Sairopa reports research milestones achieved in partnership with Exelixis, totalling $35 Million from consecutive clinical milestone payments in 2024

On December 17, 2024 Sairopa B.V., reported it has achieved a milestone event in its exclusive clinical development and option agreement with Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL) involving ADU-1805, an innovative anti-SIRPα antibody with the potential to enhance the immune system’s ability to combat cancer (Press release, Sairopa, DEC 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234649153]).

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Under the terms of the agreement, Exelixis has an exclusive option to license worldwide development and commercialization rights for ADU-1805 and other anti-SIRPα antibodies following the review of data from Sairopa’s phase 1 clinical studies. As part of its collaboration with Exelixis, Sairopa has previously received from Exelixis an upfront payment of $40 million, a $35 million milestone payment upon Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance of ADU-1805 with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and $35 million in milestone payments linked to advances within the clinical development of ADU-1805, in monotherapy as well as in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor.

"Today’s operational update signifies a step forward in the partnered effort to develop next-generation therapies for cancer patients worldwide," said Gurvinder S. Chahal, Chief Business Officer of Sairopa. "The advances seen within our clinical program are a testament to the diligent work and innovative science behind our partnership with Exelixis, bringing us closer to realizing our mission of modulating the immune system to improve outcomes for cancer patients."

The safety and pharmacokinetics of ADU-1805 are currently being evaluated in a first-in-human, open-label, multicenter, multi-arm phase 1 study. To date, patients have been enrolled across the U.S. and several European countries, with assessments ongoing in both the ADU-1805 monotherapy and the ADU-1805 plus pembrolizumab dose escalation arms.

This collaboration combines Exelixis’ proven track record in oncology drug development and commercialization with Sairopa’s expertise in generating innovative cancer immunotherapies, setting the stage for potentially transformative treatments in oncology.

U.S. FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Trodelvy® (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) for Second-Line Treatment of Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

On December 17, 2024 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) for the treatment of adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy (Press release, Gilead Sciences, DEC 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234649176]).

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The Breakthrough Therapy Designation is based on results from the global Phase 2 TROPiCS-03 study ES-SCLC cohort, which showed encouraging results with Trodelvy as a second-line treatment for ES-SCLC. As recently presented at the IASLC 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer, Trodelvy demonstrated promising antitumor activity in both platinum-resistant (PR) and platinum-sensitive (PS) disease, and the safety profile was consistent with previous Trodelvy studies. These data support further investigation of Trodelvy in ES-SCLC and Gilead plans to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial in this patient population.

Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Approximately 15% of lung cancer cases are SCLC, with nearly 70% of patients with SCLC diagnosed at extensive-stage, which occurs when the cancer has spread to both lungs or beyond the lungs to lymph nodes or other organs. For people with ES-SCLC whose disease does not respond to current first-line standard of care (platinum-based chemotherapy or immunotherapy), the prognosis is often poor, and treatment options are limited. There is an urgent need for new and more effective approaches to care that can improve survival and slow the progression of the disease.

Breakthrough Therapy Designation is designed to expedite the development and regulatory review of investigational treatments for serious or life-threatening conditions that, based on preliminary clinical evidence, have the potential to substantially improve clinical outcomes compared with available therapy. This is the second Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Trodelvy.

Trodelvy is the first and only approved Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that has demonstrated meaningful survival advantages in two different types of metastatic breast cancers. Across Phase 3 trials, we are exploring Trodelvy alone or in combination with other agents across many diverse tumor types and stages of disease. This includes collaborations with partners in academia, industry and the global cancer community.

About Trodelvy

Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) is a first-in-class Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate. Trop-2 is a cell surface antigen highly expressed in multiple tumor types, including in more than 90% of breast and lung cancers. Trodelvy is intentionally designed with a proprietary hydrolyzable linker attached to SN-38, a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. This unique combination delivers potent activity to both Trop-2 expressing cells and the tumor microenvironment through a bystander effect.

Trodelvy is currently approved in more than 50 countries for second-line or later metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients and in more than 40 countries for certain patients with pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

Trodelvy is being investigated for use in other TNBC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer populations, as well as a range of tumor types where Trop-2 is highly expressed, including small cell lung cancer and first-line metastatic non-small cell lung cancer where Trodelvy has shown clinical activity through the TROPiCS-03 proof-of-concept study and the EVOKE-02 proof-of-concept study, respectively. Trodelvy is also being studied in head and neck cancer and gynecological cancers.

U.S. Indications for Trodelvy

In the United States, Trodelvy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.
Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH–) breast cancer who have received endocrine-based therapy and at least two additional systemic therapies in the metastatic setting.
U.S. Important Safety Information for Trodelvy

BOXED WARNING: NEUTROPENIA AND DIARRHEA

Severe or life-threatening neutropenia may occur. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 or neutropenic fever. Monitor blood cell counts periodically during treatment. Consider G-CSF for secondary prophylaxis. Initiate anti-infective treatment in patients with febrile neutropenia without delay.
Severe diarrhea may occur. Monitor patients with diarrhea and give fluid and electrolytes as needed. At the onset of diarrhea, evaluate for infectious causes and, if negative, promptly initiate loperamide. If severe diarrhea occurs, withhold Trodelvy until resolved to ≤Grade 1 and reduce subsequent doses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Severe hypersensitivity reaction to Trodelvy.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Neutropenia: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal neutropenia can occur and may require dose modification. Neutropenia occurred in 64% of patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 49% of patients. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 6%. Neutropenic colitis occurred in 1.4%. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 on Day 1 of any cycle or neutrophil count below 1000/mm3 on Day 8 of any cycle. Withhold Trodelvy for neutropenic fever. Administer G-CSF as clinically indicated or indicated in Table 1 of USPI.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 64% of all patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in 11% of patients. One patient had intestinal perforation following diarrhea. Diarrhea that led to dehydration and subsequent acute kidney injury occurred in 0.7% of all patients. Withhold Trodelvy for Grade 3-4 diarrhea and resume when resolved to ≤Grade 1. At onset, evaluate for infectious causes and if negative, promptly initiate loperamide, 4 mg initially followed by 2 mg with every episode of diarrhea for a maximum of 16 mg daily. Discontinue loperamide 12 hours after diarrhea resolves. Additional supportive measures (e.g., fluid and electrolyte substitution) may also be employed as clinically indicated. Patients who exhibit an excessive cholinergic response to treatment can receive appropriate premedication (e.g., atropine) for subsequent treatments.

Hypersensitivity and Infusion-Related Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions including life-threatening anaphylactic reactions have occurred with Trodelvy. Severe signs and symptoms included cardiac arrest, hypotension, wheezing, angioedema, swelling, pneumonitis, and skin reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions within 24 hours of dosing occurred in 35% of patients. Grade 3-4 hypersensitivity occurred in 2% of patients. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions leading to permanent discontinuation of Trodelvy was 0.2%. The incidence of anaphylactic reactions was 0.2%. Pre-infusion medication is recommended. Have medications and emergency equipment to treat such reactions available for immediate use. Observe patients closely for hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions during each infusion and for at least 30 minutes after completion of each infusion. Permanently discontinue Trodelvy for Grade 4 infusion-related reactions.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea occurred in 64% of all patients treated with Trodelvy and Grade 3-4 nausea occurred in 3% of these patients. Vomiting occurred in 35% of patients and Grade 3-4 vomiting occurred in 2% of these patients. Premedicate with a two or three drug combination regimen (e.g., dexamethasone with either a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist or an NK 1 receptor antagonist as well as other drugs as indicated) for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Withhold Trodelvy doses for Grade 3 nausea or Grade 3-4 vomiting and resume with additional supportive measures when resolved to Grade ≤1 . Additional antiemetics and other supportive measures may also be employed as clinically indicated. All patients should be given take-home medications with clear instructions for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions in Patients with Reduced UGT1A1 Activity: Patients homozygous for the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)*28 allele are at increased risk for neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and anemia and may be at increased risk for other adverse reactions with Trodelvy. The incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia was 58% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28, 49% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 43% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. The incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia was 21% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, 10% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 9% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. Closely monitor patients with known reduced UGT1A1 activity for adverse reactions. Withhold or permanently discontinue Trodelvy based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed adverse reactions in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe adverse reactions, which may indicate reduced UGT1A1 function.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action, Trodelvy can cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal lethality when administered to a pregnant woman. Trodelvy contains a genotoxic component, SN-38, and targets rapidly dividing cells. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 3 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In the pooled safety population, the most common (≥ 25%) adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities were decreased leukocyte count (84%), decreased neutrophil count (75%), decreased hemoglobin (69%), diarrhea (64%), nausea (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (63%), fatigue (51%), alopecia (45%), constipation (37%), increased glucose (37%), decreased albumin (35%), vomiting (35%), decreased appetite (30%), decreased creatinine clearance (28%), increased alkaline phosphatase (28%), decreased magnesium (27%), decreased potassium (26%), and decreased sodium (26%).

In the ASCENT study (locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were neutropenia (7%), diarrhea (4%), and pneumonia (3%). SAR were reported in 27% of patients, and 5% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the ASCENT study were reduced neutrophils, leukocytes, and lymphocytes.

In the TROPiCS-02 study (locally advanced or metastatic HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, alopecia, and constipation. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were diarrhea (5%), febrile neutropenia (4%), neutropenia (3%), abdominal pain, colitis, neutropenic colitis, pneumonia, and vomiting (each 2%). SAR were reported in 28% of patients, and 6% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the TROPiCS-02 study were reduced neutrophils and leukocytes.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

UGT1A1 Inhibitors: Concomitant administration of Trodelvy with inhibitors of UGT1A1 may increase the incidence of adverse reactions due to potential increase in systemic exposure to SN-38. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inhibitors with Trodelvy.

UGT1A1 Inducers: Exposure to SN-38 may be reduced in patients concomitantly receiving UGT1A1 enzyme inducers. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inducers with Trodelvy.

Please see full Prescribing Information , including BOXED WARNING.

Actuate Therapeutics Announces Positive Interim Phase 2 Data of Elraglusib
in First Line Treatment of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

On December 17, 2024 Actuate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACTU) ("Actuate" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for the treatment of high-impact, difficult-to-treat cancers through the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β), reported new positive data from its ongoing and fully enrolled randomized Phase 2 trial of elraglusib in combination with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP) in first line treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) (Actuate-1801 Part 3B) (Press release, Actuate Therapeutics, DEC 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234649155]).

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A pre-specified analysis was triggered by reaching >70% death events in the GnP control arm (data cut off November 15, 2024). The analysis of interim data demonstrated treatment with elraglusib in combination with GnP resulted in statistically significant increases in 1-year survival rate (p value of 0.002) and median overall survival (p value of 0.016, hazard ratio of 0.63) versus treatment with GnP alone. The combination treatment also resulted in increased Objective Response Rates (ORR) and Disease Control Rates (DCR) in the elraglusib/GnP combination arm versus the GnP control arm.

"These interim results are highly encouraging and underscore the transformative potential of elraglusib in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer," said Daniel Schmitt, President & Chief Executive Officer of Actuate. "The improvement in median and overall long-term survival, disease control rate and overall response rate compared to GnP alone, combined with elraglusib’s favorable risk-benefit profile, offers the possibility of improved outcomes for patients with limited treatment alternatives. We are excited to continue evaluating the potential of elraglusib, a novel immune-oncology GSK-3 targeted approach for mPDAC, and look forward to engaging with the FDA in 1H 2025 to share topline data and discuss next steps, including a proposed phase 3 registration trial.

Inhibition of GSK-3β may inhibit tumor growth and improve survival through several complimentary mechanisms that include enhancement of chemotherapy activity, activation of innate anti-tumor immunity and regulation of gene expression, leading to alterations in tumor metabolism and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT).

Study highlights include:

· The interim data met the trial primary endpoint with a 1-year survival rate of 43.6% in the elraglusib-GnP combination arm versus 22.5% in the GnP control arm (p=0.002);
o Eighteen and twenty-four month survival rates also demonstrated benefit of 20.9% vs 0% and 16.7% vs 0% in the elraglusib-GnP combination vs GnP arms, respectively.
· As of the November 15, 2024 cutoff, 38% of subjects were still alive in the elraglusib-GnP combination arm vs 19% in the GnP control arm.
· A statistically significant 37% reduction in risk of death and increased median overall survival were observed in the elraglusib-GnP combination arm (mOS 9.3 months) vs the GnP control arm (mOS 7.2 months), (HR=0.63 p=0.016).
· The trial also met its primary safety endpoint. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) in the elraglusib-GnP combination arm were similar to those observed in the GnP arm, indicating a favorable risk-benefit profile for the elraglusib-GnP combination.
· At the interim cutoff of November 15, 2024, the ORR was 27.7%, DCR was 42.6 %, and PFS was 5.6 months in the elraglusib-GnP combination arm versus 20.5%, 33.3% and 4.9 months in the GnP arm, respectively.
· To date, there have been 2 patients in the elraglusib/GnP combination arm with previously inoperable metastatic lesions with noted reductions in target lesions and referred for successful resection, 1 of which resulted in 100% reduction in total tumor burden after surgery. In addition, there have been 1 Complete Response and 1 Partial Response with 100% reduction in target lesions in the elraglusib GnP combination arm versus 0 in the control arm to date.

"Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers with less than 5% survival rate in the US at 5 years. We are encouraged by consistent evidence of significant clinical benefit and anti-tumor activity in the elraglusib combination arm across multiple endpoints in this study," said Dr. Andrew Mazar, Actuate’s Scientific Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer. "Further, the favorable risk-benefit profile observed to date may provide a treatment option for many patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer that may not tolerate more aggressive and less tolerable chemotherapy approaches."

The ongoing Actuate-1801 Part 3B study (NCT03678883) is a randomized, controlled Phase 2 trial of elraglusib with GnP versus GnP alone in first line mPDAC. The trial enrolled 286 mPDAC patients with no prior systemic treatment for metastatic disease, who were randomized 2:1 to the elraglusib treatment arm (elraglusib + GnP) or the control arm (GnP alone). Elraglusib is administered at a dose of 9.3 mg/kg by IV infusion on Day 1 of each week of a 28-day cycle. The primary endpoint is 1-year survival rate, with mOS the primary parameter for summarization of survival data at the end of the study. Secondary endpoints are DCR, ORR, PFS and AE.

Affimed Reports Positive Clinical Update on AFM24/Atezolizumab Combination Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

On December 17, 2024 Affimed N.V. (Nasdaq: AFMD) ("Affimed", or the "Company"), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company committed to giving patients back their innate ability to fight cancer, reported updated clinical data from the ongoing AFM24-102 trial of AFM24/atezolizumab combination therapy in heavily pretreated NSCLC patients (Press release, Affimed, DEC 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234649156]). Results continue to demonstrate meaningful clinical activity in both NSCLC EGFRwt and EGFRmut patients with good tolerability. In addition, the Company reported findings from a post-hoc exposure-response analysis in patients treated with 480 mg AFM24 showing higher AFM24 exposure is associated with significantly better response rates, improved PFS and overall survival (OS). Based on these data, the future development program for AFM24 will use a dose of 720 mg weekly, a dose that has already been successfully tested in the phase 1 study of AFM24 showing a manageable safety profile.

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"With the compelling data from both EGFR wild-type and mutant cohorts, along with the exposure-response analysis we are unlocking the possibilities for the AFM24/atezolizumab combination in treating heavily pretreated NSCLC patients," said Dr. Shawn Leland, PharmD, RPh, Chief Executive Officer of Affimed. "These findings highlight our opportunity to further refine and advance this treatment with a clear focus on patients who stand to benefit the most. We are excited about the path ahead and are committed to exploring innovative strategies to bring this promising therapy to those in need."

NSCLC EGFR Wild-type Cohort Update

Patient population: As of the November 14, 2024 data cut, there were 43 patients in the full analysis set (FAS) and 33 patients in the per protocol set (PPS), defined as having one post baseline scan according to RECIST. Reasons for non-evaluability were early symptomatic deterioration (6), non-related AEs (2), too early (2). Patients had a median of 2 prior lines of therapy (range: 1–7). All patients had received platinum-based combinations and PD(L) 1 targeting checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), and two-thirds had received taxanes. Importantly, all but one patient discontinued their previous CPI because of progression.

Safety: The AFM24 and atezolizumab combination therapy was well tolerated with no unexpected safety findings. Infusion related reactions (IRRs) were the most common adverse event (AE) reported, in 54% of patients; IRRs were manageable, mostly present during the first infusion, and fully resolved. Elevations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), a known side effect of atezolizumab, were reported in 21% and 16% of patients respectively.

Anti-tumor activity and durability (N=33, PPS): The combination demonstrated an ORR of 21% (7 responses: 1 complete response (CR), 5 partial responses (PR) and 1 additional not yet confirmed PR), tumor shrinkage in 48% of patients (16/33 patients) and a DCR of 76%. In the 7 responders, 5 had never achieved an objective response on prior CPIs and only 2 patients had a PR on previous CPI containing treatment (both to a triplet of platinum, pemetrexed and CPI). The preliminary median PFS is 5.6 months, and 36% of patients are currently on treatment.

NSCLC EGFR Mutant Cohort Update

Patient population: As of the November 14, 2024 data cut, 28 patients were in the FAS (reasons for non-evaluability at the cut-off were: ongoing with no scan yet 5, early deterioration 4, non-related AEs 2), with updated results presented for the first 17 patients in the PPS. All patients had received prior EGFR specific TKI therapy, and 77% had received platinum-based chemotherapy.

Anti-tumor activity and durability (N=17, PPS): AFM24 combined with atezolizumab showed promising activity in refractory NSCLC EGFRmut patients achieving an ORR of 24% (4 confirmed responses: 1 CR, 3 PRs), a DCR of 71% and tumor shrinkage in 41% of patients. With a median follow-up of 9 months, the median PFS was 5.6 months. Five (29%) patients are on treatment for over 10 months, demonstrating long term tumor control.

Post-Hoc Exposure-Response Analysis

Analysis process: A post-hoc exposure-response analysis was conducted including NSCLC EGFRwt and EGFRmut subjects (n= 44) treated with 480 mg AFM24 in both the AFM24-101 monotherapy study or the AFM24-102 AFM24 combination with atezolizumab study. Low and high exposure groups were calculated using a median cut-point of patient`s mean trough values.

Safety, anti-tumor activity and durability: Baseline characteristics were balanced between the high and low exposure groups and there were no differences in body mass index or percentage of administered dose that would explain differences in exposure. The high exposure group showed an ORR of 46% and a PFS of 7.4. A sensitivity analysis using quartiles of exposure supported a clear relationship between exposure and outcome indicating that higher doses of AFM24 will likely result in improved efficacy. The PK profile of 720 mg AFM24 weekly, as tested successfully in the phase 1 trial and further pharmacokinetic modelling indicate that 720 mg will achieve exposure levels that are equal or above the plasma concentrations observed for the high exposure group.

"Advanced-stage NSCLC remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, and our findings bring new hope," said Dr. Andreas Harstrick, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Affimed. "We see compelling efficacy results with the AFM24/atezolizumab combination in heavily pretreated NSCLC patients, independent from the mutational status. The results are remarkable as we achieve this with a purely immunotherapy-based approach in patients that are often not able or not willing to take additional toxic therapies. The insights in the relation of exposure and efficacy will allow us to further improve on the efficacy and provide a clear path forward as we strive to unlock new possibilities for EGFR NSCLC patients."

About AFM24

AFM24 is a tetravalent, bispecific ICE that activates the innate immune system by binding to CD16A on innate immune cells and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), a protein widely expressed on solid tumors, to kill cancer cells. Generated by Affimed’s fit-for-purpose ROCK platform, AFM24 represents a distinctive mechanism of action that uses EGFR as a docking site to engage innate immune cells for tumor cell killing through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis.

Palatin Announces Exercise of Warrants for Approximately $3.4 Million Gross Proceeds

On December 16, 2024 Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: PTN) ("Palatin" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin receptor system, reported that it has entered into a warrant exercise inducement agreement (the "inducement agreement") with an institutional investor to exercise certain outstanding warrants that the Company issued in June 2024 and October 2023 totaling 3,907,679 shares of the Company’s common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $3.4 million (Press release, Palatin Technologies, DEC 16, 2024, View Source [SID1234649137]).

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Pursuant to the inducement agreement, the investor has agreed to exercise a portion of its June 2024 outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,964,283 shares of the Company’s common stock and has agreed to exercise its October 2023 outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 943,396 shares of the Company’s common stock, both sets at an amended exercise price of $0.875 per share. In consideration for the immediate exercise of the warrants, the Company also agreed to issue to the investor unregistered Series C warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,907,679 shares of the Company’s common stock and Series D warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,953,839 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Series C and D warrants will each have an exercise price of $0.875 per share. The Series C warrants are exercisable immediately and will expire on the five-year anniversary of closing date. The Series D warrants are exercisable beginning on the effective date of stockholder approval of the issuance of shares upon exercise of such warrants and will expire on the five-year anniversary from the date of stockholder approval.

The transaction is expected to close on or about December 17, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the exercise of warrants for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Series C and D warrants described above are being issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and, along with the shares of common stock underlying such warrants, have not been registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in this offering, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.