CD23

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, China and FLORHAM PARK, N.J., March 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HUTCHMED (China) Limited (“HUTCHMED”) (Nasdaq/AIM:HCM; HKEX:13) today announces that it has initiated the registration stage of the Phase II/III clinical trial of sovleplenib in adult patients with warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (“wAIHA”) in China. This follows positive data from the proof-of-concept Phase II stage of the trial and subsequent consultation with the China National Medical Products Administration (“NMPA”). If positive, the data from the trial may be used to support a future New Drug Application (“NDA”) filing. wAIHA is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to anemia and has limited treatment options. The first Phase III patient received their initial dose on March 20, 2024. ESLIM-02 is a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled Phase II/III clinical trial. The objective of the registration stage of the study is to confirm the safety and efficacy of sovleplenib in adult patients with wAIHA. The primary endpoint for the study is the proportion of patients who achieve a durable hemoglobin (Hb) response by Week 24. 21 patients have been enrolled in the study so far and approximately 90 more patients are expected to be enrolled to this registration stage. The lead principal investigators are Dr. Fengkui Zhang of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Blood Diseases Hospital, Dr. Bing Han of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Dr. Liansheng Zhang of Lanzhou University Second Hospital. Additional details may be found at clinicaltrials.gov, using identifier NCT05535933. About Sovleplenib Sovleplenib is a novel, investigational, selective small molecule inhibitor for oral administration targeting the spleen tyrosine kinase, also known as Syk. Syk is a major component in B-cell receptor and Fc receptor signaling and is an established target for the treatment of multiple subtypes of B-cell lymphomas and autoimmune disorders. HUTCHMED currently retains all rights to sovleplenib worldwide. In addition to wAIHA, sovleplenib is also being studied in immune thrombocytopenia (“ITP”). ESLIM-01 (NCT05029635) is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase III trial in China of sovleplenib in patients with primary ITP that met all its endpoints. ITP is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to increased risk of bleeding. The NMPA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for this indication and accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for review with Priority Review in January 2024. A dose-finding study in the U.S. is in planning (NCT06291415). About wAIHA and Syk AIHA is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of red blood cells (“RBCs”) due to the production of antibodies against RBC. The incidence of AIHA is estimated to be 0.8-3.0/100,000 adults per year with an estimated prevalence of 17 per 100,000 adults and a death rate of 8%-11%.1,2 wAIHA is the most common form of the autoimmune hemolytic diseases,3 accounting for about 75-80% of all adult AIHA cases.4 The accelerated clearance of antibody-coated RBCs by immunoglobulin Fc receptor (“FcR”) bearing macrophages is thought to be the pathogenic mechanism in wAIHA.5 Activation of the FcR is associated with a signaling subunit, FcRγ, whose phosphorylation subsequent to receptor binding results in the recruitment and activation of Syk.6 Activated Syk mediates downstream signaling of the activated FcRs in phagocytic cells, resulting in phagocytosis of RBCs.7 In addition, activation of Syk through the B-cell receptor mediates activation and differentiation of B-lymphocytes into antibody secreting plasma cells.8 Therefore, inhibition of Syk may have potential effects in the treatment of wAIHA through inhibition of phagocytosis and reduction of antibody production. About HUTCHMED HUTCHMED (Nasdaq/AIM:​HCM; HKEX:​13) is an innovative, commercial-stage, biopharmaceutical company. It is committed to the discovery, global development and commercialization of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and immunological diseases. It has approximately 5,000 personnel across all its companies, at the center of which is a team of about 1,800 in oncology/immunology. Since inception, HUTCHMED has focused on bringing cancer drug candidates from in-house discovery to patients around the world, with its first three oncology medicines now marketed in China, the first of which is also marketed in the U.S. For more information, please visit: or follow us on LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect HUTCHMED’s current expectations regarding future events, including its expectations regarding the therapeutic potential of sovleplenib for the treatment of patients with wAIHA and the further development of sovleplenib in this and other indications. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, assumptions regarding the timing and outcome of clinical studies and the sufficiency of clinical data to support an NDA submission of sovleplenib for the treatment of patients with wAIHA or other indications in China or other jurisdictions, its potential to gain approvals from regulatory authorities on an expedited basis or at all, the efficacy and safety pro sovleplenib, HUTCHMED’s ability to fund, implement and complete its further clinical development and commercialization plans for sovleplenib and the timing of these events. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. For further discussion of these and other risks, see HUTCHMED’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and on AIM. HUTCHMED undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. Medical Information This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development. CONTACTS Investor Enquiries +852 2121 8200 / ir@hutch-med.com Media Enquiries Ben Atwell / Alex Shaw, FTI Consulting +44 20 3727 1030 / +44 7771 913 902 (Mobile) / +44 7779 545 055 (Mobile) / HUTCHMED@fticonsulting.com Zhou Yi, Brunswick +852 9783 6894 (Mobile) / HUTCHMED@brunswickgroup.com Nominated Advisor Atholl Tweedie / Freddy Crossley / Daphne Zhang, Panmure Gordon +44 (20) 7886 2500 _____________________ REFERENCES 1 Eaton WW, Rose NR, Kalaydjian A, Pedersen MG, Mortensen PB. Epidemiology of autoimmune diseases in Denmark. J Autoimmun. 2007; 29 (1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2007.05.002. 2 Roumier M, Loustau V, Guillaud C, et al. Characteristics and outcome of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia in adults: new insights based on a single-center experience with 60 patients. Am J Hematol. 2014; 89 (9):E150-5. doi: 10.1002/ajh.23767. 3 Cotran Ramzi S, Kumar Vinay, Fausto Nelson, Nelso Fausto, Robbins Stanley L, Abbas Abul K. Robbins and Cotran pathologic basis of disease. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier Saunders; 2005. p. 637. 4 Gehrs BC, Friedberg RC. Autoimmune haemolytic anemia. Am J Hematol. 2002; 69:258–271. doi: 10.1002/ajh.10062. 5 Barros MM, Blajchman MA, Bordin JO. Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia: recent progress in understanding the immunobiology and the treatment. Transfus Med Rev. 2010; 24(3):195‐210. doi: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2010.03.002. 6 Braselmann S, Taylor V, Zhao H, et al. R406, an orally available spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor blocks fc receptor signaling and reduces immune complex‐mediated inflammation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2006; 319(3):998‐1008. doi: 10.1124/jpet.106.109058. 7 Barcellini W, Fattizzo B, Zaninoni A. Current and emerging treatment options for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2018; 14(10):857‐872. doi: 10.1080/1744666x.2018.1521722. 8 Davidzohn N, Biram A, Stoler‐Barak L, Grenov A, Dassa B, Shulman Z. SYK degradation restrains plasma cell formation and promotes zonal transitions in germinal centers. J Exp Med. 2020; 217(3):e20191043. doi: 10.1084/jem.20191043.

SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Longbio Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Longbio Pharma"), a leading biotech company dedicated to developing innovative protein treatments for allergy, respiratory, dermatology, hematology, ophthalmology, and other autoimmune and rare diseases, proudly announced the Phase I data of LP-003 (new generation of anti-IgE antibody) at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology Association annual meeting (2024AAD). The presentation of the poster titled "A Phase 1 study in healthy subjects of LP-003, a novel long-acting, high affinity anti-IgE antibody" by Longbio Pharma marked a significant moment during the conference. Title: A Phase 1 study in healthy subjects of LP-003, a novel long-acting, high affinity anti-IgE antibody Abstract Submission ID: 50484 Presentation Time: Mar 8-12, 2024 Location: Poster Exhibits Center Results: In a randomized, double-blind, single-ascending-dose Phase I clinical study (CTR20221413), 32 healthy subjects were randomly divided into 5 groups to receive a single intravenous dose of 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg respectively. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics (free IgE levels) profile was evaluated. LP-003 exhibited a non-linear PK characteristic with T1/2 ranging from 44.6 days to 76.5 days, which is approximately 2～3 fold of Omalizumab. Moreover, the free-IgE was suppressed to below detection range for more than 168 days at 1 mg/kg group (except one with high baseline IgE level) to 10 mg/kg group. LP-003 appears to show good safety profile. No Grade 3 and above TEAE was reported, establishing a solid foundation for further investigation and advancement. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) stands as a prevalent skin disorder affecting approximately 1–2% of the global population. Despite SoC treatment, the efficacy and duration of relief remain significant challenges for patients and healthcare providers alike. Anti-IgE therapy was approved as a second-line treatment, however, only approximately 40% of patients achieving complete response following 300 mg Omalizumab dosing. Thus, a novel anti-IgE treatments offering higher efficacy and prolonged relief is needed. The successful Phase II study of Ligelizumab points a way that anti-IgE antibody with higher IgE affinity and more potent efficacy (FcεRI inhibition) retains the potential to be superior against Omalizumab. In this study, Longbio Pharma developed a new generation of anti-IgE antibody, LP-003, of higher IgE binding affinity, stronger FcεRI inhibition bioactivity, compared to Omalizumab and even Ligelizumab. Meanwhile, LP-003 has a much longer half-life (approximately 45∽76 days) compared to Omalizumab (approximately 17∽20 days). Moreover, a Phase II clinical trial (NCT06228560) of total 200 adult refractory CSU patients, despite up-dosing anti-histamine (H1) treatment, are being enrolled into 5 distinct groups (n=40/group), including three LP-003 treatment groups, one omalizumab treatment group, to provide a head-to-head comparison, and one placebo group. The topline results are expected to be released in early 2025. About LP-003 LP-003, a novel monoclonal anti-IgE antibody was generated, humanized, and engineered by Dr. Sun, Nai-chau, who is the inventor of Omalizumab, and co-founder of Tanox. Based on the 30+ years R&D experience on IgE target, Dr Sun developed a new generation of anti-IgE antibody (LP-003). Its extensive characterization including: affinity, bioactivity (FcεRI and FcεRII/CD23 inhibition), off-target binding and animal study (Tox and efficacy) was conducted. LP-003 just accomplished its Phase II study of allergic rhinitis. The current data shows LP-003 has the potential to become a best-in-class treatment. About Longbio Pharma LongBio Pharma is a biotech company located in Shanghai/Changshu, China. The company, which was founded in 2018, focuses on autoimmune and complement diseases, serving patients and society. For more information, please visit: or please contact: [email protected]. SOURCE Longbio Pharma

STOCKHOLM, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Calliditas Therapeutics AB (Nasdaq: CALT, Nasdaq Stockholm: CALTX) ("Calliditas"), today announced data presentations highlighting additional analyses from the Phase 3 NefIgArd study with Nefecon in adults with primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN), as well as pre-clinical data on the treatment of Alport syndrome with setanaxib, a novel NOX inhibitor, presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2023 in Philadelphia, PA on November 1-5, 2023. "The additional analyses of data from the NeflgArd Phase 3 trial that we and our scientific collaborators presented at ASN Kidney Week showcased our commitment to advancing the science in understanding IgA nephropathy and to shaping a better future for patients with rare diseases," said Richard Philipson, Chief Medical Officer at Calliditas. Oral Presentation Analyses NefIgArd Phase 3 Trial full analysis The Phase 3 double-blind, randomized NefIgArd study evaluated the impact of Nefecon, a novel targeted-release formulation of budesonide, vs placebo on eGFR in adults with IgAN. The 2-year study period consisted of nine months of treatment with Nefecon (16 mg/day) or placebo, followed by a 15-month follow-up period off the study drug. The full analysis of the 364 patients randomized 1:1 to Nefecon or placebo showed: A statistically significantly smaller proportion of Nefecon-treated patients saw a 30% eGFR reduction compared to placebo-treated patients A delayed progression to a confirmed 30% eGFR reduction was observed in the Nefecon arm compared to the placebo arm Use of rescue medication did not alter the response to Nefecon vs placebo according to a pre-defined analysis Late-Breaking Poster Presentation Analyses NefIgArd Phase 3 trial population sub-analysis The 2-year NefIgArd trial included 62 patients with IgAN from mainland China (n=32 in Nefecon arm, n=30 in the placebo arm), with similar baseline characteristics as the global study population. In these patients, Nefecon treatment for 9 months resulted in: Lower time-weighted average change in eGFR from baseline in the Nefecon arm 66% less deterioration in renal function over the 2-year study period in the Nefecon arm, as well as reduced 2-year eGFR total slope 31% greater mean reduction in urine: protein creatinine ratio at 9 months in patients treated with Nefecon vs placebo, which was sustained at 2 years A higher proportion of Nefecon-treated patients did not display microhematuria during the observational follow-up period compared to patients who received placebo Poster Presentations Analyses Additional analyses were conducted from Part A of the Phase 3 NefIgArd trial(n=160) Serum samples collected from patients enrolled in Part A of the NefIgArd study were analyzed for functional protein interaction and showed that Nefecon modulates serum biomarkers associated with proteins known to play a role in the intestinal immune network for IgA production and control of B cell activation. These data further support a disease-modifying effect of Nefecon at the site of IgA synthesis and reinforce the link between the ileal gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and the kidneys. Levels of circulating anti-gliadin IgA and anti-casein IgA were reduced in IgAN patients treated with Nefecon vs placebo in Part A of the NefIgArd study at the 3-, 6- and 9-month mark after randomization. Levels of secretory IgA and fatty acid-binding protein, a gut permeability marker, were unchanged at these same time points. Reduction in IgA antibodies directed at dietary antigens supports a local disease-modifying effect for Nefecon via targeted action in the ileal GALT rather than modulation of gut permeability and antigen exclusion. Levels of three soluble biomarkers known for modulating B cell maturation, CD23, CD27, and CD30, were reduced in response to Nefecon 16 mg/day at the 3-, 6-, and 9-month post-randomization mark when compared to placebo responses. The degree of reduction in soluble CD23, CD27, and CD30 correlated with the magnitude of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) reduction at the same three study timepoints. Reduction in CD30 levels also correlated with the magnitude of IgA/IgG immune complex reduction at the 6- and 9-month timepoints. Together, these biomarker data add to the body of evidence supporting a disease-modification effect for Nefecon, including modulation of immune complex formation. Additional analysis from the full Phase 3 NefIgArd trial Modeling analyses leveraging the two-year eGFR total slope from 352 patients enrolled in the Phase 3 trial were applied to the records of 192 real-world IgAN patients to evaluate the long-term clinical potential of Nefecon. Using published linear regression analysis, Nefecon was predicted to substantially delay progression to renal failure, with a modeled 62 % risk reduction vs placebo and a median delay to progression of 12.8 years. Setanaxib The potential of setanaxib, a novel dual NOX inhibitor to modulate renal function and fibrosis was evaluated in a mouse model of Alport syndrome, a rare genetic disease characterized by fibrosis and progressive kidney damage. Setanaxib was evaluated alone or in combination with standard of care ramipril, an ACE inhibitor. Combined daily oral administration of setanaxib 60mg/kg and ramipril 10mg/kg resulted in a statistically significant reduction of urine albumin and albumin/creatinine ratio compared to vehicle alone after a 2-week and 4-week treatment duration. Histological analysis showed that this combination treatment decreased fibrosis and glomerular sclerosis. In silico and proteomics analyses demonstrated a reduction in both glomerular basement membrane proteins and collagen proteins in mice treated with both setanaxib and ramipril All presentations are available on the Presentations and Publications page on the Calliditas' corporate website. CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Åsa Hillsten, Head of Investor Relations & Sustanaibility, Calliditas Tel.: +46 76 403 35 43, email: [email protected] The information was sent for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, on November 6, 2023 at 20:30 p.m. CET. The following files are available for download: SOURCE Calliditas Therapeutics