Scenic Biotech BV

Bristol Myers Squibb gains access to Scenic’s Cell-Seq technology platform to unlock the underlying genetic interactions of cellular pathways for undisclosed targets Scenic to receive an upfront payment and potential additional payments contingent on the achievement of research, development and commercial milestones AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Scenic Biotech, a pioneer in the field of modifier therapies for severe genetic disorders, today announced that it has entered into a research collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) to accelerate the development of Bristol Myers Squibb’s drug targets by identifying target biology for indication selection and expansion. Under the terms of the agreement, Scenic Biotech will be entitled to an upfront payment and potential additional payments contingent upon achievement of a range of research, development and commercial milestones. No further financial details have been disclosed. “Working with a world leader in drug discovery and development is an important validation of our Cell-Seq platform’s unique capability to link cellular pathways to drug targets,” commented Oscar Izeboud, PhD, CEO of Scenic Biotech. “As we continue to advance our own pipeline of first-in-class disease-modifying therapies, we remain committed to harnessing the power of our ground-breaking approach to support our collaborators in crafting innovative medicines for patients with devastating conditions.” The collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb marks Scenic Biotech’s second strategic collaboration with a major industry partner, following the multi-year genetic modifier collaborative agreement with Genentech announced in 2020. Both collaborations leverage the Cell-Seq platform’s ability to provide genetic insights leading to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. While Scenic primarily focuses on applying its Cell-Seq technology to identify modifier genes, the technology has demonstrated its ability to map previously unexplored biological pathways and investigate disease biology. About Scenic Biotech Scenic Biotech is advancing modifier therapy, a radically new approach to treating genetic disorders. Instead of targeting the primary disease-causing mutation, modifier therapy seeks to rebalance health by acting on another function in the genome that can neutralize the disease impact, leading to a therapeutic effect. Our robust pipeline, derived from our proprietary Cell-Seq platform, includes first-in-class small molecule programs that are either wholly owned or partnered through strategic collaborations with multinational pharmaceutical leaders. By unlocking new pathways in the genome, Scenic will develop a range of modifier therapies to help patients. View source version on businesswire.com: Contacts Scenic Biotech Oscar Izeboud, PhD, CEO Phone: +31 20 7059 990 Email: info@scenicbiotech.com Trophic Communications Desmond James & Priscillia Perrin, PhD Phone: +49 151 6785 9086 Email: scenic@trophic.eu Source: Scenic Biotech View this news release online at:

Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Reports Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Provides Varoglutamstat and Strategic Updates In-depth analysis of VIVIAD Phase 2b results is ongoing, including pre-specified and exploratory endpoints; findings to date are consistent with previously announced topline data observing no statistically significant or clinically meaningful effect of varoglutamstat on cognition and function in early AD up to 600mg twice a day (BID) doseStatistically significant improvement in kidney function observed with varoglutamstat 600mg BID in VIVIAD over two years based on pre-specified analysis of the estimated glomerular filtration rateCompany plans to explore potential of varoglutamstat in kidney disease in a shift of strategic focus towards inflammatory and fibrotic disorders VIVA-MIND Phase 2 study to be discontinued early, in H2 2024, which will enable accelerated data analysis and inform varoglutamstat development strategyCompany is taking steps to reduce cash utilization and will prioritize resources on exploring varoglutamstat in kidney disease, VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND data analysis, select pipeline programs, and continuing business developmentBased on current financial and business plans, including the discontinuation of VIVA-MIND, Company’s cash runway is now expected to extend into Q2 2025 without additional financingManagement to host conference call today at 3:00pm CEST (9:00am EDT) Halle (Saale) / Munich, Germany, April 24, 2024 – Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: VVY; NL00150002Q7) (Vivoryon), a clinical stage company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule medicines to modulate the activity and stability of pathologically altered proteins, today announced financial results for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2023, and provided varoglutamstat and strategic updates including its pipeline development priorities and financial guidance. "2023 was a year of clinical progress as we prepared for the readout from our VIVIAD Phase 2b study and advanced our U.S. study, VIVA-MIND, in early Alzheimer’s disease. We were very disappointed to report negative results from VIVIAD in March of this year, given the significant unmet need for new disease-modifying therapies. Our ongoing analysis of the topline data confirms that there was no consistent effect of varoglutamstat on cognition and function at the 600mg dose and we are continuing our in-depth analysis to uncover key learnings and inform our long-term strategy in AD. Varoglutamstat’s safety profile continues to look encouraging and we are excited to report today that we have observed a statistically significant improvement in kidney function based on pre-specified analysis of the estimated glomerular filtration rate measured in VIVIAD. This is in line with our prior hypothesis and results of pharmacological research on the role of the QPCT/L pathway beyond AD and is a very promising development. We are now prioritizing our resources and research and development activities to maximize value from varoglutamstat and our pipeline, with a focus on exploring its potential role in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, including kidney disease, and determining additionally whether a path forward is viable in AD,” said Frank Weber, M.D., CEO of Vivoryon. He continued, “Based on the VIVIAD analysis, and an assessment of funding needs, we have taken the decision, jointly with our principal investigator, to discontinue the VIVA-MIND study in early AD in the second half of 2024. This will enable us to accelerate analysis of patients treated in the study and explore varoglutamstat’s effect on certain endpoints including EEG theta power and kidney function and look for any trends in cognition. We hope the data from VIVA-MIND will increase our understanding of the role of QPCT/L inhibition in AD and evolve the science behind this devastating disease." In light of recent developments, the Company is today announcing prioritization of its resources into research and development activities it believes have the greatest potential to provide a meaningful impact for patients and for value creation. Key priorities reflect the strategic shift towards a focus on inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and include: Exploring varoglutamstat’s potential in inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, including of the kidney,Concluding VIVIAD Phase 2b clinical study program for varoglutamstat in Europe, including an in-depth analysis of the results presented on March 4, 2024, and further ongoing biomarker analysis,Discontinuing VIVA-MIND clinical Phase 2 study with varoglutamstat in the U.S. in the second half of 2024, earlier than planned, enabling accelerated analysis of the results which will contribute to the overall dataset informing varoglutamstat’s development strategy moving forward,Assessing the potential of varoglutamstat in doses higher than 600mg BID orally in early Alzheimer’s disease,Continuing to actively pursue potential business development and financing opportunities. 2023 and Post-Period Updates Varoglutamstat Clinical Program: VIVIAD study in early ADVIVIAD (NCT04498650) is a state-of-the-art Phase 2b study conducted in Europe and designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of varoglutamstat in 259 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In March 2024, Vivoryon announced topline data for VIVIAD. The study, which evaluated varoglutamstat up to 600mg BID, did not meet its primary endpoint of a statistically significant difference in cognitive improvement over time, assessed by the combined Z-score of the three elements of the Cogstate 3-item scale, as well as key secondary endpoints measuring cognition and function including the Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB); complete Cogstate neuropsychological test battery (NTB); the Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) and electroencephalogram (EEG) global theta power.Safety results from the study showed that varoglutamstat was generally well tolerated and showed rates similar to placebo of serious and severe treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), low discontinuation rates due to adverse events and no evidence of symptomatic ARIAs (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) in the clinical setting.Vivoryon is conducting an in-depth analysis of the VIVIAD data. While these analyses remain ongoing, findings to date confirm the topline results. Additionally, no statistically significant or clinically meaningful effect of varoglutamstat up to 600mg BID was observed on pre-specified subgroups. The only significant difference observed in favor of varoglutamstat was a lower change from baseline in the WAIS IV coding test and the letter fluency test, both measuring cognitive dysfunction, at week 48. Pharmacokinetic and QPCT/L enzyme inhibition data in VIVIAD were consistent with previous results. VIVIAD study – results from kidney function exploratory analyses The VIVIAD protocol prospectively specified measurement of certain kidney function biomarkers. This was in line with the Company’s previously announced growth strategy to explore varoglutamstat’s potential effects on kidney function.Varoglutamstat 600mg BID increased the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over the treatment period up to 96 weeks, indicating a potential benefit of varoglutamstat on kidney function. Analysis is ongoing including a closer analysis of VIVIAD results in patients with different eGFR levels at baseline.Given these statistically significant and clinically meaningful data, Vivoryon is evaluating a development path including business development and financing opportunities to further explore the potential of varoglutamstat and QPCT/L inhibitors in kidney disease. VIVA-MIND study in early ADVIVA-MIND (NCT03919162) is a Phase 2 study conducted in the U.S. evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of varoglutamstat in patients with early AD. Vivoryon announced today that, based on the ongoing review of VIVIAD data published March 4, 2024, and an assessment of funding needs, the Company has decided jointly with its principal investigator, to voluntarily discontinue the Phase 2 VIVA-MIND study in early AD in the U.S. in the second half of 2024. This will enable accelerated analysis of the results and will contribute to the overall dataset informing varoglutamstat’s development strategy moving forward. Initial data from the study is anticipated by the end of 2024.In October 2023, Vivoryon announced the study’s independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) recommended to continue VIVA-MIND with a 600mg BID dose throughout Phase 2a and 2b, which is an accelerated up-titration protocol compared to the VIVIAD Phase 2b study. This decision followed safety reviews and analyses of treatment-emergent adverse events of special interest (AESI) occurring in skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders and hepatobiliary disorders, target occupancy and pharmacokinetic (PK) data. VIVALONG study VIVALONG is an open-label extension (OLE) study offering a long-term treatment option to patients after completing VIVIAD or VIVA-MIND protocols. In line with the Company’s cost reduction measures and given the developments of VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND, Vivoryon has decided to stop VIVALONG OLE study preparation activities. Early-Stage Pipeline Vivoryon is revisiting the early-stage opportunities in its R&D activities in line with its strategic shift. Future pre-clinical activities will involve exploring QPCT/L inhibitors for use in inflammatory and fibrotic disorders as well as in other indications such as oncology and CNS.Opportunities with meprin inhibitors will continue to be explored, in particular for fibrotic disorders.The Company’s antibody program, PBD-C06, will remain active as a candidate for further potential partnering opportunities.The Company will continue to explore identification of second generation QPCT/L inhibitors with good blood brain barrier penetration. Corporate Development Updates In March 2024, Kugan Sathiyanandarajah and Professor Dr. Morten Asser Karsdal stepped down from Vivoryon’s Board of Directors. They had been previously appointed as Non-Executive Directors in June 2023.In March 2024, Anne Doering, CFA, assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Vivoryon, following her previous position as Chief Strategy & Investor Relations Officer.In October 2023, Vivoryon hosted a virtual R&D Event with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), focusing on varoglutamstat.In September 2023, Vivoryon held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) related to the appointment of Frank Weber, MD, as CEO and Executive member of the Board of Directors. He followed Dr. Ulrich Dauer, former CEO of Vivoryon, after Dr. Dauer’s announcement in June 2023 to not renew his contract with the Company.In August 2023, Vivoryon and Scenic Biotech B.V. (“Scenic”) reached an agreement regarding the settlement of their patent dispute in connection with certain of Vivoryon´s patents related to varoglutamstat (PQ912) and certain other QPCT inhibitors. As part of the settlement, Scenic’s affiliate, Scenic Immunology B.V., and Vivoryon have entered into a patent license agreement, under which Scenic Immunology B.V. granted to Vivoryon certain rights to certain patents controlled by Scenic Immunology B.V. in the field of oncology.In May 2023, Vivoryon successfully raised EUR 25 million through an accelerated bookbuild offering. The private placement totaled 1,785,715 ordinary shares, at an issue price of EUR 14.00 per share. Financial Results for the Full Year 2023 Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023, reflected a EUR 3.6 million reversal in license revenue, compared to no revenue in the year ended December 31, 2022. The reversal is related to license revenues recognized in 2021 from a strategic regional licensing partnership with Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. (“Simcere”) to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Greater China, which includes a variable compensation for the first milestone. This variable milestone payment of EUR 3.6 million is based on the initiation of the first human clinical trial of varoglutamstat in mainland China. After the end of the reporting period the anticipated first milestone revenues were re-assessed. Due to the VIVIAD Phase 2b study not meeting its primary and key secondary endpoints, it is expected that the first human clinical trial in mainland China will not start before further clarity from an in-depth analysis of the VIVIAD results as well as from additional analysis of the full data and its implications. Therefore, revenues for the variable compensation (first development milestone) are no longer highly probable. As a consequence, the milestone-receivable of EUR 3.6 million was impaired and the respected revenues were reversed, as of December 31, 2023. Research and development expenses decreased by EUR 2.6 million to EUR 17.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 20.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease is primarily attributable to EUR 2.7 million lower third-party expenses, mainly due to EUR 3.6 million lower manufacturing costs, partially offset by EUR 1.7 million higher clinical costs, mainly due to the progress of the Phase 2b VIVIAD clinical study. General and administrative expenses were EUR 8.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 8.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease of EUR 0.3 million is largely attributable to the release of EUR 2.6 million of previously capitalized capital raising costs in 2022, partially offset by EUR 2.2 million higher expenses for personnel, legal and consulting, as well as costs for Non-Executive Directors. The reasons for the cost increases in personnel and for the Non-Executive Directors of the Board were predominantly caused by accelerated share-option expenses (EUR 0.3 million) and severance payments (EUR 0.6 million) as a result of the 2023 Board changes. Net loss in the year ended December 31, 2023, was EUR 28.3 million, compared to EUR 28.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company held EUR 18.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023, plus term deposits of EUR 10.0 million disclosed under current financial assets, compared to cash and cash equivalents of EUR 26.6 million as of December 31, 2022. Cash flows used in operating activities were EUR 21.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 21.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash flows used in investing activities were EUR 10.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 13 thousand in the year ended December 31, 2022. This difference reflects the net purchase of term deposits in the amount of EUR 10.0 million during 2023. Cash flows provided from financing activities were EUR 24.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 33.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. Outlook & Financial Guidance The Company expects, on the basis of its most recent financial and business plan, that its existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund its operating plans, excluding any additional financings, into the second quarter of 2025. This cash runway guidance reflects an overall reduction in cash utilization including the ramp down of spending on VIVIAD as it approaches its conclusion, the discontinuation of VIVA-MIND, the discontinuation of VIVALONG preparation activities given the developments of VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND, as well as the streamlining of manufacturing costs and programs for API development. These activities also represent a change in focus of research and development resources towards inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, such as of the kidney, from an emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease. The viability of the Company beyond the second quarter of 2025 is dependent on its ability to raise additional funds to finance its operations which also depends on the success of its research and development activities such as those focusing on exploring opportunities in kidney disease. The financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company expects to have continuing operating losses for the foreseeable future and the need to raise additional capital to finance its future operations, and, as of April 24, 2024, the Company has concluded that the ability to continue as a going concern in the financial year 2025 depends on the ability to generate additional funding. Please refer to the Company’s Annual Report 2023 for further information. Conference Call and Webcast Vivoryon will host a conference call and webcast today, April 24, 2024, at 3:00 pm CEST (9:00 am EDT). A Q&A session will follow the presentation of the full year results. A live webcast and slides will be made available at: www.vivoryon.com/investors-news/news-and-events/presentations-webcasts/ To join the conference call via phone, participants may pre-register and will receive dedicated dial-in details to easily and quickly access the call via the following website: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI3fef74de02dc40daa7cbe0aac7731e74 It is suggested participants dial into the conference call 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to avoid any delays in attendance. Approximately one day after the call, a slide-synchronized audio replay of the conference will be available on: www.vivoryon.com/investors-news/news-and-events/presentations-webcasts/ ### Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Financial StatementsStatement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 in kEUR, except for share data20232022Revenue(3,620)—Cost of Sales525—Gross profit (3,095) —Research and development expenses(17,637)(20,224)General and administrative expenses(8,600)(8,908)Other operating income49519Other operating expense——Operating loss(28,837)(29,113)Finance income7261,710Finance expense(465)(952)Finance result261758Result before income taxes(28,576)(28,355)Income taxes234199Net loss for the period(28,342)(28,156)Items not to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability(76)392Total other comprehensive (loss) / income(76)392Comprehensive loss(28,418)(27,764)Loss per share in EUR (basic and diluted)(1.12)(1.28) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.Statements of Financial Position as December 31, 2023 and 2022 in kEUR20232022ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment4049Intangible assets941494Right-of-use assets36127Financial assets—14Total non-current assets1,017684Current assets Financial assets10,1653,716Other current assets and prepayments1,085423Cash and cash equivalents18,56226,555Total current assets29,81230,694TOTAL ASSETS30,82931,378 Equity Share capital26,06724,105Share premium135,671113,382Other capital reserves13,5999,656Accumulated other comprehensive loss(256)(180)Accumulated deficit(148,799)(120,457)Total equity26,28226,506Non-current liabilities Pension liability1,3531,323Provisions long-term1212Lease liabilities—38Deferred tax liabilities—234Total non-current liabilities1,3651,607Current liabilities Trade payables2,8942,543Lease liabilities3894Other liabilities250628Total current liabilities3,1823,265Total Liabilities4,5474,872TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES30,82931,378 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 in kEURShare capitalShare premiumOther capital reservesAccumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated deficitTotal equityJanuary 1, 202220,05083,2116,168(572)(92,300)16,557Net loss for the period————(28,156)(28,156)Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability———392—392Comprehensive (loss) / income———392(28,156)(27,764)Proceeds from the issuance of common shares4,05531,945———36,000Transaction costs of equity transactions—(1,774)———(1,774)Share-based payments——3,488——3,488December 31, 202224,105113,3829,656(180)(120,457)26,506Net loss for the period————(28,342)(28,342)Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability———(76)—(76)Comprehensive (loss) / income———(76)(28,342)(28,418)Proceeds from the issuance of common shares1,78623,214———25,000Transaction costs of equity transactions—(2,095)———(2,095)Share-based payments——3,943——3,943Proceeds from exercise of share options1761,170———1,346December 31, 202326,067135,67113,599(256)(148,799)26,282 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 in kEUR20232022Operating activities Net loss for the period(28,342)(28,156)Adjustments for: Finance result(261)(758)Depreciation and amortization167161Share based payments3,9433,488Capitalized capital raising costs that were expensed—2,633Deferred income tax(234)(199)Reversal of Revenue and Accounts Receivable3,095—Changing in Financial assets—3,090Other current assets and prepayments(662)294Pension liabilities(94)(122)Provisions—(35)Trade payables538(1,724)Other liabilities(17)(471)Interest received3289Interest paid(2)(4)Cash flows used in operating activities(21,541)(21,794)Investing activities Purchase of plant and equipment(14)(11)Purchase of intangible assets(500)(2)Purchase of financial assets(19,000)—Proceeds from sale of financial assets9,000—Cash flows used in investing activities(10,514)(13)Financing activities Proceeds from the issuance of common shares25,00036,000Transaction costs of equity transactions(2,095)(1,774)Capital raising costs—(753)Payment of lease liabilities(94)(92)Proceeds from exercise of share options1,346—Cash flows provided by / (used in) financing activities24,15733,381Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(7,898)11,574Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period26,55514,661Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash held(95)320Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period18,56226,555 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.Annual Financial Report 2023 The financial statements of Vivoryon have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) of the International Accounting Standards Board, as adopted by the European Union (EU-IFRS) and with Section 2:362(9) of the Netherlands Civil Code. The auditor KPMG has issued an unqualified auditor's report for both statements. The reports are available on the Company’s website www.vivoryon.com. About Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.Vivoryon is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative small molecule-based medicines. Driven by its passion for ground-breaking science and innovation, the Company strives to change the lives of patients in need suffering from severe diseases. The Company leverages its in-depth expertise in understanding post-translational modifications to develop medicines that modulate the activity and stability of proteins which are altered in disease settings. The Company has established a pipeline of orally available small molecule inhibitors for various indications including Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, including of the kidney, and cancer. www.vivoryon.com. Vivoryon Forward Looking StatementsThis press release includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those regarding the business strategy, management plans and objectives for future operations of Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (the “Company”), estimates and projections with respect to the market for the Company’s products and forecasts and statements as to when the Company’s products may be available. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they are based on the Management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties and other factors could materially adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. The Company’s results of operations, cash needs, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, future transactions, strategies or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements and from expectations. As a result, no undue reliance should be placed on such forward-looking statements. This press release does not contain risk factors. Certain risk factors that may affect the Company’s future financial results are discussed in the published annual financial statements of the Company. This press release, including any forward-looking statements, speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any information or forward-looking statements contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law. For more information, please contact: Investor ContactStern IRPenelope BelnapTel: +1 212-362-1200Email: penelope.belnap@sternir.com Media ContactTrophic CommunicationsValeria FisherTel: +49 175 8041816Email: vivoryon@trophic.eu Attachment VVY YE23 Earnings Release

SC-2882 shows anti-lymphoma and anti-immunosuppression effect in a mouse model for diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma Data presented today, December 9, at the 65 th ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego, CA, by Leandro Cerchietti, MD, Richard A. Stratton Associate Professor in Hematology and Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands I December 09, 2023 I Scenic Biotech , a pioneer in the discovery of genetic modifiers developing therapeutics to treat severe diseases, today announced positive preclinical data for its lead small molecule QPCTL inhibitor, SC-2882. The data was also presented today by Leandro Cerchietti, MD, Richard A. Stratton Associate Professor in Hematology and Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, at the 65 th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego. The new preclinical data covers results for SC-2882, Scenic’s first-in-class QPCTL inhibitor, as a potential new treatment approach for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). DLBCL accounts for 25-30% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, making it the most common cancer of the lymphatic system characterized by rapidly growing tumor mass or enlarging lymph nodes in a nodal or extranodal site. “Treatment with SC-2882 in a DLBCL mice model achieved a significant decrease in tumor growth and an increase of CD3+ T cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment, along with a reduction in immunosuppressive immune cells. This suggests that QPCTL inhibition in DLBCL has anti-lymphoma effects and holds potential as a new therapeutic avenue for this type of cancer,” commented Leandro Cerchietti, MD, Associate Professor in Hematology and Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, and presenter at the 65 th ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition. “The positive preclinical data presented today constitute a major step forward in the advance of SC-2882 as a potential treatment for DLBCL, an indication with high unmet medical need especially in post-CART relapsed or refractory DLBCL patients, as well as in earlier lines of treatment with non-chemotherapy or immuno-oncology-based approaches. QPCTL was identified as a new immuno-oncology target through our proprietary Cell-Seq platform, and we view these results as a validation for our approach and our earlier-staged Cell-Seq-generated programs in rare diseases,” commented Jens Würthner, MD, PhD, CMO of Scenic Biotech . “As we finalize IND-enabling studies for SC-2882, we look forward to submitting our initial clinical trial filing to the regulatory authorities in 2024 and moving into clinical evaluation.” QPCTL is an intracellular enzyme that modulates the activity of CD47 and several chemokines in cancer leading to immune escape of cancer cells. SC-2882 targets QPCTL and thereby inhibits the CD47-SIRPα “don’t eat me” checkpoint and lowers immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. Analysis of DLBCL patient datasets revealed that QPCTL expression negatively correlates with overall and progression-free survival. In a murine model of DLBCL, SC-2882 treatment led to a significant decrease in tumor growth with no evidence of systemic toxicity. Moreover, evaluation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) showed an increased CD3+ T cell infiltration and a reduction in tumor-associated macrophages and regulatory T cells in SC-2882-treated mice, compared to control. These results imply SC-2882 exhibits an anti-tumor effect that involves modulation of immunosuppression in the TME. The data was described today in an oral presentation by Leandro Cerchietti, MD, Richard A. Stratton Associate Professor in Hematology and Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, at 9:30 AM PST/ 18:30 CET during session 605 entitled “Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Resistance - Lymphoid Neoplasms: Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma”. About Scenic Biotech Scenic Biotech is at the forefront of identifying genetic modifiers, naturally occurring genes that compensate for mutations responsible for severe diseases. Leveraging our proprietary Cell-Seq platform, we develop small molecule inhibitors that mimic the modifier effect and neutralize the genetic disease phenotype. As we advance a robust pipeline of first-in-class modifier therapies, we aim to re-balance health in patients with life-threatening inherited disorders. SOURCE: Scenic Bio