts, including tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-naïve and TKI-pretreated patients with ROS1-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.

In TRIDENT-1, of the 79% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 68 to 88) of TKI-naïve patients who responded to treatment, 6% experienced complete responses and 73% experienced partial responses.1 The median duration of response (mDOR) was 34.1 months.1 Of the 38% (95% CI: 25 to 52) of TKI-pretreated patients (n=56) who responded to treatment, 5% experienced complete responses and 32% experienced partial responses and the mDOR was 14.8 months.1 Among those who had measurable CNS metastases at baseline as assessed by BICR, responses in intracranial lesions were observed in 7 of 8 TKI-naïve patients (n=71) and in 5 of 12 of those who were TKI-pretreated (n=56).

The FDA-approved dosing for Augtyrois 160 mg orally once daily for 14 days, then increased to 160 mg twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.1

Select Safety Profile From TRIDENT-1

Permanent discontinuation of Augtyro occurred in 8% of patients.1 Augtyro dosage was interrupted due to an adverse reaction in 48% of patients, and dose reductions due to an adverse event occurred in 35% of patients.1 Serious adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients who received Augtyro.1 Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients included pneumonia (5.7%), dyspnea (3.8%), pleural effusion (3.4%) and hypoxia (3%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.2% of patients who received Augtyro, including death, pneumonia, pneumonia aspiration, cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac death, cardiac failure, sudden death, hypoxia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, tremor, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.1 The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions were dizziness (63%), dysgeusia (48%), peripheral neuropathy (47%), constipation (36%), dyspnea (30%), ataxia (28%), fatigue (24%), cognitive disorders (23%), and muscular weakness (21%).1 Grade 3 dizziness occurred in 1.9% of patients. The most common and serious adverse reactions and fatal events were evaluated in 264 patients who received the Phase 2 recommended dose of Augtyro in TRIDENT-1.1

About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.12 The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell and small cell.12 Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents up to 85% of diagnoses.12 Survival rates vary depending on the stage and type of the cancer when diagnosed.13 ROS1 fusions are rare and occur in about 1-2% of patients with NSCLC.10 With a median age of 50, patients with tumors that are ROS1-positive tend to be younger than the average lung cancer patient, more often female than male and may have little to no smoking history.10ROS1-positive lung cancer tends to be aggressive and can often spread to the brain.10ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy is the current standard of care for patients with a tumor harboring this gene alteration.4

INDICATION

AUGTYROTM (repotrectinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Warnings & Precautions

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions

Among the 351 patients who received AUGTYRO in the TRIDENT-1 study, a broad spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions including dizziness, ataxia, and cognitive disorders occurred in 75% with Grade 3 or 4 events occurring in 4%. Dizziness, including vertigo, occurred in 64% and Grade 3 dizziness occurred in 2.8% of patients. The median time to onset was 6 days (1 day to 1.4 years). Dose interruption was required in 9% of patients, and 12% required dose reduction of AUGTYRO due to dizziness.
Ataxia, including gait disturbance and balance disorder, occurred in 29% of the 351 patients; Grade 3 ataxia occurred in 0.3%. The median time to onset was 15 days (1 day to 1.4 years). Dose interruption was required in 6% of patients, 8% required dose reduction and one patient (0.3%) permanently discontinued AUGTYRO due to ataxia.
Cognitive disorder, including memory impairment and disturbance in attention, occurred in 23% of the 351 patients. Cognitive disorders included memory impairment (13%), disturbance in attention (11%), and confusional state (2%); Grade 3 cognitive disorders occurred in 0.9% of patients. The median time to onset of cognitive disorders was 37 days (1 day to 1.4 years). Dose interruption was required in 2% of patients, 1.7% required dose reduction and 0.6% permanently discontinued AUGTYRO due to cognitive adverse reactions.
Mood disorders occurred in 6% of the 351 patients. Mood disorders occurring in >1% of patients included anxiety (2.8%), irritability (1.1%), and depression (1.4%); Grade 4 mood disorders (mania) occurred in 0.3% of patients. Dose interruption was required in 0.3% of patients and 0.3% required a dose reduction due to mood disorders.
Sleep disorders including insomnia and hypersomnia occurred in 15% of the 351 patients. Sleep disorders observed in >1% of patients were somnolence (8%), insomnia (6%) and hypersomnia (1.1%). Dose interruption was required in 0.9% of patients, and 0.3% required a dose reduction due to sleep disorders.
The incidences of CNS adverse reactions reported were similar in patients with and without CNS metastases.
Advise patients not to drive or use machines if they are experiencing CNS adverse reactions. Withhold and then resume at same or reduced dose upon improvement, or permanently discontinue AUGTYRO based on severity.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

Among the 351 patients treated with AUGTYRO, ILD/pneumonitis (pneumonitis [2.6%] and interstitial lung disease [0.3%]) occurred in 2.9%; Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 1.1%. The median time to onset was 45 days (19 days to 0.9 years). Dose interruption was required in 1.4% of patients, 0.6% required dose reduction, and 1.1% permanently discontinued AUGTYRO due to ILD/pneumonitis.
Monitor patients for new or worsening pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis. Immediately withhold AUGTYRO in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue AUGTYRO if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed.
Hepatotoxicity

Among the 351 patients treated with AUGTYRO, increased alanine transaminase (ALT) occurred in 35%, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 40%, including Grade 3 or 4 increased ALT in 2% and increased AST in 2.6%. The median time to onset of increased ALT or AST was 15 days (range: 1 day to 1.9 years). Increased ALT or AST leading to dose interruptions or reductions occurred in 2.8% and 1.4% of patients, respectively. Hyperbilirubinemia leading to dose interruptions occurred in 0.6%.
Monitor liver function tests, including ALT, AST and bilirubin, every 2 weeks during the first month of treatment, then monthly thereafter and as clinically indicated. Withhold and then resume at same or reduced dose upon improvement or permanently discontinue AUGTYRO based on the severity.
Myalgia with Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation

Among the 351 patients treated with AUGTYRO, myalgia occurred in 13% of patients, with Grade 3 in 0.6%. Median time to onset of myalgia was 19 days (range: 1 day to 2 years). Concurrent increased CPK within a 7-day window was observed in 3.7% of patients. AUGTYRO was interrupted in one patient with myalgia and concurrent CPK elevation.
Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor serum CPK levels during AUGTYRO treatment and monitor CPK levels every 2 weeks during the first month of treatment and as needed in patients reporting unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Initiate supportive care as clinically indicated. Based on severity, withhold and then resume AUGTYRO at same or reduced dose upon improvement.
Hyperuricemia

Among the 351 patients treated with AUGTYRO, 18 patients (5%) experienced hyperuricemia reported as an adverse reaction, 0.9% experienced Grade 3 or 4 hyperuricemia. One patient without pre-existing gout required urate-lowering medication.
Monitor serum uric acid levels prior to initiating AUGTYRO and periodically during treatment. Initiate treatment with urate-lowering medications as clinically indicated. Withhold and then resume at same or reduced dose upon improvement, or permanently discontinue AUGTYRO based on severity.
Skeletal Fractures

Among 351 adult patients who received AUGTYRO, fractures occurred in 2.3%. Fractures involved the ribs (0.6%), feet (0.6%), spine (0.3%), acetabulum (0.3%), sternum (0.3%), and ankles (0.3%). Some fractures occurred at sites of disease and prior radiation therapy. The median time to fracture was 71 days (range: 31 days to 1.4 years). AUGTYRO was interrupted in 0.3% of patients.
Promptly evaluate patients with signs or symptoms (e.g., pain, changes in mobility, deformity) of fractures. There are no data on the effects of AUGTYRO on healing of known fractures and risk of future fractures.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on literature reports in humans with congenital mutations leading to changes in tropomyosin receptor tyrosine kinase (TRK) signaling, findings from animal studies, and its mechanism of action, AUGTYRO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with AUGTYRO and for 2 months following the last dose, since AUGTYRO can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective.
Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with AUGTYRO and for 4 months after the last dose.
Adverse Reactions

Among 351 patients who received AUGTYRO for ROS1-positive NSCLC and other solid tumors in the TRIDENT-1 trial, the most common (>20%) adverse reactions were dizziness (64%), dysgeusia (50%), peripheral neuropathy (47%), constipation (37%), dyspnea (30%), ataxia (29%), fatigue (29%), cognitive disorders (23%), and nausea (20%).
In a subset of 264 patients who received AUGTYRO for ROS1-positive NSCLC, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions were dizziness (63%), dysgeusia (48%), peripheral neuropathy (47%), constipation (36%), dyspnea (30%), ataxia (28%), fatigue (24%), cognitive disorders (23%), and muscular weakness (21%).
Drug Interactions

Effects of Other Drugs on AUGTYRO

Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors

Avoid concomitant use with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Concomitant use of AUGTYRO with a strong or a moderate CYP3A inhibitor may increase repotrectinib exposure, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of AUGTYRO. Discontinue CYP3A inhibitors for 3 to 5 elimination half-lives of the CYP3A inhibitor prior to initiating AUGTYRO.
P-gp Inhibitors

Avoid concomitant use with P-gp inhibitors. Concomitant use of AUGTYRO with a P-gp inhibitor may increase repotrectinib exposure, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of AUGTYRO.
Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inducers

Avoid concomitant use with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. Concomitant use of AUGTYRO with a strong or moderate CYP3A inducer may decrease repotrectinib plasma concentrations, which may decrease efficacy of AUGTYRO.
Effects of AUGTYRO on other Drugs

Certain CYP3A4 Substrates

Avoid concomitant use unless otherwise recommended in the Prescribing Information for CYP3A substrates, where minimal concentration changes can cause reduced efficacy. If concomitant use is unavoidable, increase the CYP3A4 substrate dosage in accordance with approved product labeling.
Repotrectinib is a CYP3A4 inducer. Concomitant use of repotrectinib decreases the concentration of CYP3A4 substrates, which can reduce the efficacy of these substrates.
Contraceptives

Repotrectinib is a CYP3A4 inducer, which can decrease progestin or estrogen exposure to an extent that could reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
Avoid concomitant use of AUGTYRO with hormonal contraceptives. Advise females to use an effective nonhormonal contraceptive.
Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for AUGTYRO

bioAffinity Technologies Reports Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On November 14, 2023 bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIAF; BIAFW), a biotechnology company addressing the need for noninvasive detection of early-stage lung cancer and other diseases of the lung, reported financial results for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2023, and provided a business update (Press release, BioAffinity Technologies, NOV 15, 2023, View Source [SID1234637698]).

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Highlights from the third quarter of 2023 and subsequent weeks included:

Corporate and Commercial Highlights

● The Company’s wholly owned Precision Pathology Laboratory Services (PPLS) subsidiary acquired the non-medical assets of Village Oaks Pathology Services on Sept. 18, 2023. The clinical laboratory, certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988 and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), is now owned and operated by PPLS.

● The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a preliminary payment decision in September 2023 for the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for CyPath Lung, our noninvasive test for lung cancer, issued by the American Medical Association (AMA) in June 2023. CMS is expected to finalize the 2024 payment for CyPath Lung in November 2023 with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2024. CMS’ final payment determination is expected to favorably impact PPLS’ established fee schedule for CyPath Lung, determining reimbursement by private insurance carriers.

● The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) purchased CyPath Lung tests for use in an observational study on active military personnel at high risk for developing lung cancer (NCT05870592) and for research on the use of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid to assess cardiopulmonary function and exercise performance in military personnel post-COVID-19 infection.

● Dallas J. Coleman joined the Company as National Director of Sales responsible for leading the CyPath Lung sales team, sourcing new business opportunities and expanding the pilot market launch across Texas in preparation for the national rollout. Previously, Mr. Coleman was an Executive Account Manager for the respiratory portfolio of Olympus America’s therapeutic solutions division.

Management Commentary

"The transformative strategic acquisition of PPLS in September gives us a strong revenue base as we move forward with the rollout of our game-changing CyPath Lung test. PPLS is forecast to contribute $8.7 million in net revenue over the next 12 months, with additional upside as we work to expand sales of CyPath Lung regionally and nationally," bioAffinity President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Zannes said.

"We achieved another significant milestone in September when we received a preliminary payment decision from CMS for CyPath Lung that is in line with the July 2023 payment recommendation from the Medicare Advisory Panel on Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Tests. The CMS payment determination is a crucial step forward in our commercial rollout of our noninvasive test to improve detection of early-stage lung cancer," Ms. Zannes said. " As we begin our pilot marketing program for CyPath Lung in Texas, we look forward to applying what we learned in our beta market testing and informing and accelerating our regional and national rollout plans. As we plan to expand the geographic reach, add prescribing physicians, and partner with larger medical systems, we anticipate substantial revenue growth for CyPath Lung."

Third Quarter Financial Results

Revenue for the third quarter of 2023 increased to $298,484, up from $1,150 in the prior-year period. Prior to the Sept. 18, 2023, acquisition of PPLS, bioAffinity Technologies’ revenue was generated from royalties from sales of CyPath Lung as a laboratory developed test (LDT), clinical flow cytometry services related to CyPath Lung, and CyPath Lung tests purchased by the DOD. Post-acquisition of PPLS, beginning Sept. 19, 2023, the income from royalties and clinical flow cytometry services was classified as related party income and eliminated from consolidated net revenues, while additional revenue streams from PPLS were consolidated. PPLS generates three sources of revenue: patient service fees, histology service fees and medical director fees. Sales to the DOD were $4,500 for the third quarter of 2023.

Research and development expenses were $330,376 for the third quarter of 2023, compared with $319,744 for the comparable period in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher compensation costs from adding research personnel and higher costs for lab supplies and reagents.

Clinical development expenses were $106,422 for the third quarter of 2023, compared with $60,941 for the third quarter of 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher professional fees related to clinical strategy evaluation for the pivotal clinical trial of CyPath Lung.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared with $595,702 for the comparable period in 2022. The increase was primarily attributed to higher accounting, legal and professional fees related to the acquisition of PPLS and being a publicly traded company, higher board compensation, employee and stock-based compensation, and sales and marketing costs for commercialization of CyPath Lung.

Net loss for the third quarter of 2023 was $2.3 million, or $0.26 per share, compared with a net loss of $4.9 million, or $1.17 per share, for the comparable period in 2022.

Cash and cash equivalents were $4.5 million as of Sept. 30, 2023, compared with $11.4 million as of December 31, 2022. Management will assess opportunities to raise additional capital when the markets are favorable.

2023 Financial Outlook and Next Twelve Months

The Company expects to generate between $2.1 and $2.3 million in net revenues for 2023. This is up from $4,800 in 2022. Over the next 12 months (fourth quarter 2023 to third quarter 2024), the Company expects to generate between $8.4 and $9.0 million in net revenues.

CyPath Lung sales are expected to trend up as the Company expands its sales force and marketing efforts. Through Sept. 30, 2023, the pilot marketing program for CyPath Lung had 20 physicians enrolled, 15 physicians who had ordered tests for their patients and 44 CyPath Lung diagnostic tests conducted. Over the next 12 months (fourth quarter 2023 to third quarter 2024), the Company expects to grow the number of physicians enrolled to 82, the number of physicians that have ordered to 61, and the number of CyPath Lung diagnostic tests conducted to 284, which will contribute gross revenues of $457,166. To achieve this growth, the Company plans to expand its sale force from two to five in strategic metropolitan areas of Texas, promote CyPath Lung through branding and marketing assets, and benefit from broader reimbursement from private payers and public health insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, based on CMS’ final payment determination.

BIO-PATH HOLDINGS REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

On November 15, 2023 Bio-Path Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ:BPTH), a biotechnology company leveraging its proprietary DNAbilize liposomal delivery and antisense technology to develop a portfolio of targeted nucleic acid cancer drugs, reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023 and provided an update on recent corporate developments (Press release, Bio-Path Holdings, NOV 15, 2023, View Source [SID1234637697]).

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"The third quarter marked a particularly progressive time at Bio-Path as we reported compelling clinical data from our Phase 2 trial of prexigebersen in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)," said Peter Nielsen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Path Holdings. "In October, we hosted a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) event with two physician experts who expressed their enthusiasm for the potential of prexigebersen to change the treatment landscape and patient outcomes in this most challenging patient population."

"As we look toward the balance of the year and into 2024, we are more encouraged than ever for the potential of our DNAbilize platform to positively impact a number of difficult to treat cancer indications," continued Mr. Nielsen.

Recent Corporate Highlights

• Announced Positive Results from Interim Analysis of Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Prexigebersen in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. In August, Bio-Path reported positive interim data from Stage 2 of the Company’s Phase 2 study of prexigebersen in combination with decitabine and venetoclax for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Prexigebersen continues to be well-tolerated and has now shown compelling efficacy results in two reporting cohorts including evaluable newly diagnosed AML patients and evaluable refractory/relapsed AML patients, which exceed outcomes with combination treatment of decitabine and venetoclax.

• Hosted Key Opinion Leader Event to Discuss Prexigebersen and Advances in the AML Treatment Landscape. In October, Bio-Path hosted a virtual KOL event to discuss the current AML treatment landscape and the growing body of clinical evidence in support of prexigebersen as a treatment for AML. The event featured presentations from Jorge Cortes, M.D., Director, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University and Maro Ohanian, D.O., Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Financial Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2023

• The Company reported a net loss of $3.2 million, or $0.32 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a net loss of $3.5 million, or $0.49 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

• Research and development expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased to $2.3 million, compared to $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to decreased manufacturing development expenses partially offset by an increase in expense related to our clinical trial for prexigebersen in AML due to increased patient enrollment in 2023.

• General and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased to $1.0 million, compared to $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to decreased legal fees.

• Change in fair value of the Company’s warrant liability for the three months ended September 30, 2023 resulted in non-cash income of $0.1 million. The Company did not have the warrant liability in the comparable period for 2022.

• As of September 30, 2023, the Company had cash of $2.4 million, compared to $10.4 million as of December 31, 2022. Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $9.7 million, compared to $10.1 million for the comparable period in 2022. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $1.7 million.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Bio-Path Holdings will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. ET to review these third quarter 2023 financial results and to provide a general update on the Company. To access the conference call please dial (833) 630-1956 (domestic) or (412) 317-1837 (international). A live audio webcast of the call and the archived webcast will be available in the Media section of the Company’s website at www.biopathholdings.com

Astellas to Acquire Propella Therapeutics

On November 15, 2023 Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") and Propella Therapeutics, Inc. (President and CEO: William Moore, "Propella") reported that Astellas, through a U.S. subsidiary, and Propella have entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which Astellas will acquire Propella (Press release, Astellas, NOV 15, 2023, View Source [SID1234637696]). Propella is a privately held biopharmaceutical company that has leveraged a wholly owned proprietary platform that combines medicinal chemistry with lymphatic targeting to create new oncology drugs.

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Through the acquisition of Propella, Astellas will acquire PRL-02 (abiraterone decanoate), a next-generation androgen biosynthesis inhibitor being developed by Propella to treat prostate cancer. PRL-02 is a novel, long-acting prodrug* of abiraterone that, following intramuscular injection, is expected to achieve high concentrations in target tissues where the active moiety, abiraterone, is continuously released. PRL-02 may provide improved efficacy and safety compared to existing treatment options by high CYP17 lyase inhibition selectivity. PRL-02 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial and is expected to enter Phase 2a clinical trials in 2024.

Naoki Okamura, President and CEO, Astellas
"The acquisition fits with Astellas’ strategy to provide patients with therapeutic options for diseases with high unmet medical needs. Propella has a promising program, PRL-02, targeting prostate cancer. We believe that the synergy with Astellas’ global development and commercialization capabilities in the cancer and urology fields will accelerate the development of PRL-02 and deliver new VALUE to patients with prostate cancer."

William Moore, President and CEO, Propella
"Propella has focused on the research and development of proprietary, highly selective inhibitors that precisely block the synthesis of androgens, the main driver of prostate cancer, without significant changes in other steroids that are known to reduce clinical activity and safety. We are gratified that Astellas recognizes and values PRL-02’s potential as a best-in-class therapeutic for the treatment of men with prostate cancer. We are delighted that Astellas has chosen PRL-02 for further development and we are committed to supporting Astellas’ plans to accelerate PRL-02 development to improve treatment options for prostate cancer patients globally."

Under the agreement, Astellas will pay approximately US$175million to acquire all of the outstanding common stock and equity interests in Propella. Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to occur during Astellas’ fiscal year 2023 (which ends on March 31, 2024).

The impact of this transaction on Astellas’ financial results in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, will be limited.

Overview of Acquisition

Stock acquirer: Astellas US Holding, Inc.
Major shareholders of Propella: TPC- API LLC, Employees, etc.
(including stock options)
Consideration: Cash (using cash on hand)
Financial terms: Astellas will pay approximately US$175million to acquire all of the outstanding common stock and equity interests in Propella
Estimated Date of Closing: Astellas’ fiscal year 2023 (which ends on March 31, 2024)
Overview of Propella

Company: Propella Therapeutics, Inc.
Address: Pittsboro, North Carolina, US
Representative’s Title and Name: President & CEO, William Moore
Year of Establishment: 2020
Employees: 5 employees (as of end of October 2023)
Business Relationship: There is no business relationship between Astellas and Propella.
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Cooley LLP provided legal advice to Propella on this transaction.

* Prodrug: drugs with increased bioavailability by utilizing metabolic reactions in the body