TGF-β2

Research exploring CK0804 (CXCR4-enriched, allogeneic, cord blood-derived T-regulatory cells) for treatment of myelofibrosis patients. HOUSTON and NEW YORK, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellenkos®, a clinical stage biotech cell therapy company focused on treating autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders, today announced that it has entered into a sponsored research agreement with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, to explore the application of CK0804, CXCR4 enriched, allogeneic, cord blood T regulatory (Treg) cells, for treatment of myelofibrosis. This research will be conducted under the guidance of Ronald Hoffman, MD, Albert A. and Vera G. List Professor of Medicine and Director of the Myeloproliferative Disorders Research Program at The Tisch Cancer Institute- Mount Sinai. "We are very excited by our collaboration with Mount Sinai and eagerly anticipate gaining a deeper understanding of mechanisms of CK0804 Tregs work in myelofibrosis, especially to decrease inflammation," said Tara Sadeghi, Chief Operating Officer, Cellenkos Inc. "CK0804 is already in phase 1 clinical trial to examine its safety and efficacy in patients with myelofibrosis who have suboptimal response to the JAK2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib. We are particularly intrigued by the possibility of using CK0804 in treatment naïve myelofibrosis patients as well as in combination with other approved therapies including ruxolitinib, momelotinib, pacritinib and fedratinib." "We are eager to find out if this novel cell therapy product has the potential to transform the care of myelofibrosis patients," said Dr. Ronald Hoffman, principal investigator, "We will investigate the role of Treg cells in the pathogenesis of the myeloproliferative neoplasms and examine the effectiveness of CK0804, especially in patients with low blood counts." CK0804 is a novel allogeneic, CXCR4 enriched, Treg cell therapy product that utilizes Cellenkos' proprietary CRANE® technology to generate disease specific products. CK0804 engage with CXCL12 ligand and preferentially home to the inflamed bone marrow. When compared to control, CK0804 significantly decrease TGFβ1 and TGFβ2, in vivo. The ongoing, multicenter, first-in-human, Phase 1b trial, shows safety of multiple doses of CK0804 in myelofibrosis patients in the ambulatory setting as well as improvement in their blood transfusion requirements, spleen volume reduction and symptom burden. The ability to administer CK0804 cells in ambulatory setting without requiring lymphodepletion or immune suppression, positions this potentially lifesaving treatment to be made available to patients in the community setting. The trial is open for accrual at Albert Einstein Hospital, Bronx, NY, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX and University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05423691. Dr. Ronald Hoffman serves as a paid consultant for Cellenkos. About Cellenkos®, Inc. Cellenkos is a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Houston, Texas, USA, dedicated to the development and commercialization of the allogeneic, "off-the-shelf" cell-based products for the treatment of rare inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders. Cellenkos' T regulatory cells (Tregs) are derived from umbilical cord blood and as such are naïve, bonafide suppressor cells that do not require HLA or ABO matching and resolve inflammation through multiple direct and indirect mechanisms. Cellenkos' proprietary CRANE® technology platform tailors Tregs to home to target tissue. Cellenkos' current clinical portfolio includes CK0801 (bone marrow failure); CK0802 (COVID associated acute respiratory distress syndrome); CK0803 (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and CK0804 (myelofibrosis). For more information, please visit . Contact: Stacy Minor [email protected]. SOURCE Cellenkos, Inc.

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc (OTCQB:OTLC) announced today the peer reviewed publication of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 2 (TGFB2) mRNA Levels, in Conjunction with Interferon-Gamma Receptor Activation of Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 (IRF5) and Expression of CD276/B7-H3, Are Therapeutically Targetable Negative Prognostic Markers in Low-Grade Gliomas: Past, Present, and Future Strategies in the Treatment and Management of Gliomas. Dr. Vuong Trieu, CEO and Chairman of Oncotelic, stated, ”Our R&D team has discovered crosstalk between the TGF-β and IFN signaling pathways, linking gliomas and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This publication has identified IRF5 as a common target for both diseases, opening up a new avenue for combating cancer,” Our findings place IRF5 at the intersection of inflammation and cancer. Understanding the role of IRF5 in both SLE and cancer opens an avenue for targeting IRF5 or its downstream pathways. This could offer new strategies for treating SLE and various cancers by modulating the immune response. The article can be accessed for free online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/6/1202 Abstract: Gliomas develop in the central nervous system from the glial cells that support it. Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are characterized by a reduced number of immune cells infiltrating the tumor, requiring immune-boosting therapies to release the immunosuppressive environment of the tumor. We conducted a bioinformatics-led study to evaluate the prognostic impact of cell surface receptor markers for tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that produce transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) ligands and interferon-gamma receptor activation to maintain the tumor microenvironment in an immunosuppressed state. Detailed investigation of messenger RNA levels and their impact on OS in LGG patients demonstrated that low mRNA levels of a specific TGFB ligand, TGFB2, and the receptor along with the signaling molecules from interferon-gamma receptor activation (IFNGR2, IRF1, IRF5, and STAT1) result in improved survival of LGG patients. LGG patients expressing high levels of TGFB2 and IFNGR2 are over-represented in IDH wild-type tumor samples, suggesting that TGFB2 and IFNGR2 mRNA can be therapeutically targeted in these high-risk patients. Furthermore, demethylation of TFGB2, IFNGR2, IRF1, IRF5, STAT1, and CD276 genes also results in worse survival outcomes, pointing to a molecular mechanism that increases the negative prognostic effects of increased mRNA levels of these target genes. We observed that significant upregulation of mRNA expression levels for three TAM markers, MSR1/CD204, CD86, and CD68, suggested that TGFB2 is pivotal in establishing a pro-tumorigenic TME in gliomas mediated through TAMs. Interestingly, a tumor-associated antigen CD276/B7-H3 mRNA expression increased in tumor tissue, giving further insights into the roles of macrophages and tumor cells in the immunosuppressive TME. Therefore, to improve OS in LGG patients, combination therapies must target TGFB2 and IFN-γ activation (via IRF5 inhibition) or immune therapies targeted against CD276/B7-H3 About Oncotelic Oncotelic (f/k/a Mateon Therapeutics, Inc.), was formed in the State of New York in 1988 as OXiGENE, Inc., was reincorporated in the State of Delaware in 1992, and changed its name to Mateon Therapeutics, Inc. in 2016, and Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. in November 2020. Oncotelic is seeking to leverage its deep expertise in oncology drug development to improve treatment outcomes and survival of cancer patients with a special emphasis on rare pediatric cancers. Oncotelic has rare pediatric designation for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (“DIPG” through OT-101) through its 45% joint venture, GMP Biotechnology Limited, melanoma (through CA4P), and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (through OXi 4503). Oncotelic acquired PointR Data Inc. in November 2019 to build an AI driven biotechnology company. Further, Oncotelic acquired AL-101, during the 4th quarter of 2021, for the intranasal delivery of apomorphine. We intend to develop AL-101 for the treatment of Parkinson Disease, erectile dysfunction, female sexual disorder and hypoactive sexual desire disorder. All these ailments have a very large population suffering from them and there is a need for treatments for each. For more information on AL-101, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 19, 2023. Oncotelic's Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this communication regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may", "expect", "anticipate" "hope", "vision", "optimism", "design", "exciting", "promising", "will", "conviction", "estimate," "intend," "believe", "quest for a cure of cancer", "innovation-driven", "paradigm-shift", "high scientific merit", "impact potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about future plans related to the operations of the JV, taking the JV into an initial public offering or the success thereof, the progress, timing of clinical development, scope and success of future clinical trials, the reporting of clinical data for the Company’s product candidates and the potential use of the Company's product candidates to treat various cancer indications as well as obtaining required regulatory approval to conduct clinical trials and upon granting of approval by the regulatory agencies, the successful marketing of the products; building and the success of our nanoparticle platform and the related success of launching the platform, the development of the Company’s AI suite including but not limited to AI Chatbots, the public access to the Company’s AI suite, the success of the development of the AI suite or any other AI technologies and whether if any or portion thereof the Company’s AI suite or technologies will be commercialized and launched for sale. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements or may not occur at all. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected, changes in expected or existing competition, changes in the regulatory environment, failure of collaborators to support or advance collaborations or product candidates and unexpected litigation or other disputes, taking the Company or its affiliates through initial public offerings. These risks are not exhaustive, the company faces known and unknown risks, including the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 19, 2023 and in the company's other periodic filings. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contact Information: For Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc.:Investor Relationsir@oncotelic.com

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc (OTCQB:OTLC) invites participation in our STOP-PC clinical trial which is now open for recruitment. Additional information can be obtained at . An explainer video is available at . STOP-PC is a Randomized Phase 2b/Phase 3 Study of the TGF-β2 Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide OT-101 in Combination with mFOLFIRINOX Compared with mFOLFIRINOX Alone in Patients with Advanced and Unresectable or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β for short) is a protein that modulates the activity of immune cells. In cancer tissue it suppresses immune cell response and contributes to tumor growth and spread. OT-101 is a first-in-class RNA therapeutic designed to fight the immunosuppressive actions of TGF-β2, reduce the level of TGF-β2 in malignant tumors, and thereby delay the progression of disease. OT-101 has demonstrated notable single-agent activity, consistently surpassing reported literature data for overall survival. Importantly, the overall survival increased in a dose-dependent manner at the levels of 140mg/m2 and higher. The Phase 2/3 trial that you are being asked to participate in will compare OT-101 plus mFOLFORINOX with mFOLFORINOX alone as second line therapy in patients whose cancer progressed. "STOP-PC trial is the combination of mFOLFIRINOX and OT-101 based on our demonstration that reduced TGF- β2 resulted in outstanding improvement in survival among patients treated with Irinotecan with survival beyond 34 months for the low TGF-β2 expression cohort. The mFOLFIRINOX was chosen as the most well tolerated combination of choice through discussion with regulatory authorities and key opinion leaders. We believe this trial will deliver the decisive win against pancreatic cancer," expressed Dr. Vuong Trieu, CEO of Oncotelic. About Cromos Founded in 2004 and headquartered in the United States, Cromos Pharma is an international CRO. Cromos offers comprehensive clinical research solutions, covering all trial phases and a wide range of therapeutic areas. These areas include oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and gastroenterology. Over its almost 20-year journey, Cromos Pharma has successfully completed more than 300 clinical trials, demonstrating its commitment to excellence and precision. Its mission is to expedite the development of drugs and devices that save lives and enhance its quality. Cromos Pharma achieves this by combining innovation with validated best practices, reducing drug development time and costs while maintaining unparalleled quality standards. Cromos Pharma serves a diverse clientele, including Global Pharma, Biotechs, and other notable CROs. It has a strong operational presence across the US, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central and Southwestern Asia. Their country-specific operations cover Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. For collaborations or inquiries, please contact them at inquiry@cromospharma.com. About Oncotelic Oncotelic (f/k/a Mateon Therapeutics, Inc.), was formed in the State of New York in 1988 as OXiGENE, Inc., was reincorporated in the State of Delaware in 1992, and changed its name to Mateon Therapeutics, Inc. in 2016, and Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. in November 2020. Oncotelic is seeking to leverage its deep expertise in oncology drug development to improve treatment outcomes and survival of cancer patients with a special emphasis on rare pediatric cancers. Oncotelic has rare pediatric designation for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (“DIPG” through OT-101) through its 45% joint venture, GMP Biotechnology Limited, melanoma (through CA4P), and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (“AML” through OXi 4503). Oncotelic also acquired PointR Data Inc. in November 2019 to build an AI driven biotechnology company. Further, Oncotelic acquired AL-101, during the 4th quarter of 2021, for the intranasal delivery of apomorphine. We intend to develop AL-101 for the treatment of Parkinson Disease, erectile dysfunction, female sexual disorder and hypoactive sexual desire disorder. All these ailments have a very large population suffering from them and there is a need for treatments for each. For more information on AL-101, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 19, 2023. Oncotelic's Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this communication regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may", "expect", "anticipate" "hope", "vision", "optimism", "design", "exciting", "promising", "will", "conviction", "estimate," "intend," "believe", "quest for a cure of cancer", "innovation-driven", "paradigm-shift", "high scientific merit", "impact potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about future plans related to the operations of the JV, taking the JV into an initial public offering or the success thereof, the progress, timing of clinical development, scope and success of future clinical trials, the reporting of clinical data for the Company’s product candidates and the potential use of the Company's product candidates to treat various cancer indications as well as obtaining required regulatory approval to conduct clinical trials and upon granting of approval by the regulatory agencies, the successful marketing of the products; building and the success of our nanoparticle platform and the related success of launching the platform,. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements or may not occur at all. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected, changes in expected or existing competition, changes in the regulatory environment, failure of collaborators to support or advance collaborations or product candidates and unexpected litigation or other disputes, taking the Company or its affiliates through initial public offerings. These risks are not exhaustive, the company faces known and unknown risks, including the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 19, 2023 and in the company's other periodic filings. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contact Information: For Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc.: Investor Relations ir@oncotelic.com