Vantictumab

Sentynl expands its rare disease portfolio with potential first-in-class oral treatment for AATD-LD, a rare genetic respiratory disease On option exercise, Sentynl will have the right to commercialize the product in the United States; Mereo to lead global development and retains rest of the world rights Mereo will receive an upfront option fee and, on option exercise, is eligible to receive up to $40 million in upfront and R&D payments until NDA filing, and double-digit tiered royalties on U.S. sales Companies will collaborate to refine the Phase 3 design during short option period SOLANA BEACH, Calif. and AHMEDABAD, India and LONDON, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentynl Therapeutics, Inc. ("Sentynl"), a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences Limited ("Zydus") and Mereo BioPharma Group plc (Nasdaq: MREO) ("Mereo" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on rare diseases, today announced that they have entered into an option and license agreement for the U.S. commercial and global manufacturing rights to alvelestat for AATD-LD. Alvelestat is a neutrophil elastase inhibitor being readied for Phase 3 and, if approved, would be the first oral treatment for this rare, progressive genetic lung disease affecting an estimated 50,000-80,000 individuals in the United States.1,2,3,4,5,6 The option and license agreement grants Sentynl the exclusive right to acquire a license to commercialize alvelestat for AATD-LD in the United States, with Mereo retaining commercial rights in the rest of the world. The agreement also grants Sentynl global rights to manufacture alvelestat for AATD-LD and on option exercise, it provides funding for the alvelestat Phase 3 development program, which could be initiated in early 2027. "This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Sentynl's rare disease strategy. Mereo's alvelestat is a highly promising, differentiated candidate that meaningfully expands our portfolio and has the potential to address an area of significant unmet need," said Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Limited. "AATD-LD has a profound impact on patients' lives. If approved, alvelestat has the potential to be a meaningful new option that could help their quality of life." "We take great pride in having built a sustainable approach for developing therapies for ultra-rare conditions, and this partnership allows us to expand that strategic focus to a larger population within the rare disease community, enabling us to help more people," said Matt Heck, Chief Executive Officer of Sentynl Therapeutics. "For patients with AATD-LD, the current standard of care is demanding, often relying on generalized therapies or frequent intravenous treatments. We see a clear opportunity to improve upon that with alvelestat. Mereo has built a strong foundation for this asset, making them an ideal partner as we collaborate during the option period to prepare for the next phase of development." "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Sentynl to advance alvelestat for patients with AATD-LD. We have been preparing alvelestat for a global Phase 3 study, backed by positive efficacy data from two Phase 2 studies. We believe Sentynl's commitment to rare diseases and established commercial infrastructure make them the ideal partner for alvelestat and look forward to collaborating with them during the option period, when we plan to refine the global Phase 3 study design," said Denise Scots-Knight, Chief Executive Officer of Mereo BioPharma. Mereo will receive a non-refundable option fee from Sentynl and, on exercise of the option, the Company would also receive up to $40 million in upfront and R&D payments until NDA filing. Under these terms, Mereo would also be eligible to receive double-digit tiered royalties on U.S. net sales of alvelestat. Mereo will lead the global Phase 3 study and regulatory interactions until the study is completed. However, during the option period, the companies will collaborate to advance manufacturing and streamline the Phase 3 study design. About Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-Associated Lung Disease (AATD-LD) AATD is a rare, genetic disease that results in a deficiency of the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein, which protects the lungs against damaging enzymes that the body releases during inflammation. The majority of individuals with severe deficiency develop pulmonary emphysema, a progressive, life-threatening lung disease, which results in severe shortness of breath, chronic cough and sputum production with susceptibility to acute exacerbations. Individuals with AATD may also develop asthma and bronchiectasis, a permanent enlargement of parts of the lungs' airways. The estimated prevalence of AATD-LD (Pi*ZZ variant) in the United States is approximately 50,000-80,000 people.1,2,3,4,5,6 About Alvelestat Alvelestat is a novel, oral small molecule designed to specifically inhibit neutrophil elastase (NE), a key enzyme involved in inflammation and the destruction of lung tissue. As a small molecule, alvelestat is able to access both cell-bound and soluble elastase and effectively penetrate lung tissue. The safety and tolerability profile of alvelestat has been established through clinical trials in over 1,000 patients with respiratory diseases, including AATD-LD, COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, COVID-19 and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome following allogeneic stem cell transplant. Alvelestat has received Orphan Drug Designation for AATD-LD from the European Commission and the FDA. It has also received Fast Track designation from the FDA. About Zydus Lifesciences Limited Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., is an innovative, global life sciences company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of healthcare therapies. The group employs over 30,000 people worldwide, including 1,500 scientists engaged in R & D, and is driven by its mission to unlock new possibilities in life sciences through quality healthcare solutions that impact lives. The group aspires to transform lives through pathbreaking discoveries. Over the last decade, Zydus has introduced several innovative, first-in class products in the market for treating unmet healthcare needs with vaccines, therapeutics, biologicals, and New Chemical Entities. For more details visit . About Sentynl Therapeutics, Inc. Sentynl Therapeutics Inc. ("Sentynl") is a commercial stage U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing innovative therapies to patients living with rare diseases. Recognized for its commitment to the rare disease community, Sentynl leverages its global operations as well as its parent organization, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, to advance the development, manufacturing, and delivery of treatments to patients who need them in numerous countries worldwide. Sentynl is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and access while upholding ethical standards and operating in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry guidelines. For more information, visit . About Mereo BioPharma Mereo BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapeutics for rare diseases. The Company has three rare disease product candidates: setrusumab for the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI); alvelestat for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-associated lung disease (AATD-LD); and vantictumab for the treatment of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type 2 (ADO2). The Company and its partner for setrusumab, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., have reported top-line results from two Phase 3 studies for setrusumab in OI in patients aged 2 to 25 years old. Ultragenyx is funding and leading global development and Mereo has retained EU and UK commercial rights. Mereo has entered into an exclusive option and license agreement with Sentynl Therapeutics Inc. for the U.S. rights commercialize alvelestat, while retaining rest of the world rights and will lead the global development. The agreement also grants Sentynl global rights to manufacture alvelestat for AATD-LD. Mereo has partnered with āshibio, Inc., for vantictumab in ADO2. āshibio, Inc. is funding and leading the global development program and Mereo has retained EU and UK commercial rights. Mereo has also entered into exclusive global license agreements with ReproNovo SA, for the development and commercialization of leflutrozole for the treatment of infertility in men, and with Feng Biosciences for the development and commercialization of navicixizumab for late-stage ovarian cancer. For more information visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations, beliefs and assumptions concerning future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in the clinical development process; the Company's reliance on third parties to conduct and provide funding for its clinical trials; the sufficiency of existing cash to fund operations and/or the inability to raise additional funding on favorable terms or at all; the uncertainty inherent in regulatory review processes, including varying interpretations and analyses of data from clinical trials; the Company's dependence on enrollment of patients in its clinical trials; potentially smaller than anticipated market opportunities for the Company's product candidates; the Company's dependence on its key executives; the Company's dependence on its strategic partners; and the Company's ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing requirements. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "foresee," "should," "would," "could," "may," "estimate," "outlook," "will," "continue" and similar expressions, including the negative thereof. The absence of these words, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations, beliefs and assumptions concerning future developments and business conditions and their potential effect on the Company. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it anticipates. The Company wishes to caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. [1] Blanco I, Diego I, Castañón C, Estimated Worldwide Prevalence of the PI*ZZ Alpha-1 Genotype Antitrypsin in Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Archivos de Bronconeumología. 2023 Jul 10.1016 427-434; [2] Blanco I, Bueno P, Diego I, et al. Alpha-1 antitrypsin PiZ gene frequency and PiZZ genotype numbers worldwide: an update. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2017;12:561-569. [3] de Serres FJ, Blanco I, Fernández-Bustillo E. Estimating the risk for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency among COPD patients: Evidence supporting targeted screening. COPD. 2006;3(3):133-139. [4] Stoller JK, Aboussouan LS. AAT deficiency. Lancet. 2005;365(9478):2225-2236. [5] U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: United States. U.S. Department of Commerce; 2023. Accessed Aug. 4, 2026. [6] U.S. Census Bureau. B02001: Race, 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. U.S. Department of Commerce; 2022. Accessed Aug. 4, 2026. SOURCE Sentynl Therapeutics 21% more press release views with Request a Demo

Entered into option and license agreement with Sentynl Therapeutics for alvelestat, Mereo’s investigational oral therapy for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-Associated Lung Disease (AATD-LD) Mereo and partner Ultragenyx engaging with regulatory agencies on potential path forward for setrusumab in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI); further updates expected by year-end 2026 Cash and cash equivalents of $30.1 million at June 30, 2026, now expected to fund operations into late-2027 LONDON, Aug. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mereo BioPharma Group plc (NASDAQ: MREO) (“Mereo” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on rare diseases, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, and provided an update on recent corporate highlights. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); The Company is also updating its previous cash runway guidance. As of June 30, 2026, cash and cash equivalents were approximately $30 million, which are expected to fund operations into late-2027. “The partnership with Sentynl Therapeutics which we announced earlier today marks a significant milestone for our alvelestat program and for the Company as a whole. We are now working together to refine the design of the global Phase 3 study for our potential first-in-class oral therapy for AATD-LD and look forward to a continued close collaboration during the short option period. Assuming exercise of the license option by Sentynl, we plan to initiate the Phase 3 trial in early 2027,” said Denise Scots-Knight, Chief Executive Officer of Mereo BioPharma. “Additionally, alongside our partner Ultragenyx, we have had initial regulatory interactions on setrusumab with the FDA and the MHRA and we expect to be in a position to provide an update on the potential path forward by the end of this year. We finished the quarter with approximately $30 million in cash. Thanks to our careful expense management, we now expect that this cash will provide runway into late-2027, exclusive of the potential $40 million in upfront and R&D payments that we are eligible to receive on exercise of the alvelestat option by Sentynl.” Second Quarter 2026 Highlights, Recent Developments, and Anticipated Milestones Setrusumab (UX143) The Orbit and the Cosmic Phase 3 studies did not achieve statistical significance against the primary endpoints of reduction in annualized clinical fracture rate, however, both achieved high statistical significance against the key secondary endpoint of improvement in bone mineral density, as well as reductions in vertebral fractures and improvements in patient reported outcomes (PROs) associated with disease severity, pain / discomfort and daily activities, with these PRO improvements achieving statistical significance in the Orbit study. Setrusumab also achieved meaningful reductions in fractures in certain bones and in patients with higher fracture frequencies. Both studies demonstrated a safety pro with that observed in previous trials. Mereo and its partner, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Ultragenyx), are engaged with regulatory agencies to determine a potential path forward for setrusumab in pediatric OI patients and, to-date, have held discussions with the regulators in the U.S. and the U.K. The FDA indicated openness to considering alternative approaches to fracture analysis, with additional conversations needed to further define what additional clinical data would be needed to support a potential BLA. In recent communications with the MHRA, they encouraged further dialogue on any future development proposal, and we plan to have further interactions following the FDA discussions. Alvelestat (MPH-966) Mereo recently announced an option and license agreement with Sentynl Therapeutics, Inc. (Sentynl), a wholly owned subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences Limited. Sentynl has the right to acquire a license for the U.S. commercial and global manufacturing rights to alvelestat for AATD-LD. Sentynl is a California-based, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company with three currently approved products for rare diseases. Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate to refine the design of the planned global Phase 3 trial of alvelestat and to advance the manufacturing during the short option period. Mereo will receive a non-refundable option fee and, on option exercise, would also be eligible to receive $40 million in upfront and R&D payments, up to $435 million in regulatory and commercial milestone payments, as well as double-digit tiered royalties on U.S. net sales of alvelestat. Mereo will lead the global Phase 3 study and regulatory interactions until study completion and will retain rest-of-world commercial rights for alvelestat. On exercise of the option by Sentynl, the agreement provides funding for the global Phase 3 study, which could be initiated early in 2027. Vantictumab (OMP18R5) āshibio, Inc. (āshibio), Mereo’s development and commercial partner for vantictumab, is continuing to advance toward initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial in autosomal dominant osteopetrosis Type 2 (ADO2). āshibio is responsible for the global clinical development of vantictumab. Mereo has retained European commercial rights to the product, with āshibio holding commercial rights for the rest of the world. Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results Total research and development (“R&D”) expenses decreased by $3.6 million, from $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2025 to $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2026. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction of $2.6 million in R&D expenses for setrusumab and $1.0 million for alvelestat. The decrease in program expenses for setrusumab was primarily driven by reduction of, and delays to, investment in manufacturing and ongoing activities, including medical affairs activities in Europe during the second quarter of 2026. The decrease in program expenses for alvelestat was primarily due to completion of activities undertaken in preparation for the potential Phase 3 study during 2025. General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses decreased by $0.3 million, from $5.5 million in the second quarter of 2025 to $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2026. The decrease was primarily due to reductions of approximately $2.2 million driven by delays to investment in pre-commercial activities to lay the foundation for the potential commercial launch of setrusumab in Europe and other realized cost savings. These decreases were partially offset by the recognition of a $1.9 million reduction in expenses in the second quarter of 2025 for amounts received from our depository to reimburse certain expenses incurred by us in respect of our ADR program, whereas the corresponding amount in the current year was recognized in the first quarter of 2026. Net loss for the second quarter of 2026 was $7.0 million, compared to $14.6 million for the second quarter of 2025, primarily reflecting reductions in R&D and G&A expenses and a lower net foreign currency translation loss. As of June 30, 2026, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $30.1 million, compared to $41.0 million as of December 31, 2025. The Company expects, based on current operational plans, that its existing cash and cash equivalents balance will enable it to fund its currently committed clinical trials, operating expenses, and capital expenditure requirements into late 2027. This guidance does not include any future potential payments associated with business development activity around any of the Company’s programs. Total ordinary shares issued as of June 30, 2026 were 798,093,044. Total ADS equivalents as of June 30, 2026 were 159,618,608, with each ADS representing five ordinary shares of the Company.  About Mereo BioPharma Mereo BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapeutics for rare diseases. The Company has three rare disease product candidates: setrusumab for the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI); alvelestat for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-associated lung disease (AATD-LD); and vantictumab for the treatment of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type 2 (ADO2). The Company and its partner for setrusumab, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., have reported top-line results from two Phase 3 studies for setrusumab in OI in patients aged 2 to 25 years old. Ultragenyx is funding and leading global development and Mereo has retained EU and UK commercial rights. Mereo has entered into an exclusive option and license agreement with Sentynl Therapeutics Inc. for the U.S. rights to commercialize alvelestat, while retaining rest of the world rights and will lead the global development. The agreement also grants Sentynl global rights to manufacture alvelestat for AATD-LD. Mereo has partnered with āshibio, Inc., for vantictumab in ADO2. āshibio, Inc. is funding and leading the global development program and Mereo has retained EU and UK commercial rights. Mereo has also entered into exclusive global license agreements with ReproNovo SA, for the development and commercialization of leflutrozole for the treatment of infertility in men, and with Feng Biosciences for the development and commercialization of navicixizumab for late-stage ovarian cancer. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations, beliefs and assumptions concerning future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in the clinical development process; the Company’s reliance on third parties to conduct and provide funding for its clinical trials; the sufficiency of existing cash to fund operations and/or the inability to raise additional funding on favorable terms or at all; the uncertainty inherent in regulatory review processes, including varying interpretations and analyses of data from clinical trials; the Company’s dependence on enrollment of patients in its clinical trials; potentially smaller than anticipated market opportunities for the Company's product candidates; the Company’s dependence on its key executives; and the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing requirements. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “may,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “will,” “continue” and similar expressions, including the negative thereof. The absence of these words, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations, beliefs and assumptions concerning future developments and business conditions and their potential effect on the Company. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it anticipates. The Company wishes to caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. Mereo BioPharma Contacts: Mereo +44 (0)333 023 7300 Denise Scots-Knight, Chief Executive Officer Christine Fox, Chief Financial Officer Burns McClellan (Investor Relations Adviser to Mereo) +01 646 930 4406 Lee Roth Investors investors@mereobiopharma.com MEREO BIOPHARMA GROUP PLC CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited) June 30, December 31, 2026 2025 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,118 $ 40,992 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,600 2,531 Research and development incentives receivables 1,683 1,497 Total current assets 33,401 45,020 Property and equipment, net 54 137 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 1,003 244 Intangible assets, net 256 516 Total assets $ 34,714 $ 45,917 Liabilities Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1,121 $ 1,333 Accrued expenses 2,455 2,026 Operating lease liabilities – current 1,030 202 Other current liabilities 1,071 741 Total current liabilities 5,677 4,302 Warrant liabilities – non-current 15 38 Other non-current liabilities 370 661 Total liabilities $ 6,062 $ 5,001 Shareholders’ Equity Ordinary shares, par value £0.003 per share; 798,093,044 shares issued at June 30, 2026 (December 31, 2025: 795,658,504) $ 3,145 $ 3,135 Additional paid-in capital 552,335 549,622 Accumulated deficit (514,543 ) (501,018 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (12,285 ) (10,823 ) Total shareholders’ equity $ 28,652 $ 40,916 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 34,714 $ 45,917 MEREO BIOPHARMA GROUP PLC CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Revenue $ — $ 500 $ — $ 500 Operating expenses Cost of revenue — (132 ) — (132 ) Research and development (1,808 ) (5,373 ) (6,555 ) (9,303 ) General and administrative (5,222 ) (5,494 ) (9,241 ) (12,766 ) Loss from operations (7,030 ) (10,499 ) (15,796 ) (21,701 ) Other income/(expenses) Interest income 278 589 605 1,248 Interest expense (16 ) (24 ) (37 ) (204 ) Changes in the fair value of warrants 6 (101 ) 23 315 Foreign currency transaction (loss)/gain, net (362 ) (5,326 ) 1,267 (8,091 ) Benefit from research and development tax credit 119 745 214 930 Net loss before income tax (7,005 ) (14,616 ) (13,724 ) (27,503 ) Income tax benefit — — — — Net loss $ (7,005 ) $ (14,616 ) $ (13,724 ) $ (27,503 ) Loss per share – basic and diluted $ (0.01 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.03 ) Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted 803,562,708 799,435,329 802,688,993 794,022,295 Net loss $ (7,005 ) $ (14,616 ) $ (13,724 ) $ (27,503 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) – Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax 286 6,647 (1,462 ) 10,206 Total comprehensive loss $ (6,719 ) $ (7,969 ) $ (15,186 ) $ (17,297 )