Artax Biopharma, Inc.

According to the National Instituye of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, psoriasis is a chronic, long-lasting disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. Patches of skin become scaly and inflamed, most often on the scalp, elbows, or knees, but other parts of the body can be affected as well. It is thought the disease currently affects 125 million people globally, with an estimated 7.5 million adults in the US impacted by the condition. “We are excited about AX-158’s potential as the first immunomodulator in the Nck blocker class. Our pre-clinical data supports the potential for AX-158 to realize effective outcomes without the immunosuppression and the side effects associated with existing autoimmune disease therapies, said Artax CEO Rob Armstrong. Immunomodulation assists the immune system in maintaining healthy control, addressing the underlying driver of autoimmune diseases. As the first in a new class of Nck blockers, AX-158 has the potential to establish a new standard of care in autoimmune disease treatment, Artax said. By selectively targeting Nck function, which plays a critical role in immune system function, AX-158 recalibrates the body’s T-cell receptor (TCR) responses. According to the company, AX-158 has ‘broad potential’ to treat many autoimmune diseases without causing immunosuppression – as the therapy allows the immune system to only activate when it recognizes a true disease threat. googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('text-ad1'); }); “The new Nck blocker class of agents, AX-158, has the potential to change how we treat autoimmune disease through targeting and tempering TCR responses so the body only, and properly, reacts against strong pathogens,” commented James Krueger, head of the laboratory for investigative dermatology at The Rockefeller University and Artax board member. “I am excited to see how this new mechanism of action translates into biomarker changes and patient responses, where to date only targeted immunosuppression has been applied.” The company said it is ‘eager’ to see positive validation for AX-158 when the trial results are available later this year. The symptoms can sometimes go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months followed by periods when they subside or go into remission. Mild psoriasis can often be successfully treated with creams or ointments, while moderate and severe psoriasis may currently require pills, injections, or light treatments. Managing common triggers, such as stress and skin injuries, can also help keep the symptoms under control.

Safety and Efficacy Results Are Expected in Second Half of 2024 Evaluating AX-158, a First in Class Nck Blocker, Shifting the Paradigm of Autoimmune Disease Treatment AX-158 Has Broad Potential to Treat Many Autoimmune Diseases without Causing Immunosuppression Autoimmune Diseases Remain a Significant Unmet Medical Need, Affecting Millions of Patients Globally CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Artax Biopharma, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming the treatment of autoimmune diseases, today announces that the first patient has been dosed in the Company's Phase 2a trial evaluating the safety and biomarker responses of AX-158 in a first proof of mechanism trial in psoriasis. The Company expects these results to be available in the second half of this year. "We are excited about AX-158's potential as the first immunomodulator in the Nck blocker class. Our pre-clinical data supports the potential for AX-158 to realize effective outcomes without the immunosuppression and the side effects associated with existing autoimmune disease therapies," stated Artax Chief Executive Officer, Rob Armstrong, Ph.D. "We are eager to see this validation when the results from this psoriasis Phase 2a trial are available later this year." Immunomodulation assists the immune system in maintaining healthy control, addressing the underlying driver of autoimmune diseases. As the first in a new class of Nck blockers, AX-158 has the potential to establish a new standard of care in autoimmune disease treatment. By selectively targeting Nck function, which plays a critical role in immune system function, AX-158 recalibrates the body's T-cell receptor (TCR) responses. This recalibration to responses allows the immune system to continue functioning properly and activate only when it recognizes true disease threats – preventing self-activation without causing immune suppression that makes the body susceptible to numerous infections. "The new Nck blocker class of agents, AX-158, has the potential to change how we treat autoimmune disease through targeting and tempering TCR responses so the body only, and properly, reacts against strong pathogens," commented James G. Krueger, M.D., Ph.D., Head of the Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology at The Rockefeller University and Artax Scientific Advisory Board member. "I am excited to see how this new mechanism of action translates into biomarker changes and patient responses, where to date only targeted immunosuppression has been applied." About Autoimmune Disease and Psoriasis Psoriasis is a common, immune-mediated disease that affects 125 million people globally. In the US 3.0% of the adult population, or more than 7.5 million adults, are affected. Psoriasis patients may exhibit visible signs of inflammation anywhere on the body as raised plaques and scales on the skin. Plaques may appear as few small patches or can affect large areas. It is possible to have psoriasis plaques and scales on more than one location on the body at a time. Treating psoriasis can help improve symptoms as well as lower the risk of developing other health conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression. About Artax Biopharma Artax Biopharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company transforming the treatment of T Cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Artax's first-in-class oral small molecules aim to deliver immune system modulation without immunosuppression, potentially unlocking new treatment options as both monotherapy and in combination with other treatments. The lead program AX-158 will deliver Phase 2a Proof of Concept data in psoriasis later in 2024. We believe there is significant potential for its approach to revolutionize treatment of T Cell-driven diseases. Immunomodulation maintains healthy control of the immune system and addresses the underlying source of T Cell-driven diseases. Central to a well-functioning immune system is the T Cell Receptor (TCR). When TCR signaling becomes dysregulated, it causes T Cell-driven conditions, including autoimmune diseases, and induced T Cell pathologies where medical treatments result in immune reactions (such as stem cell transplants resulting in acute graft-versus-host-disease or immuno-oncology treatments resulting in immune related-adverse events). We believe the immunomodulation mechanism offered by our investigational agents holds broad potential to revolutionize how these T Cell-driven autoimmune diseases are addressed, while not impairing the ability of a patient's immune system to function properly. Artax Biopharma is based in the Boston area and raised Series A & B from Advent Life Sciences, Sound Bioventures, and Columbus Venture Partners. For more info, see or follow us on LinkedIn. For Phase 2a study inquiries, please contact: ax-158-1011@artaxbiopharma.com

Former Board Chair Dr. Rob Armstrong Now Artax CEO as Joseph Lobacki Moves to Advisory Role Additional Promotions Include Dr. Andre Hoekema to Board Chair, Dr. Maria Nichol to Chief Business Officer Company Expecting AX-158 Phase 2a Psoriasis Trial Safety, Efficacy Results in Second Half of 2024 CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Artax Biopharma, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming the treatment of autoimmune diseases, today announces important changes and expansions to its Executive Team as the Company enters its critical next phase. Former Board Chair Rob Armstrong has assumed the CEO role from Joseph Lobacki, who moves to an advisory role as he departs the Company to pursue new opportunities. Additionally, Dr. Andre Hoekema was promoted to Artax Board Chair, and Dr. Maria Nichol to Artax Chief Business Officer. These changes are currently in effect. In the second half of 2024, Artax expects safety and efficacy results to be available from its Phase 2a trial evaluating the Company's lead immunomodulation agent AX-158 in psoriasis. Dr. Rob Armstrong takes the reins as Artax's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from his previous role as the Company's Chair of the Board of Directors. He has more than 20 years of extensive executive experience working in biopharmaceutical industry research and development, having been involved in discovery and clinical development programs spanning multiple disease areas. "As we start 2024, I am excited and ready to steer the Company as CEO through our next critical stage as we progress our clinical development platform transforming autoimmune disease treatment. As I assume this new role, I and my fellow Artax Directors would like to thank Joe Lobacki for his leadership in moving Artax and our lead AX-158 program into Phase 2. We are grateful that Joe will continue to serve as an external Company advisor to help ensure a smooth transition to the new leadership, as well as to support company activities in the coming year," stated Artax CEO Dr. Armstrong. Current Artax Director Dr. Andre Hoekema assumes the role of Artax Board Chair. Dr. Hoekema has an extensive biotech resume, including deep experience in M&A, licensing, and corporate development over the last 40 years, including a successful track record in building partnerships at Galapagos. Dr. Maria Nichol now serves as Artax's Chief Business Officer, having previously been the Company's Vice President of Business Development. Dr. Nichol will lead all company partner- and investor interactions. Dr. Nichol brings more than 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry providing commercially focused, strategic advice on IP and corporate development. "We are delighted to augment the current strong executive team with the considerable strategic experience of Rob, Andre, and Maria – accomplished industry professionals who know Artax well, having been instrumental team members who helped advance the Company to this important point. We are excited for additional safety data and the first efficacy demonstration of AX-158 in psoriasis which we expect later this year," stated Artax Biopharma's Director Alan Walts, Ph.D. "The team's knowledge and guidance will be essential to ensure that we reach patients as quickly as possible with our novel agent AX-158, our first-in-class immunomodulator being evaluated for the treatment of autoimmune diseases." About Immunomodulator AX-158 Immunomodulation assists the immune system in maintaining healthy control and addresses the underlying driver of autoimmune diseases. AX-158 is an investigational oral, small molecule TCR activation modulator with a novel first-in-class mechanism that selectively modulates, or adjusts, T cell responses which play a critical role in healthy immune system function. By acting at the T Cell Receptor (TCR), AX-158 modulates multiple disease-causing cytokines without causing immunosuppression. It can be taken with or without food, and may be used as a monotherapy, or in combination. About Artax Biopharma and Immunomodulation Artax Biopharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company transforming the treatment of T Cell driven autoimmune diseases through innovative small molecules delivering immune system modulation without immunosuppression. Immunomodulation maintains healthy control of the immune system and addresses the underlying source of T Cell-driven diseases. Central to a well-functioning immune system is the T Cell Receptor (TCR). When TCR signaling becomes dysregulated, it causes T Cell-driven conditions, including autoimmune diseases, and induced T Cell pathologies where medical treatments result in immune reactions (such as stem cell transplants resulting in acute graft-versus-host-disease or immuno-oncology treatments resulting in immune related-adverse events). We believe the immunomodulation mechanism offered by our investigational agents holds broad potential to revolutionize how these T Cell-driven autoimmune diseases are addressed, while not impairing the ability of a patient's immune system to function properly. artaxbiopharma.com For Phase 2a study inquiries, please contact: [email protected] SOURCE Artax Biopharma