University of Zagreb School of Medicine

ALACHUA, Fla. and TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axogen, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXGN), a global leader in developing and marketing innovative surgical solutions for peripheral nerve injuries, today announced the promotions of three research and development team members. The promotions are: Erick DeVinney to Chief Innovation Officer Mr. DeVinney joined Axogen in April of 2007 as Director of Clinical Research. During his tenure, he has held positions of progressive responsibility in Clinical Research, Research and Development, Product Development, Medical Education, and Medical Affairs. Mr. DeVinney has more than 16 years of experience driving innovation in peripheral nerve injury diagnosis and repair, including clinical and regulatory development strategies, portfolio development, and scientific thought leadership. He has a diverse background, including academic research and the development of tissue technologies, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biologics. Mr. DeVinney has been involved in research at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, University of Utrecht, National Clinical Research, PRA International, and Angiotech. He has been involved in the successful submission of eight IDE or NDA applications, as well as numerous 510(k)s. Mr. DeVinney also serves as a Board Member for the Global Nerve Foundation. He has a B.S. degree in Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University. Ivica Ducic, M.D., Ph.D., to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ducic joined Axogen as Medical Director in January 2017. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon, with additional training and expertise in peripheral nerve surgery. He received his medical degree in 1991 from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine (Croatia, Europe), and a Ph.D. degree in 1995 in neuroscience. Upon completing plastic surgery training at Georgetown University Hospital in 2002, he entered a one-year peripheral nerve surgery fellowship. He then joined the full-time faculty practice at Georgetown University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery in August 2003, where he served as a professor of plastic surgery and neurosurgery. In 2014, Dr. Ducic established his own practice, the Washington Nerve Institute in McLean, Virginia. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Ducic is the Past-President of the American Society for Peripheral Nerve, has served on many committees, published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, authored 17 book chapters, and has been a prolific invited educator both nationally and internationally on the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral nerve injury. During his past seven years at Axogen, Dr. Ducic has been an instrumental leader in the development of new technologies, applicable surgical techniques, surgeon education, as well as providing strategic guidance for the core company mission – improving the quality of life of patients with nerve injuries. Stacy Arnold to Vice President of Product Development and Clinical Research Ms. Arnold has served as Vice President of Clinical Research for Axogen since June 2019. She initially joined Axogen in April 2018 as Vice President of Program Management. She has been leading the research, development, and execution of clinical strategies to strengthen and advance the body of evidence for new technologies and clinical applications to restore nerve function and quality of life to patients with peripheral nerve injuries. Ms. Arnold previously served as Senior Director of R&D and Program Management at Artivion (formerly CryoLife), driving global innovation and new product development of medical devices, biologics, and tissue technologies, while leading successful program management processes and business strategies to drive growth and deliver shareholder value. Ms. Arnold serves as a Board Member on Mercer University’s National Engineering Advisory Board. She has an M.S. in Engineering from the University of Toledo and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Mercer University. She also holds a global Project Management Professional Certification from the Project Management Institute. In addition, the Company is announcing the departure of Angelo Scopelianos, Ph.D., Axogen’s Chief Research and Development Officer, in the first quarter of 2024. “We want to thank Angelo for his contributions in new programs that led to innovations like the launch of Axoguard HA+ Nerve ProtectorTM and the upcoming launch of Avive+ Soft Tissue MatrixTM and we are pleased to announce the internal promotions of these leaders in our research and development team,” said Karen Zaderej, Axogen’s Chairman, CEO and President. “This is a strong, highly accomplished group that has worked together closely for many years and demonstrated great success in supporting our mission of improving the lives of patients with peripheral nerve injuries. The continuity of this expert team will also be important to Axogen as we move through the BLA submission process of Avance® Nerve Graft toward the next commercial phase of our business as a biologic. About Axogen Axogen (AXGN) is the leading Company focused specifically on the science, development, and commercialization of technologies for peripheral nerve regeneration and repair. Axogen employees are passionate about helping to restore peripheral nerve function and quality of life to patients with physical damage or transection to peripheral nerves by providing innovative, clinically proven, and economically effective repair solutions for surgeons and health care providers. Peripheral nerves provide the pathways for both motor and sensory signals throughout the body. Every day, people suffer traumatic injuries or undergo surgical procedures that impact the function of their peripheral nerves. Physical damage to a peripheral nerve, or the inability to properly reconnect peripheral nerves, can result in the loss of muscle or organ function, the loss of sensory feeling, or the initiation of pain. Axogen's platform for peripheral nerve repair features a comprehensive portfolio of products that are used across two primary application categories: scheduled, non-trauma procedures and emergent trauma procedures. Scheduled procedures are generally characterized as those where a patient is seeking relief from conditions caused by a nerve defect or surgical procedure. These procedures include providing sensation for women seeking breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, nerve reconstruction following the surgical removal of painful neuromas, oral and maxillofacial procedures, and nerve decompression. Emergent procedures are generally characterized as procedures resulting from injuries that initially present in an ER. These procedures are typically referred to and completed by a specialist either immediately or within a few days following the initial injury. Axogen’s product portfolio includes Avance® nerve graft, a biologically active off-the-shelf processed human nerve allograft for bridging severed peripheral nerves without the comorbidities associated with a second surgical site; Axoguard Nerve Connector®, a porcine submucosa ECM coaptation aid for tensionless repair of severed peripheral nerves; Axoguard Nerve Protector®, a porcine submucosa ECM product used to wrap and protect damaged peripheral nerves and reinforce the nerve reconstruction while preventing soft tissue attachments; Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector™, a porcine submucosa ECM base layer coated with a proprietary hyaluronate-alginate gel, a next-generation technology designed to enhance nerve gliding and provide short- and long-term protection for peripheral nerve injuries; and Axoguard Nerve Cap®, a porcine submucosa ECM product used to protect a peripheral nerve end and separate the nerve from the surrounding environment to reduce the development of symptomatic or painful neuroma. The Axogen portfolio of products is available in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, South Korea, and several other countries. Cautionary Statements Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking” statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations or predictions of future conditions, events, or results based on various assumptions and management's estimates of trends and economic factors in the markets in which we are active, as well as our business plans. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “continue,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “goals,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include the statement about the upcoming launch of Avive+ Soft Tissue Matrix, the departure of Angelo Scopelianos in the first quarter of 2024, and the continuity of the expert team as we move through the BLA submission process of Avance® Nerve Graft toward the next commercial phase of our business as a biologic. Actual results or events could differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, potential disruptions caused by leadership transitions, global supply chain issues, record inflation, hospital staffing issues, product development, product potential, expected clinical enrollment timing and outcomes, regulatory process and approvals, processing facility transition timing and expense, financial performance, sales growth, surgeon and product adoption, market awareness of our products, data validation, our visibility at and sponsorship of conferences and educational events, global business disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and related sanctions, recent geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, as well as those risk factors described under Part I, Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year and Part II, Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” for our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the most recently ended fiscal quarter. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements are representative only as of the date they are made and, except as required by applicable law, we assume no responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. For more information, visit . Contact: Axogen, Inc. Harold D. Tamayo, VP of Finance and Investor Relations htamayo@axogeninc.com

World-Renowned Physician-Scientist and Global Expert in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Will Be Instrumental in Advancing the Development of Navtemadlin and Other Innovative Therapies to Improve the Lives of Cancer Patients REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kartos Therapeutics, Inc. (“Kartos” or the “Company”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel, targeted therapeutics that meaningfully improve the lives of patients with cancer, today announced that Dr. Srdan (Serge) Verstovsek, MD, PhD, has been named Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Verstovsek is a world-renowned physician-scientist and a leading global authority on the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), including myelofibrosis (MF). Since 1998, Dr. Verstovsek has been affiliated with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center where he served as hematologist-oncologist and more recently as the United Energy Resources, Inc. Professor of Medicine. He was also Director of the world’s largest MPN clinical research center, the Hanns A. Pielenz Clinical Research Center for MPNs, and Chief of the Section for MPNs. Dr. Verstovsek has collaborated extensively with Kartos in recent years and has been actively involved in all the company’s MPN clinical studies. In his new role, he will assume scientific leadership for the continued development of Kartos’ potential best-in-class MDM2 inhibitor, navtemadlin, currently in clinical development for the treatment of blood cancers and solid tumors, as well as other therapeutics the company is developing. Dr. Verstovsek has achieved international acclaim for pioneering practice-changing therapeutic advances for the treatment of MPNs. He has led more than 80 early/advanced phase clinical trials of novel MPN drugs, including ruxolitinib, which until 2019 was the only FDA-approved medication for myelofibrosis. He has published 24 book chapters, more than 600 peer-reviewed original articles/reviews in leading medical journals and has received numerous clinical research awards. “We are humbled that Dr. Serge Verstovsek has decided to continue his extraordinary career as part of the Kartos team,” said Jesse McGreivy, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Kartos Therapeutics. “Serge’s deep understanding of MPNs and his accomplishments as a clinician and drug developer are unparalleled. Having Serge onboard will be tremendously impactful in our quest to bring navtemadlin and other innovative medicines to patients across the globe.” “I am thrilled to join a Company so dedicated to developing novel, targeted therapeutics that meaningfully improve the lives of patients with cancer,” said Dr. Verstovsek. “Having worked closely with Kartos’ outstanding executive team and been deeply involved in designing several of the company’s studies, I know firsthand about the incredible talent and science driving the development of navtemadlin. I am very enthusiastic about the clinical potential of this groundbreaking drug and look forward to devoting the next stage of my career to help ensure its complete success.” Dr. Verstovsek is a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and is co-founder and an Executive Committee Member of the International Working Group for MF Treatment and Research. Dr. Verstovsek received his MD and PhD from the University of Zagreb, Croatia. About Kartos Therapeutics Kartos Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with a potential best-in-class MDM2 inhibitor, navtemadlin, in clinical development across a variety of TP53 wild-type hematological malignancies and solid tumors. To learn more, visit and connect with us on LinkedIn.

- Company maintains healthy operating position with US$78.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of June 30, 2022, runway through late 2023- Three abstracts showcasing new findings related to eblasakimab have been accepted as e-posters at the 31st European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Annual Congress, from September 7 to 10, 2022, in Milan, Italy- The Phase 2b TREK-AD trial for eblasakimab in moderate-to-severe AD is on track to generate topline data in the first half of 2023- Company to host R&D Day; details will follow closer to the date of September 15, 2022 MENLO PARK, Calif. and SINGAPORE, Aug. 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ASLN), a clinical-stage, immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, and provided an update on recent corporate activities. “This quarter, we advanced our understanding of eblasakimab’s differentiated profile and its role in reducing pruritic neuronal responses – which remains one of the most burdensome symptoms for AD patients – with late-breaking data presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting,” stated Dr Carl Firth, CEO, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals. “These insights, and those that we are building with the initiation of new research collaborations related to eblasakimab’s unique mechanism of action, contribute key data on the distinct biological effects of eblasakimab’s selective targeting of the Type 2 receptor and its differentiation from current standard-of-care therapies. We look forward to sharing new insights on eblasakimab at the upcoming EADV Annual Congress in September as we continue to progress the TREK-AD trial of eblasakimab in moderate-severe AD and remain on track for a topline data readout from the trial in the first half of 2023.” Second quarter 2022 and recent business highlights Eblasakimab In May, the Company presented new, late-breaking data on insights related to neuronal itch mechanisms through eblasakimab’s targeting of IL-13Rα1 at the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting. The findings demonstrated that eblasakimab significantly reduced cytokine-enhanced neuronal responses to IL-4 and IL-13-driven itch by more than 40% versus control conditions (p=0.0001), and suggest eblasakimab’s unique mechanism of blocking IL-13Rα1 could provide a molecular basis for the significant reduction of pruritus scores observed in eblasakimab-treated moderate-to-severe AD patients in the Phase 1b clinical trial. Further data from the translational studies will be shared in the second half of 2022.In June, the Company initiated a scientific collaboration with Dr Shawn Kwatra from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Dr Madan Kwatra from Duke University Medical Center to explore the distinct role of IL-13 receptor signaling in AD. The collaboration is evaluating how IL-13Rα1-mediated allergic, inflammatory and regulatory pathways are affected by eblasakimab’s selective targeting of the Type 2 receptor. Research findings will be disclosed for presentation during the second half of 2022.In June, the Company hosted the third episode in its series of Key Opinion Leader (KOL) webinars, the “A4 (Aspects of Atopic Dermatitis and ASLAN004/eblasakimab) Series: ‘Dialogues with International Thought Leaders in Dermatology’”. Peter Lio MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at Northwestern University, discussed the limitations of the current treatment landscape in AD and the resulting unmet medical needs in patients who do not respond optimally to current standards of care. All three webinar episodes from the A4 series are available for replay here. Farudodstat (ASLAN003) In June, based on emerging clinical data for DHODH inhibitors in inflammatory bowel disease, the Company decided to prioritize the further development of farudodstat in autoimmune skin diseases. A clinical development plan is being finalized and a Phase 2 trial is expected to commence in the first half of 2023. Anticipated upcoming milestones Three abstracts with new data on biomarkers and patient reported outcome measures from the Phase 1b proof-of-concept trial of eblasakimab have been accepted for e-poster presentation at the 31st EADV Annual Congress held in person and virtually, from September 7 to 10, 2022, in Milan, Italy.The Company will host a Research and Development (R&D) Day on September 15, 2022, with a hybrid in-person and virtual format. More information will be announced in the weeks ahead.Topline data from the Phase 2b TREK-AD trial of eblasakimab is expected in the first half of 2023. Second quarter 2022 financial highlights Cash used in operating activities for the second quarter of 2022 was US$9.7 million compared to US$6.9 million in the same period in 2021.Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of June 30, 2022, were US$78.1 million.Research and development expenses were US$10.0 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to US$4.0 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase was due to clinical development expenses and manufacturing costs related to eblasakimab TREK-AD Phase 2b trial.General and administrative expenses were US$2.3 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to US$3.8 million in the second quarter of 2021.Net loss attributable to stockholders for the second quarter of 2022 was US$13.0 million compared to a net loss of US$5.4 million for the second quarter of 2021.The weighted average number of American Depositary Shares (ADS) outstanding in the computation of basic loss per share for the second quarter of 2022 was 69.7 million (representing 348.7 million ordinary shares) compared to 69.6 million (representing 347.8 million ordinary shares) for the second quarter of 2021. One ADS is the equivalent of five ordinary shares. ASLAN Pharmaceuticals LimitedCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In US Dollars) December 31, 2021(audited) June 30, 2022(audit reviewed) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $90,167,967 $61,576,463 Short-term investments - 16,543,352 Total cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments 90,167,967 78,119,815 Other assets 3,612,846 2,244,246 Total current assets $93,780,813 $80,364,061 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Investment in associate company 494,728 132,247 Property, plant and equipment 34,979 44,596 Right-of-use assets 197,746 65,344 Intangible assets 9,956 7,896 Total non-current assets 737,409 250,083 TOTAL ASSETS $94,518,222 $80,614,144 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade payables $3,116,786 $9,442,905 Other payables 2,817,909 1,913,020 Lease liabilities - current 199,124 50,117 Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 223,352 119,351 Total current liabilities 6,357,171 11,525,393 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Long-term borrowings 30,857,308 36,420,039 Total non-current liabilities 30,857,308 36,420,039 Total liabilities 37,214,479 47,945,432 EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY Ordinary shares 63,019,962 63,019,962 Capital surplus 221,467,061 222,803,698 Accumulated deficits (227,004,332) (252,976,000)Other reserves (178,948) (178,948) Total equity attributable to stockholders of the Company 57,303,743 32,668,712 Total equity 57,303,743 32,668,712 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $94,518,222 $80,614,144 ASLAN Pharmaceuticals LimitedCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS(In US Dollars, other than shares or share data) For the Three Months Ended June 30 For the Six Months Ended June 30 2021 2022 2021 2022 OPERATING EXPENSES General and administrative expenses$(3,788,772) $(2,319,516) $(6,893,836) $(4,855,050)Research and development expenses (4,044,521) (9,980,936) (7,795,493) (19,339,046)Total operating expenses (7,833,293) (12,300,453) (14,689,329) (24,194,095)LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (7,833,293) (12,300,453) (14,689,329) (24,194,095)NON-OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES Other income 340,076 37,420 340,076 156,749 Interest income 20 41,373 157 43,797 Gain on dilution of subsidiary and recognition of associate 2,307,735 - 2,307,735 - Impairment loss of associate accounted for using equity method - (50,109) - (50,109)Other gains and losses 22,451 268,059 319,636 344,683 Finance costs (203,428) (877,300) (614,902) (1,960,321)Total non-operating income and expenses 2,466,854 (580,557) 2,352,702 (1,465,201)Share in losses of associated company, accounted for using equity method (81,880) (153,871) (81,880) (312,372)LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX (5,448,319) (13,034,881) (12,418,507) (25,971,668)INCOME TAX EXPENSE - - - - NET LOSS FOR THE PERIOD (5,448,319) (13,034,881) (12,418,507) (25,971,668)OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Unrealized loss on investments in equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income - - - - TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE PERIOD$(5,448,319) $(13,034,881) $(12,418,507) $(25,971,668)NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Stockholders of the Company$(5,429,026) $(13,034,881) $(12,149,543) $(25,971,668)Non-controlling interests (19,293) - (268,964) - $(5,448,319) $(13,034,881) $(12,418,507) $(25,971,668)TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Stockholders of the Company$(5,429,026) $(13,034,881) $(12,149,543) $(25,971,668)Non-controlling interests (19,293) - (268,964) - $(5,448,319) $(13,034,881) $(12,418,507) $(25,971,668)LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE Basic and diluted$(0.02) $(0.04) $(0.04) $(0.07)LOSS PER EQUIVALENT ADS Basic and diluted$(0.08) $(0.19) $(0.20) $(0.35)Weighted-average number of ordinary shares in the computation of basic loss per ordinary share 347,799,933 348,723,365 302,985,377 348,723,365 Weighted-average number of ADS in the computation of basic loss per ADS 69,559,987 69,744,673 60,597,075 69,744,673 Each ADS represents five ordinary shares About ASLAN Pharmaceuticals ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ASLN) is a clinical-stage, immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients. ASLAN is currently evaluating eblasakimab (also known as ASLAN004), a potential first-in-class antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor, in atopic dermatitis, and farudodstat (also known as ASLAN003), a potent oral inhibitor of the enzyme DHODH, in autoimmune disease. ASLAN has a team in California, and in Singapore. For additional information please visit www.aslanpharma.com or follow ASLAN on LinkedIn. Forward looking statements This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the management of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited and/or its affiliates (the "Company"). These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy and clinical development plans; the Company’s plans to develop and commercialize eblasakimab and farudodstat; the safety and efficacy of eblasakimab and farudodstat; the Company’s plans and expected timing with respect to clinical trials, clinical trial enrollment and clinical trial results for eblasakimab and farudodstat; the potential of eblasakimab as a first-in-class treatment for atopic dermatitis and of farudodstat as a treatment for autoimmune disease; and the Company’s cash runway. The Company’s estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company’s business, strategy, operations, or financial performance, and inherently involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of many risks and uncertainties, which include, unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies; clinical site activation rates or clinical trial enrollment rates that are lower than expected; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia on the Company’s business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape; and the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund its strategic and clinical development plans. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements are described in the Company’s US Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001- 38475), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2022. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “might,” “could,” “will,” “aim,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements. Estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any estimate, projection, or forward-looking statement. Media and IR contacts Emma ThompsonSpurwing CommunicationsTel: +65 6206 7350 Email: ASLAN@spurwingcomms.comAshley R. RobinsonLifeSci Advisors, LLCTel: +1 (617) 430-7577Email: arr@lifesciadvisors.com