Phase 1/2 Study to Evaluate the Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of FP-1201 (Intravenous Interferon-Beta-1a) to Prevent Toxicities After CD19-Directed CAR T-Cell Therapy

This phase I/II trial tests the safety and how well intravenous interferon-beta-1a (FP-1201) works in preventing toxicities after CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in patients with B-cell cancers that has come back after a period of improvement (recurrent) or that has not responded to previous treatment (refractory). Interferon beta-1a is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. It works by protecting the lining of blood vessels, and preventing brain inflammation. Giving FP-1201 may prevent cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell associated-neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) toxicities in patients receiving CD19 CAR T-cell therapy with recurrent or refractory B-cell malignancies.

Start Date01 Apr 2025

Sponsor / Collaborator

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

[+1]

NCT04343768 / CompletedPhase 2IIT

An Investigation Into Beneficial Effects of Interferon Beta 1a, Compared to Interferon Beta 1b And The Base Therapeutic Regiment in Moderate to Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The present study is a randomized clinical trial, with the approval of the ethics committee will be conducted on patients who have a positive test confirming COVID-19 in Loghman Hakim Medical Education Center in Tehran. Patients will be randomly assigned to the three arms of the study and after completing the course of treatment and collecting and analyzing the necessary information from each patient, the results of the study will be published both on this site and in the form of an article in a reputable international journal.

Start Date09 Apr 2020

Sponsor / Collaborator

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

NCT03119701 / TerminatedPhase 2

A Randomised, Parallel Group 2:1 Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of FP-1201-lyo (Interferon Beta-1a) and Placebo in the Prevention of Multi-Organ Failure on Patients Surviving Open Surgery for a Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

A study to assess effectiveness and safety of a drug FP-1201-lyo (Recombinant Human Interferon Beta-1a) in the Prevention of Multi-Organ Failure on patients after Open Surgery for a Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Start Date18 Feb 2017

Sponsor / Collaborator

Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy

100 Clinical Results associated with Interferon beta-1a(Lees Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd.)

100 Translational Medicine associated with Interferon beta-1a(Lees Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd.)

100 Patents (Medical) associated with Interferon beta-1a(Lees Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd.)

Literatures (Medical) associated with Interferon beta-1a(Lees Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd.)

01 Dec 2017·Trials

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of FP-1201-lyo (intravenously administered recombinant human interferon beta-1a) and placebo in the treatment of patients with moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Article

Author: Brealey, David ; Mancebo, Jordi ; Piippo, Ilse ; Bellingan, Geoff ; Quintel, Michael ; Pettilä, Ville ; Mercat, Alain ; Vincent, Jean-Louis ; Maksimow, Mikael ; Patroniti, Nicolò ; Jalkanen, Markku ; Ranieri, V Marco

BACKGROUND:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) results in vascular leakage, inflammation and respiratory failure. There are currently no approved pharmacological treatments for ARDS and standard of care involves treatment of the underlying cause, and supportive care. The vascular leakage may be related to reduced concentrations of local adenosine, which is involved in maintaining endothelial barrier function. Interferon (IFN) beta-1a up-regulates the cell surface ecto-5'-nucleotidase cluster of differentiation 73 (CD73), which increases adenosine levels, and IFN beta-1 may, therefore, be a potential treatment for ARDS. In a phase I/II, open-label study in 37 patients with acute lung injury (ALI)/ARDS, recombinant human IFN beta-1a was well tolerated and mortality rates were significantly lower in treated than in control patients.

METHODS/DESIGN:

In this phase III, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group trial, the efficacy and safety of recombinant human IFN beta-1a (FP-1201-lyo) will be compared with placebo in adult patients with ARDS. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive 10 μg FP-1201-lyo or placebo administered intravenously once daily for 6 days and will be monitored for 28 days or until discharged from the intensive care unit. Follow-up visits will then take place at days 90, 180 and 360. The primary endpoint is a composite endpoint including any cause of death at 28 days and days free of mechanical ventilation within 28 days among survivors. Secondary endpoints include: all-cause mortality at 28, 90, 180 and 360 days; organ failure-free days; length of hospital stay; pharmacodynamic assessment including measurement of myxovirus resistance protein A concentrations; and measures of quality of life, respiratory and neurological function at 180 and 360 days. The estimated sample size to demonstrate a reduction in the primary outcome between groups from 30% to 15% is 300 patients, and the study will be conducted in 70-80 centers in nine countries across Europe.

DISCUSSION:

There are no effective specific treatments for patients with ARDS and mortality rates remain high. The results from this study will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of a potential new therapeutic agent, FP-1201-lyo, in improving the clinical course and outcome for patients with moderate/severe ARDS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

European Union Clinical Trials Register, no: 2014-005260-15 . Registered on 15 July 2017.

01 Feb 2014·The Lancet. Respiratory medicineQ1 · MEDICINE

The effect of intravenous interferon-beta-1a (FP-1201) on lung CD73 expression and on acute respiratory distress syndrome mortality: an open-label study

Q1 · MEDICINE

Article

Author: Monika Beatty ; Marko Salmi ; Hugh Montgomery ; Timothy Walsh ; Geoff Bellingan ; Markku Jalkanen ; Sanjoy Shah ; Richard Beale ; Gennady G Yegutkin ; Alan Davidson ; Martin Stotz ; Sirpa Jalkanen ; Mikael Maksimow ; Martin Kuper ; Alexander Binning ; David C Howell ; Juho Jalkanen ; Ilse Piippo ; Jackie Cooper ; Matti Waris

BACKGROUND:

Pulmonary vascular leakage occurs early in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Mortality is high (35-45%), but no effective pharmacotherapy exists. Production of anti-inflammatory adenosine by ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) helps maintain endothelial barrier function. We tested whether interferon-beta-1a (IFN-beta-1a), which increases CD73 synthesis, can reduce vascular leakage and mortality in patients with ARDS.

METHODS:

In ex-vivo studies, we first established that IFN-beta-1a induced CD73 up-regulation in cultured human lung tissue samples. We then tested the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intravenous human recombinant IFN-beta-1a (FP-1201) in patients with ARDS in an open-label study (comprising dose-escalation and expansion phases). We recruited patients from eight intensive care units in the UK. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, had ARDS, and were being treated with assisted ventilation. We established an optimal tolerated dose (OTD) in the first, dose-escalation phase. Once established, we gave all subsequently enrolled patients the OTD of intravenous FP-1201 for 6 days. We assessed 28-day mortality (our primary endpoint) in all patients receiving the OTD versus 28-day mortality in a group of patients who did not receive treatment (this control group comprised patients in the study but who did not receive treatment because they were screened during the safety windows after dose escalation). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00789685, and the EU Clinical Trials Register EudraCT, number 2008-000140-13.

FINDINGS:

IFN-beta-1a increased the number of CD73-positive vessels in lung culture by four times on day 1 (p=0·04) and by 14·3 times by day 4 (p=0·004). For the clinical trial, between Feb 23, 2009, and April 7, 2011, we identified 150 patients, of whom 37 were enrolled into the trial and given treatment. The control group consisted of 59 patients who were recruited to take part in the study, but who did not receive treatment. Demographic characteristics and severity of illness did not differ between treatment and control groups. The optimal tolerated FP-1201 dose was 10 μg per day for 6 days. By day 28, 3 (8%) of 37 patients in the treatment cohort and 19 (32%) of 59 patients in the control cohort had died-thus, treatment with FP-1201 was associated with an 81% reduction in odds of 28-day mortality (odds ratio 0·19 [95% CI 0·03-0·72]; p=0·01).

INTERPRETATION:

FP-1201 up-regulates human lung CD73 expression, and is associated with a reduction in 28-day mortality in patients with ARDS. Our findings need to be substantiated in large, prospective randomised trials, but suggest that FP-1201 could be the first effective, mechanistically targeted, disease-specific pharmacotherapy for patients with ARDS.

News (Medical) associated with Interferon beta-1a(Lees Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd.)

13 Mar 2024

·www.globenewswire.com

Faron’s Financial Statement Release January 1 to December 31, 2023

TURKU, Finland and BOSTON, March 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. ("Faron" or "the Company") (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on tackling cancers via novel myeloid cell targeted immunotherapies, today announced audited full-year financial results for January 1 to December 31, 2023 (the "Period") and provided an overview of recent corporate developments. 2023 Highlights Data from the completed Phase I part of the BEXMAB study demonstrated significant overall response rates (ORR) in both previously hypomethylating agent (HMA)-failed (5 out of 5) and higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patient (5 out of 5) populations. Most responses were deep and durable with 7 out of 10 MDS patients achieving complete remission/ marrow complete remission (CR/mCR) and two demonstrating partial remission (PR), one of whom moved on to receive a stem cell transplantation and the other, hematological improvement without remission (HI-P).Further analysis of the patient profiles of those treated in the Phase I part of the BEXMAB trial showed that prior to responding to bexmarilimab in combination with standard of care (SoC), patients had experienced disease progression following treatment with all of the leading azacitidine combinations such as venetoclax, sabatolimab and magrolimab.The Company made the decision to commence the Phase II part of the BEXMAB study based on guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), investigating bexmarilimab in combination with SoC in patients with HMA-refractory or-relapsed MDS.The FDA granted bexmarilimab Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).The first in human MATINS study was completed in advanced solid tumor patients. The study results were published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine. Bexmarilimab was well tolerated, showed activation of intratumoral immunity and reprogramming tumor associated macrophages, resulting in an increase in IFN-gamma signature and changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and providing significant clinical benefit.The Company conducted three successful fundraising rounds in 2023, successfully raising EUR 25.7 million.A virtual briefing and Q&A will be held today, March 13, 2024 at 8:00 AM (EDT) / 12:00 PM (GMT) / 2:00 PM (EET) Subsequent events In January 2024, Faron dosed the first patients in the Phase II part of its BEXMAB Study, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bexmarilimab in combination with SoC, in HMA-refractory or relapsed MDS patients. This project Optimus part will provide the final dosing of bexmarilimab for the registrational part.In February 2024, Faron announced that it was in breach of several undertakings agreed in the facilities agreement entered into on February 28, 2022 between IPF Fund II SCA, SICAV-FIAR ("IPF") as Lender and Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd as Borrower ("Facilities Agreement") and subsequent waiver letters provided by IPF, and therefore was in several Events of Default, as defined in the Facilities Agreement.In March 2024, Faron successfully raised a total of EUR 3.2 million in subordinated convertible loan arrangements with certain existing shareholders allowing the Company to make critical payments to third parties under agreed waivers with IPF. As at March 13, 2024, the Company is in compliance with all IPF financial covenants as agreed with the waiver letter. In accordance with the waiver letter, the Company shall issue to IPF additional special rights which entitle them to subscribe for new ordinary shares in the Company.In March 2024, Faron announced that endeavors are continuing and it is in active discussions to secure short- and long-term funding. "I am pleased to report that we have made strong progress in 2023 advancing our BEXMAB study of bexmarilimab, our wholly owned immunotherapy asset. Throughout the course of the year, we have reported highly encouraging data for bexmarilimab, showing a remarkable overall response rate in both higher-risk frontline MDS patients as well as HMA-failed MDS patients. These are highly significant findings, given the combinations of treatments these patients had previously failed on and the very limited options available for future therapy. They provide us with a path to market and only bolster our confidence in the potential of this novel immunotherapy to treat patients with aggressive hematological malignancies," said Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Chief Executive Officer of Faron. HIGHLIGHTS (including post period) Pipeline Highlights Bexmarilimab – Faron's wholly owned, novel precision cancer immunotherapy candidate, in Phase I/II development for difficult-to-treat hematological and solid tumor cancers. Hematological cancer with standard of care (SoC) – BEXMAB The Phase II part of the BEXMAB study commenced based on guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), investigating bexmarilimab in combination with SoC in patients with HMA-refractory or -relapsed MDS. The first patient was dosed in January 2024.Data from the completed Phase I part of the BEXMAB study demonstrated significant ORR in both previously HMA-failed (5 out of 5) and higher-risk MDS patient (5 out of 5) populations. Most responses were deep and durable with 7 out of 10 MDS patients achieving CR/mCR and two demonstrating PR, one of whom moved on to receive a stem cell transplantation and the other, hematological improvement without remission (HI-P).Further analysis of the patient profiles of those treated in the completed Phase I part of the BEXMAB trial showed that patients had experienced disease progression following previous treatment with azacitidine monotherapy or combinations of up to four therapies that included azacitidine or decitabine + magrolimab, venetoclax and sabatolimab. 3 of the 5 patients were refractory to previous HMA-therapy, with progressive disease (PD) or stable disease (SD) being the best responses achieved from that therapy. 2 patients had relapsed after treatment with azacitidine or an azacitidine+venetoclax combination.The FDA granted ODD for bexmarilimab for the treatment of AML.BEXMAB phase I/II clinical data were presented at key scientific conferences including the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and the European Hematology Association Congress 2023.Post period, In January 2024, Faron dosed the first patients in the Phase II part of its BEXMAB Study, to evaluate additional safety and efficacy data for bexmarilimab in combination with SoC, in HMA-refractory or relapsed MDS patients, to obtain regulatory feedback from the FDA on a final regulatory pathway for market application (BLA) Single-agent safety and activity in advanced solid tumors – MATINS The first in human MATINS study was completed and the full safety and anti-tumor efficacy results from the first-in-human Phase I/II MATINS trial of bexmarilimab in patients with treatment-refractory late-stage solid tumors was published in Cell Reports Medicine.The Company presented two posters at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023 on its Phase I/II MATINS study of bexmarilimab in solid tumors and published a manuscript in Cell Reports Medicine.The findings from MATINS, which have established strong foundations for Faron's ongoing development program, showed activation of intratumoral immunity and reprogramming tumor associated macrophages resulting in increase in IFN-gamma signature and changes in the tumor microevironment (TME), resulting in disease control and prolonged survival in late-stage cancer. Furthermore, targeting Clever-1 with bexmarilimab was well-tolerated.A positive Phase I/II meeting with the FDA supported the potential to continue development of bexmarilimab in solid tumors both as a single agent and in combination with anti-PD-1. Combination potential with PD-1 blockade – BEXCOMBO – and further expansion Preparations are ongoing for the initiation of the Phase II BEXCOMBO trial evaluating bexmarilimab with PD-1 blockade, aimed at improving the clinical benefits from standard-of-care PD-1 blockade. The first proof-of-concept cohort under investigation will be head and neck cancer, followed by non-small cell lung cancers. Patient cohorts will comprise between 15 and 40 subjects, with the opportunity for subgroup enrichment.Given the positive results to date, the Company is exploring bexmarilimab's potential in frontline HR MDS, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) patients and considering further development and expansion opportunities with bexmarilimab in hematological cancers in the form of further partnerships. Traumakine® – Faron's investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy, in development for hyperinflammatory conditions. The Company is in collaboration with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, to further investigate the use of IV IFN beta-1a for the prevention of organ damage from cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and other CAR-T therapy side effects, such as neurotoxicity (ICANs). Corporate Highlights The balance sheet was strengthened through three private placements directed to institutional and other investors to raising EUR 25.7 million during 2023.James O'Brien, CPA, MBA, joined as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. O'Brien is an accomplished biotech and financial executive with extensive experience in the US capital markets. Strengthening of the Board of Directors with the appointments of Dr. Marie-Louise Fjällskog, Ms. Christine Roth and Mr. Tuomo Pätsi, who joined the Board as Non-Executive Directors of the Company. Dr. Marie-Louise Fjällskog was previously the Chief Medical Officer at Faron. In her position as a Board member, she continues to play an integral role in the development of bexmarilimab, by providing her clinical and regulatory expertise to support the Company's progress. Ms. Christine Roth is a pharmaceutical executive with over three decades of experience in the industry, with expertise across various therapy areas including Oncology, Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Infectious Diseases. Mr. Pätsi is an experienced biotech and pharmaceutical executive who was until recently Executive Vice President for Seagen Inc., a US-based, cancer-focused biotechnology company.Mr. Leopoldo Zambeletti, who joined Faron's Board as a Non-Executive Director in September 2015, stepped down from the Board, to take on a business development consulting role within Faron. He is a highly respected figure within the life sciences and investment banking industries and, since 2013, has been an independent strategic advisor to life science companies on mergers and acquisitions, out-licensing deals, and financing strategy.Dr. Birge Berns, MD, joined Faron as the Company's interim Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Berns is a seasoned senior pharmaceuticals executive with a background in oncology, clinical medicine, rheumatology and immunology. She brings more than 25 years' experience from senior leadership roles in global pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi Aventis and Johnson & Johnson.Dr. Gregory B. Brown and Ms. Anne Whitaker stepped down from their positions as a Non-Executive Directors. Full-year Financial Results On December 31, 2023, Faron held cash balances of EUR 6,9 million (2022: EUR 7,0 million).Loss for the period for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, was EUR 30,9 million (2022: EUR 28,7 million).Net assets on December 31, 2023, were EUR -15,2 million (2022: EUR -11,5 million).In January 2023 the Company successfully raised a total of EUR 12,0 million gross through the issuance of 3,692,308 ordinary shares to investors.In June 2023, Faron conducted a placement of 2,601,510 newly issued treasury shares to investors to raise EUR 6,6 million gross.In October 2023, the Company successfully raised EUR 7,1 million gross through the issuance of 2,491,998 ordinary shares to investors.The primary reason for conducting the placings were to accelerate and expand the clinical development of the Company's main drug candidate, bexmarilimab, advance bexmarilimab's commercial scale production, support general corporate purposes and other pipeline development, and to strengthen the Company's balance sheet.Post period, in February 2024, the Company announced that it is in breach of several undertakings agreed in the Facilities Agreement with IPF and subsequent waiver letters provided by IPF and is therefore in several events of default.Post period, in March 2024, the Company successfully raised a total of EUR 3,2 million in convertible loans allowing the Company to secure short-term financing. The company continues active endeavors to secure longer term funding. Consolidated key figures, IFRS EUR '000Unaudited7-12/20236 monthsUnaudited7-12/20226 months1-12/202312 months1-12/202212 monthsOther operating income03180803Research and Development expenses(11,024)(10,683)(19,542)(20,730)General and Administrative expenses(4,732)(3,697)(9,026)(7,498)Loss for the period(15,756)(14,062)(28,568)(28,730) Unaudited7-12/20236 monthsUnaudited7-12/20226 months1-12/202312 months1-12/202212 monthsLoss per share EUR(0.26)(0.27)(0.48)(0.52)Number of shares at end of period68,786,69959,805,38368,786,69959,805,383Average number of shares67,137,79057,230,62565,055,03655,229,835 EUR '000Unaudited30 June 2023Unaudited30 June 202231 December 202331 December 2022Cash and cash equivalents6,3159,9366,8756,990Equity(9,483)(5,194)(15,160)(11,476)Balance Sheet total12,83616,72910,22011,271 Board of Directors' Proposal on the DividendThe Group's comprehensive loss for the period was EUR 30,943,935 (2022: EUR 28,924,250). The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting 2024 not to pay a dividend. March 13, 2023Faron Pharmaceuticals OyBoard of Directors Conference call informationA virtual briefing and Q&A session for investors, analysts and media will be hosted by Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Chief Executive Officer, and James O'Brien, Chief Financial Officer, today, March 13, 2024, at 8:00 AM (EDT) / 12:00 PM (GMT) / 2:00 PM (EET). Webcast registration link: https://faron.videosync.fi/q4-2023 The full-year report, presentation, and a replay of the webcast will be available on the Company's website at https://www.faron.com/investors. For more information please contact: Investor ContactLifeSci AdvisorsDaniel FerryManaging Directordaniel@lifesciadvisors.com +1 (617) 430-7576 Media ContactICR ConsiliumMary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey NevillePhone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700E-mail: faron@consilium-comms.com Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, NomadSandy Jamieson, Jo TurnerPhone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880 Peel Hunt LLP, BrokerChristopher Golden, James SteelPhone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900 Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First NorthJuha KarttunenPhone: +358 (0)40 555 4727Jukka JärveläPhone: +358 (0)50 553 8990 Publication of financial information during year 2024 Faron's financial statements for full year 2023 will be published today, March 13, 2024 and will also be available on Faron's website at https://www.faron.com/investors/results. The half-year financial report for the period January 1 to June 30, 2024 is scheduled to be published on August 27, 2024. The Annual General Meeting is planned for April 5, 2024. A separate stock exchange notice will be issued by Faron's Board of Directors to convene the meeting. About bexmarilimab Bexmarilimab is Faron's wholly owned, investigational immunotherapy designed to overcome resistance to existing treatments and optimize clinical outcomes, by targeting myeloid cell function and igniting the immune system. Bexmarilimab binds to Clever-1, an immunosuppressive receptor found on macrophages leading to tumor growth and metastases (i.e. helps cancer evade the immune system). By targeting the Clever-1 receptor on macrophages, bexmarilimab alters the tumor microenvironment, reprogramming macrophages from an immunosuppressive (M2) state to an immunostimulatory (M1) one, upregulating interferon production and priming the immune system to attack tumors and sensitizing cancer cells to standard of care. About BEXMAB The BEXMAB study is an open-label Phase I/II clinical trial investigating bexmarilimab in combination with standard of care (SoC) in the aggressive hematological malignancies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The primary objective is to determine the safety and tolerability of bexmarilimab in combination with SoC (azacitidine) treatment. Directly targeting Clever-1 could limit the replication capacity of cancer cells, increase antigen presentation, ignite an immune response, and allow current treatments to be more effective. Clever-1 is highly expressed in both AML and MDS and associated with therapy resistance, limited T cell activation and poor outcomes. About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a global, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on tackling cancers via novel immunotherapies. Its mission is to bring the promise of immunotherapy to a broader population by uncovering novel ways to control and harness the power of the immune system. The Company's lead asset is bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, with the potential to remove immunosuppression of cancers through reprogramming myeloid cell function. Bexmarilimab is being investigated in Phase I/II clinical trials as a potential therapy for patients with hematological cancers in combination with other standard treatments. Further information is available at www.faron.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "believe", "could", "should", "expect", "hope", "seek", "envisage", "estimate", "intend", "may", "plan", "potentially", "will" or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results and expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In addition, other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include the ability of the Company to successfully license its programs within the anticipated timeframe or at all, risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets or other sources of funding, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant AIM Rule requirements, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. CEO Statement 2023 was a year of significant progress for Faron with momentum building in our ambitious bexmarilimab development program and a continued laser focus on proving the potential of this novel myeloid cell re-programming immunotherapy to treat patients with aggressive hematological malignancies. Initial promising results emerged early in 2023 from the first part of our Phase I/II BEXMAB study, investigating bexmarilimab in combination with standard of care (azacitidine and venetoclax) in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients who had failed hypomethylating agents (HMAs). These early, positive responses in a very difficult to treat refractory setting were extremely exciting, given patients in the trial had failed standard of care and were left with few treatment options. Throughout 2023 the trial delivered highly encouraging results which continued to improve over time. And by the time the first part of the trial had completed, the data was no less compelling. The bexmarilimab combination therapy had shown a strong overall response rate (ORR) in both higher-risk frontline MDS patients (5/5 patients) as well as HMA-failed MDS patients (5/5 patients). Observed responses were deep and durable with 7/10 MDS patients achieving complete remission/ marrow complete remission (CR/mCR), and two demonstrating partial remission (PR), one of whom moved on to receive a stem cell transplantation and the other, hematological improvement without remission (HI-P). The combination continued to be well-tolerated and generated strong and durable leukemic blast eradication and immune responses. These were tremendous data, supporting bexmarilimab's unique mechanism of action in the field of myeloid cell re-programming. And providing compelling evidence for us to continue development, at pace. We rapidly initiated the second phase of the BEXMAB study in November, selecting HMA-refractory or -relapsed MDS as the initial indication, based on guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MDS presents a considerable patient burden given the limited efficacy of the current standard of care, resulting in relatively low response rates and poor overall survival. Our data from the first part of the study underscored the potential of combining bexmarilimab with existing treatments to advance care for patients who so desperately need help. Post period, in January 2024, the first patients were dosed in the second phase of the study and the team secured additional trial sites to speed up its recruitment. This is an incredibly important stage in bexmarilimab's development as data from this phase of the trial will enable us to discuss a potential registrational study plan with the FDA. We are thrilled with this progress and our absolute priority is to pursue an accelerated path to approval for bexmarilimab in its initial indication, where we know the need is so great. We also understand the broader opportunities for this immunotherapy. The FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to bexmarilimab for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), another hematological cancer with too few treatment options. Armed with the wealth of data generated so far in the BEXMAB study, we are exploring bexmarilimab's potential in low risk MDS as well as chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) patients. These are development and expansion opportunities that we will consider in the form of partnerships as our research continues. Communicating to the broader healthcare community was an important aspect of our work in 2023 and I am delighted that the team was able to share and discuss the strong data emerging from the BEXMAB program at many of the leading scientific conferences, including the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2023 Congress and the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. It was also a significant moment in December of 2023 when the leading scientific journal, Cell Reports Medicine, published the full safety and anti-tumor efficacy results from the Company's first-in-human Phase I/II MATINS trial of bexmarilimab monotherapy in solid tumors. That trial achieved disease control and prolonged survival in a proportion of patients with very late-stage cancers who had exhausted all standard treatment options. It formed the bedrock of our understanding of the potential of bexmarilimab. Alongside bexmarilimab's significant advancements we have continued to strengthen the Company's foundations. The appointment of Mr. James O'Brien, CPA, MBA, as Chief Financial Officer, supports our journey to becoming a global pharmaceutical company, given his extensive experience in the US capital markets and strong track record as an accomplished biotech and financial executive. When Dr. Marie-Louise Fjällskog stepped down as Faron's Chief Medical Officer, we were delighted that she agreed to continue playing an integral role in the development of bexmarilimab, by providing clinical and regulatory expertise through her Non-Executive Director role on our Board. Dr. Birge Berns, who we appointed interim Chief Medical Officer, is a seasoned senior pharmaceuticals executive with a background in oncology, clinical medicine, rheumatology and immunology. She brings a wealth of global pharmaceutical experience that is critical to this business. I am excited for the Company's future in 2024. The latest stage of the BEXMAB trial will provide important data to support our continued discussions with the FDA and, we hope, provide us with a clear pathway to bringing bexmarilimab to patients. Our confidence grows in the potential of this novel therapy to provide better patient outcomes and improve the quality of life of those suffering from aggressive hematological cancers. The excellent BEXMAB data have intensified numerous ongoing partnering discussions, and we are looking forward to advancing these discussions over the coming year. None of this work would be possible without the ongoing support from our shareholders, to whom I express my sincere thanks. And to my colleagues on the management team, and the wider Faron community, thank you for your continued commitment to making this Company's vision a reality and bringing the promise of bexmarilimab to patients. Markku Jalkanen Chief Executive OfficerMarch 13, 2024 Chairman Statement 2023 has been another solid year of clinical trial progress for Faron. We continue to see bexmarilimab, our novel, wholly owned investigational immunotherapy candidate as the major value driver for Faron, and so our focus has been, and remains, to continue to advance bexmarilimab through clinical development. We were pleased to conclude the MATINS trial, which provided a huge amount of information around the safety of bexmarilimab in a monotherapy setting and we were honoured to present and publish the data at several conferences and in important scientific Journals. As we have said for a long time, we believe the future of cancer therapy for later-stage treatment is in the combination setting and we strongly believe, reinforced by the remarkable clinical data from the last year, that bexmarilimab will be part of the backbone of a combination setting. Our most advanced program, and our main focus at Faron, is our Phase I/II BEXMAB trial investigating the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of bexmarilimab in combination with standard of care therapies. Over the course of the year, we have seen very encouraging data from the BEXMAB trial with bexmarilimab continuing to show real clinical benefit in specific patient populations. We have consistently provided updates to the market and presented the data at several prestigious scientific conferences where we have had very positive feedback from key opinion leaders as well as from the clinicians in our trials. This has given us continued confidence in the potential of bexmarilimab to provide better patient outcomes and improve the quality of life in patients suffering from these aggressive conditions. We will continue to explore the best options to commercialize bexmarilimab in the combination setting and, as we move to next year, we are looking to have substantial interactions with the US FDA about the best path to market in our chosen indications. We are very fortunate at Faron to have long-term supportive investors and so, despite the incredibly challenging funding environment seen this past year in both Europe and the US, we were pleased to raise additional capital throughout the period totalling EUR 25,7 million. Amongst other things, these funds have allowed us to accelerate our bexmarilimab program, bringing this much needed potential treatment one step closer to patients. We will look to strengthen our shareholder base as we move into 2024. We had several Board and management changes over the course of the year. Dr. Gregory B. Brown and Ms. Anne Whitaker both stepped down from their positions as a Non-Executive Directors of the Company and Faron Board Member Mr. Leopoldo Zambeletti also stepped down to assume a transactional advisor role within the Company on business development opportunities. We were pleased, however, to welcome Mr. Tuomo Pätsi and Ms. Christine Roth as Non-Executive Directors of the Company. Ms. Roth has played key roles in the development and launch of several therapies, including the first immune-oncology therapy and intentionally designed targeted therapy combinations. Dr. Marie-Louise Fjällskog, moved from Chief Medical Officer to assume a Board position and we are very grateful that when she decided to retire, she had the confidence to continue with the Company in this role. We also appointed a new Chief Financial Officer, Mr. James O'Brien, a very experienced US based CFO who has already made a big impact, and Dr. Birge Berns, MD as Interim Chief Medical Officer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Board members for their service and guidance to Faron during their tenure and to Mr. Toni Hänninen, our previous CFO, for his service to Faron over the years. As always, I would like to thank the whole management team, led by Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Chief Executive Officer, for their continued dedication and guidance, my colleagues on the Board for their commitment to the Company and our partner organisations and steering committee members for their support and expertise. I would also like to extend thanks to all the employees at Faron for their hard work and dedication. Most importantly, I would like to thank all the patients on our clinical trials, their families, and our trial investigators without whom we would not be where we are today. 2024 is set to be a pivotal for Faron when BEXMAB will deliver key data giving us a clearer direction towards commercialization. I look forward to providing further updates as we continue to progress our innovative pipeline. Dr Frank Armstrong Chairman Financial Review Despite continuing challenging market conditions in 2023, the Company was able to conduct three successful fundraising rounds. Combined, these financings raised EUR 25,7 million. As a result of these fundraising efforts, the net cash from financing activities of EUR 23,9 million compared to EUR 23,5 million in 2022. Post period in March 2024, the Company successfully raised a total of EUR 3.2 million in subordinated convertible loan arrangements with existing shareholders. Faron places a strategic emphasis on capital efficiency, a key element of efforts to extend our cash runway, without compromising the ability to advance our clinical development program. This capital efficiency has allowed us to achieve more with available resources, while focusing on clinical outcomes. During 2023, nearly 70% of cash expenses were spent directly in support of our bexmarilimab clinical development program including manufacturing. General and administrative expenses were flat in 2023 when compared to 2022 excluding one-time items and financing costs. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES R&D costs were EUR 19,5 million in 2023 compared to 20,7 million in 2022, a decrease of EUR 1,2 million. These costs are attributable to advancing our clinical programs including completion of BEXMAB Phase I and the initiation of Phase II. Clinical trial costs include the cost of patient and site enrollment, CRO service costs including monitoring, investigator fees, and compensation and benefits for personnel directly responsible for R&D activities, and product supply costs. The costs of outsourced clinical trial services were EUR 4,0 million in 2023 compared to EUR 5,1 million in 2022. Compensation and benefits were EUR 3,2 million in 2023 and EUR 5,2 million in 2022 and included stock compensation expense of EUR 0,7 million and EUR 0,3 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION COSTS G&A expenses were EUR 9,0 million in 2023 compared to EUR 7,5 million in 2022, an increase of EUR 1,5 million. The increase was mainly due to the recognition of the incremental fair value of amending the terms of 2015 option plan of EUR 1,2 million. Compensation and benefits were EUR 5,7 million in 2023 and EUR 4,5 million in 2022 and included stock compensation expense of EUR 1,7 million and EUR 1,0 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. TAXATION The Company's tax credit for the fiscal year 2023 can be recorded only after the Finnish tax authorities have approved the tax report and confirmed the amount of tax-deductible expenses. The total amount of cumulative tax losses carried forward approved by tax authorities on December 31, 2023 was EUR 51,6 million (2022: EUR 47,1 million). The Company estimates that it can utilize most of these during the years 2024 to 2034 by offsetting them against potential future profits. In addition, the Company has EUR 95,2 million of R&D costs incurred in the financial years 2010 – 2023 that have not yet been deducted from taxation. This amount can be deducted over an indefinite period at the Company's discretion. LOSSES Loss before income tax and total comprehensive income in 2023 was EUR 30,9 million compared to EUR 28,7 million in 2022, which represents a loss of EUR 0.48 per share and EUR 0.52 per share in 2023 and 2022, respectively. CASH FLOWS Net cash flow in each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was essentially flat. Cash used for operating activities in 2023 was EUR 23,8 million compared to 2022 of EUR 23,0 million. Net cash inflow from financing activities in 2023 was EUR 24,0 million compared to 2022 of EUR 23,5 million. FUNDRAISING In January 2023 the Company successfully raised a total of EUR 12,0 million gross through the issuance of 3,692,308 ordinary shares to investors. In June 2023, Faron conducted a placement of 2,601,510 newly issued treasury shares to raise EUR 6.6 million gross. In October 2023, the Company successfully raised EUR 7,1 million gross through the issuance of 2,491,998 ordinary shares to investors. Post period, In March 2024, the Company successfully raised a total of EUR 3,2 million in subordinated convertible loan arrangements with certain existing shareholders. FINANCIAL POSITION As of 31 December 2023, total cash and cash equivalents held were EUR 6,9 million compared to 2022 of EUR 7,0 million. GOING CONCERN As part of their going concern review, the Directors have followed International Accounting Standard 1, Presentation of Financial Statements (IAS 1). The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to a number of risks similar to those of other development state pharmaceutical companies. These risks include, amongst others, generation of revenues in due course from the development portfolio and risks associated with research, development, testing and obtaining related regulatory approvals of its pipeline products. Ultimately, the attainment of profitable operations is dependent on future uncertain events which include obtaining adequate financing to fulfill the Group's commercial and development activities and generate a level of revenue adequate to support the Group's cost structure. The Group generated a net loss of EUR30,9 million and recorded EUR 23,8 million cash outflow from operating activities during the year ended 31 December 2023. At the end of the financial year, it had total negative equity of EUR15,2 million including an accumulated deficit of EUR 172,2 million. As of that date, the group had cash and cash equivalents of EUR6,9 million. The Directors have prepared detailed financial forecasts and cash flows looking beyond 12 months from the date of the approval of these financial statements. In developing these forecasts, the Directors have made assumptions based upon their view of the current and future economic conditions that are expected to prevail over the forecast period. The Director's estimate that the cash held by the Group, together with known receivables will be sufficient to support the current level of activities into the second quarter of 2024. The Group also maintains loan agreements which include financial covenants related to minimum cash balance and thus loan amounts (EUR 9,4 million on December 31, 2023) become due if the Group is not able to maintain minimum cash balances or negotiate a waiver with the lender. The directors are continuing to explore sources of finance available to the Group and they believe that they have a reasonable expectation that they will be able to secure sufficient cash inflows for the Group to continue its activities for not less than 12 months from December 31, 2023; they have therefore prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis. During the financial period ended 31, December 2023, the Group raised EUR 25.7 million in three successful fundraising rounds. Subsequently, in March 2024, the Group received EUR 3,2 million Capital Loan to secure immediate short-term financing needs until the end of March 2024. The Capital Loan shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 12 of the Finnish Companies Act (624/2006, as amended) (the “Finnish Companies Act”) concerning capital loans (in Finnish: pääomalaina). The Loans shall be converted to new shares in the Company as a part of (and at the subscription price of) the next investment round where shares or other equity securities are issued by the Company to existing shareholders and/or new third-party investors, with a minimum size of EUR 8.0 million (“Investment Round”). In the event that the subscription price in such Investment Round exceeds EUR 1.50 per share, an Investor shall have the right to postpone the conversion of the Loan until June 10, 2024 (“Due Date”). In the event that there is no Investment Round by the Due Date (or the subscription price of the Investment Round exceeds EUR 1.50 per share and the respective Investor has decided to postpone the conversion of the Loan) and the Loan has not been otherwise repaid prior to the Due Date (subject to a subordination agreement to be entered into between the Investors, the Company and IPF), then the Loan shall be at the request of the Investor converted into new shares in the Company in connection with the Due Date. In such case, the subscription price per share shall be EUR 1.50 per share. However, if then the Investor elects not to exercise its conversion right on the Due Date, (such option being only available if there has not been any Investment Round), the Due Date of the Loan will automatically be extended until December 31, 2024 (“Final Due Date”). On such Final Due Date, the Loan shall be either repaid in full in cash, subject to the terms of the subordination agreement, or converted into new shares in the Company with the subscription price of EUR 1.50 per share, subject to a valid share issue authorization being in place. In case the Loan is converted before the Due Date, each Investor is entitled to an arrangement fee of 15% of its respective Loan amount. If conversion has not taken place prior to the Due Date, the arrangement fee will be 30% of the Investor's respective Loan amount. No interest shall be payable on the Loan if a conversion takes place before May 30, 2024, and thereafter the interest will be 12% + 3-months Euribor and paid subject to the subordination agreement. The Group is actively pursuing the following activities during 2024: Securing approximately EUR5,0 million of short-term bridge financing to extend the Group's cash runway until longer-term financing can be obtained.Securing longer-term funding of approximately EUR 35.0 million in total. The Directors intend to propose to the Annual General Meeting on 5 April 2024 an authorization for a larger share issuance contemplated to be launched as a public offering (with planned allocation preferences to existing shareholders and bridge finance lenders, including the Investors to enable the conversion of the Capital Loan and in compliance with the relevant securities markets regulation) as soon as practicable once the required preparations and approvals are in place. The targeted size of the contemplated share issue is planned to be set accordingly, to meet cash runway needs for 2024.Evaluating and negotiating several business development alternatives that may result in non-dilutive funding.Evaluating new sources of financing from third parties on acceptable terms. With respect to the availability of additional funding from IPF, the respective term allowing the Group to draw on Tranche B and Tranche C has expired and the availability of Funds from IPF would be subject to further negotiations. The Group does not anticipate, at this time, having the ability to draw on Tranche B or Tranche C under favorable terms, in the near future.Because the additional finance is not committed at the date of issuance of these financial statements, these circumstances represent a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Should the Group be unable to obtain further financing such that the going concern basis of preparation were no longer appropriate, adjustments would be required, including to reduce balance sheet values of assets to their recoverable amounts. HEADCOUNT Faron's headcount at the end of year was 34 (2022: 40). SHARES AND SHARE CAPITAL During the period January 1 to December 31, 2023, the Company, using the share authorities granted at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on July 7, 2022, issued a total of 3,692,308 new ordinary shares at an issuance price of EUR 3.25 per share to investors. During the same period, the Company, using the share authorities granted at the Annual General Meeting held on March 24, 2023, issued a total of 2,601,510 shares at an issuance price of EUR 2.55 per share to investors. During the same period, the Company, using the share authorities granted at the Annual General Meeting held on March 24, 2023, issued a total of 2,491,998 new ordinary shares at an issuance price of EUR 2.85 to investors. The subscription price net of costs was credited in full to the Company's reserve for invested unrestricted equity, and the share capital of the Company was not increased. The Company has no shares in treasury; therefore, at the end of 2023 the total number of voting rights was 68,786,699. Consolidated Income Statement, IFRS EUR '000Unaudited7-12/20236 monthsUnaudited7-12/20226 months1-12/202312 months1-12/202212 monthsOther operating income03180803Research and development expenses(11,024)(10,683)(19,542)(20,730)General and administrative expenses(4,732)(3,697)(9,026)(7,498)Operating loss(15,756)(14,062)(28,568)(27,426)Financial income233(596)23396Financial expense(1,691)(970)(2,609)(1,400)Loss before tax(17,214)(15,628)(30,944)(28,730)Tax expense01900Loss for the period(17,214)(15,609)(30,944)(28,730) Other comprehensive gain/loss26217Total comprehensive loss for the period(17,212)(15,603)(30,942)(28,713) Loss per ordinary share Basic and diluted loss per share, EUR(0.26)(0.27)(0.48)(0.52) Consolidated Balance Sheet, IFRS EUR '00031 December 202331 December 2022Assets Non-current assets Machinery and equipment613Right-of-use-assets198314Intangible assets1,0881,154Prepayments and other receivables6060Total non-current assets1,3521,541 Current assets Prepayments and other receivables1,9922,740Cash and cash equivalents6,8756,990Total current assets8,8689,730 Total assets10,22011,271 Equity and liabilities Capital and reserves attributable to the equity holders of Faron Share capital2,6912,691Reserve for invested unrestricted equity154,352129,544Accumulated deficit(172,208)(143,713)Translation difference42Total equity(15,160)(11,476) Provisions Other provisions0158Total provisions0158 Non-current liabilities Borrowings9,42311,102Lease liabilities50163Other liabilities895853Total non-current liabilities10,36912,118 Current liabilities Borrowings3,4751,851Lease liabilities163153Trade payables8,9716,014Accruals and other current liabilities2,4032,453Total current liabilities15,01210,471 Total liabilities25,38022,748 Total equity and liabilities10,22011,271 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, IFRS EUR '000SharecapitalReserveforinvestedunrestrict-ed equityTrans-lationdifferenceAccumu-lateddeficitTotalequity Balance as at 31 December 20212,691116,507(15)(116,265)2,919 Comprehensive loss for the year 20220017(28,730)(28,713) Transactions with equity holders of the Company Issue of ordinary shares, net of transaction costs013,0370013,037Share-based compensation0001,2971,297Other movements000(16)(16) 013,03717(27,448)(14,395) Balance as at 31 December 20222,691129,5442(143,713)(11,476) Comprehensive loss for the year 2023002(30,944)(30,942) Transactions with equity holders of the Company Issue of ordinary shares, net of transaction costs024,8080024,808Share-based compensation0002,4502,450 024,8082(28,494)(3,684) Balance as at 31 December 20232,691154,3524(172,208)(15,160) Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, IFRS EUR '000UnauditedUnaudited1-12.20231-12.2022 7-12.20237-12.202212 months12 months 6 months6 months Cash flow from operating activities Loss before tax(17,214)(15,628)(30,944)(28,730)Adjustments for: Received grant(33)(388)(33)(803)Depreciation and amortization172149346300Change in provision0(158)(158)(158)Financial items1,4587872,3761,304 Tax expense01900 Share-based compensation1,9646322,4501,297Adjusted loss from operations before changes in working capital(13,653)(14,587)(25,963)(26,790)Change in net working capital: Prepayments and other receivables(728)2,0453002,864Trade payables3,002(657)2,994719Other liabilities2232,197(50)1,183Cash used in operations(11,156)(11,001)(22,719)(22,023) Transaction costs related to loans and borrowings000(165)Interest received2431124311Interest paid(548)(708)(1,330)(816)Net cash used in operating activities(11,461)(11,698)(23,806)(22,993) Cash flow from investing activities Payments for intangible assets(56)(218)(123)(385)Payments for equipment0000Net cash used in investing activities(56)(218)(123)(385) Cash flow from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares13,9548,92326,03113,445Share issue transaction cost(542)(174)(1,190)(365)Proceeds from borrowings0(0)6410,389Repayment of borrowings(861)0(861)(105)Transaction and structuring fees of borrowings(400)0(400)0Proceed from grants99231481231Payment of lease liabilities(58)(20)(142)(116)Net cash from financing activities12,1928,95923,98323,478 Net increase (+) / decrease (-) in cash and cash equivalents560(2,946)(114)137Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(116)11(168)37 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January / 1 July6,3159,9366,3156,853Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December6,8766,9906,8766,6990

Clinical ResultPhase 1Phase 2Executive ChangeASH

30 May 2022

·www.prnewswire.com

Presentation of Biomarker Analysis at ASCO

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd ("Faron or Company") Faron Announces Presentation of Biomarker Analysis at 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting Showing Promising Clinical Benefit of Bexmarilimab in Patients with Low PD-L1 and High Clever-1 Levels Biomarker analyses indicate that the tumors of patients benefitting from treatment with bexmarilimab had: statistically significant higher levels of Clever-1 positive intra-tumoral cells low PD-L1 levels, a population that does not typically respond to or is ineligible for treatment with currently approved checkpoint inhibitors Adds to growing research to identify optimum patient group for macrophage-targeting immunotherapy following earlier finding that patients with low serum IFNy and TNFa levels (immunologically cold tumors) were more likely to experience clinical benefit Combination studies underway in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies to further explore the clinical benefit of Clever-1 inhibition and potential of bexmarilimab to prime the immune system in patients unresponsive to existing therapies Press Release, May 30, 2022 at 02:00 AM (EEST) / 07:00 AM (BST) / 09:00 AM (EDT) TURKU, Finland and BOSTON, May 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, today announces that new biomarker data from patients treated with bexmarilimab as part of the ongoing phase I/II MATINS (Macrophage Antibody to Inhibit Immune Suppression) trial, will be presented at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2022 Annual Meeting being held in Chicago, US from June 3 – 7. These data (Abstract #2645) will be featured in the "Developmental Therapeutics—Immunotherapy" session on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:00 AM EDT. The MATINS trial is investigating the safety and efficacy of bexmarilimab as a monotherapy in patients with solid tumors who have exhausted all treatment options. Faron's wholly-owned novel precision cancer immunotherapy targets Clever-1, a receptor known to be expressed on immunosuppressive macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Bexmarilimab works by converting highly immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to immune stimulating M1 macrophages, which activates antigen presentation and promotes interferon gamma secretion by leukocytes. This can turn "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors; allowing the immune system to recognize and target cancer cells. The biomarker analysis shows that the tumors of patients benefiting from bexmarilimab treatment expressed low levels of PD-L1 – a patient group that generally does not receive benefit from or is ineligible for treatment with currently approved checkpoint inhibitors. Median PD-L1 Combined Positive Score (CPS) was 1 (range 0-2) in patients that benefitted from bexmarilimab. The PD-L1 CPS score was 5 (range 0-100) for patients who did not benefit from bexmarilimab treatment. Further, the analysis showed that patients with higher levels of Clever-1 positive intra-tumoral cells were more likely to experience a clinical benefit when treated with bexmarilimab [15% vs 3%, respectively; p=0.038]. "While the arrival of currently available checkpoint inhibitors was, undoubtedly, one of the most exciting breakthroughs in cancer care, their low response rate in most tumor types continues to hinder their clinical application," said Petri Bono, MD, PhD., Chief Medical Officer, Terveystalo Finland and Principal Investigator of the MATINS trial. "There remains an urgent need for effective new treatment options, including novel assets that work synergistically with existing checkpoint inhibitors to ignite and amplify the patient's immune response." These data build on Faron's continued research to identify the patient population most likely to benefit from bexmarilimab treatment and follow the Company's earlier findings, announced in December 2021, that patients with low baseline serum levels of serum interferon gamma (IFNy) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) were more likely to experience clinical benefit following treatment with bexmarilimab. Those patients with immunologically cold tumors also exhibited an ignition of immune response, as indicated by increased levels of IFNy following therapy, which suggests bexmarilimab may serve as a catalyst for the immune system allowing initially checkpoint inhibitor resistant or ineligible patients to become responsive to PD-1 blockade. "Using a validated staining technique, these preliminary biomarker analyses indicate that bexmarilimab treatment may benefit patients whose tumors express low levels of PD-L1 and higher levels of CLEVER-1 positive intra-tumoral cells, which is opposite to what is usually seen with checkpoint inhibitors and other T cell activating agents," said Marie-Louise Fjällskog, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Faron. "We are encouraged by this data as it furthers our belief that bexmarilimab has the potential to bring the promise of immunotherapy to a much broader patient population both as a monotherapy and in combination with currently approved anti-PD-1/L1 therapies." For more information please contact: Investor Contact Faron Pharmaceuticals Julia Balanova VP, Investor Relations [email protected] [email protected] Phone: +1 (917) 306-6096 Media Contact Faron Pharmaceuticals Eric Van Zanten VP, Communications [email protected] Phone: +1 (610) 529-6219 Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880 Peel Hunt LLP, Broker Christopher Golden, James Steel Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900 Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North Juha Karttunen Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727 Jukka Järvelä Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990 Consilium Strategic Communications Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700 About Bexmarilimab Bexmarilimab is Faron's wholly-owned, investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid cell function. A novel anti-Clever-1 humanised antibody, bexmarilimab targets Clever-1 positive (Common Lymphatic Endothelial and Vascular Endothelial Receptor 1) tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumour microenvironment, converting these highly immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to immune stimulating M1 macrophages. In mouse models, bexmarilimab has successfully blocked or silenced Clever-1, activating antigen presentation and promoting interferon gamma secretion by leukocytes. Additional pre-clinical studies have proven that Clever-1, encoded by the Stabilin-1 or STAB-1 gene, is a major source of T cell exhaustion and involved in cancer growth and spread. Observations from clinical studies to date indicate that Clever-1 has the capacity to control T cell activation directly, suggesting that the inactivation of Clever-1 as an immune suppressive molecule could be more broadly applicable and more important than previously thought. As an immuno-oncology therapy, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Beyond immuno-oncology, it offers potential in infectious diseases, vaccine development and more. About MATINS The MATINS (Macrophage Antibody To INhibit immune Suppression) study is a first-in-human open label phase I/II clinical trial investigating the tolerability, safety and efficacy of bexmarilimab in ten different hard-to-treat metastatic or inoperable solid tumour cohorts - cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, cutaneous melanoma, ER+ breast cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, uveal melanoma, pancreatic cancer and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma - which are all known to host a significant number of Clever-1 positive tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs). The completed Part I of the trial dealt with tolerability, safety and dose escalation. The ongoing Part II is focused on identifying patients who show an increased number of Clever-1 positive TAMs and exploring safety and efficacy. Part III will be focused on assessing efficacy. Data from MATINS have shown that bexmarilimab has the potential to be the first macrophage immune checkpoint therapy. To date, the investigational therapy has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, making it a low-risk candidate for combination with existing cancer therapies, and has demonstrated early signs of clinical benefit in patients who have exhausted all other treatment options. About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated by the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma. Faron is based in Turku, Finland. Further information is available at . Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''believe'', ''could'', "should", "expect", "hope", "seek", ''envisage'', ''estimate'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''plan'', ''potentially'', ''will'' or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results and expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In particular, the early data from initial patients in the MATINS trial may not be replicated in larger patient numbers and the outcome of clinical trials may not be favourable or clinical trials over and above those currently planned may be required before the Company is able to apply for marketing approval for a product. In addition, other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include the ability of the Company to successfully licence its programmes within the anticipated timeframe or at all, risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets or other sources of funding, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant AIM Rule requirements, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. This information was brought to you by Cision The following files are available for download: SOURCE Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy

Small molecular drugCollaborateAntibodyVaccineImmunotherapy

25 Feb 2021

·www.globenewswire.com

Interim Management Statement London Stock Exchange:HHV

25 February 2021 HARGREAVE HALE AIM VCT PLC (the “Company”) Interim Management Statement Q1 2021 Introduction This interim management statement covers the first quarter of the 2020/21 financial year, 1 October 2020 to 31 December 2020. Investment performance measures contained in this report are calculated on a pence per share basis and include realised and unrealised gains and losses. Investment report The quarter started with three areas of significant concern: a contested US election result; a no deal departure from the European Union; and a winter resurgence of CV19 pandemic. The eventual resolution to the two political risks will in time get greater attention, but for now we remain focussed on understanding and navigating the short-term consequences of the pandemic. The UK’s vaccination programme, further Government intervention and a trade agreement with the European Union, has allowed equity investors to look beyond the weakness in the UK economy which, despite the summer rebound, remained around 8% lower year on year in the 3 months to December 2020. After a tricky start to the quarter, the UK’s equity markets moved materially higher through November and December. We feel positive about the outlook for small, well managed UK companies, particularly those rich in intellectual property as the economy returns to growth later this year. Performance In the three months to 31 December 2020, the unaudited Net Asset Value (NAV) increased from 73.66p to 87.40p, a gain of 18.65%. During the same period, the FTSE AIM All-Share Total Return index gained 20.87%, whilst the FTSE All Share Total Return index returned +12.62%. The qualifying investments made a net contribution of 12.37 pence per share whilst the non-qualifying investments made a smaller positive contribution of 1.70 pence per share. The adjusting balance was the net of running costs and investment income. Qualifying Investments Ilika was the top performing qualifying investment (+135%, +2.15 pence per share) following the successful IPO of US peer Quantumscape. Investors noted the very sizeable valuation gap. Like its US peer, Ilika’s large format battery is well suited to automotive applications and several years from commercial readiness. Ilika’s miniaturised batteries for industrial IOT, consumer electronics and medical devices are more advanced and expected to move into commercial production in early 2022. Gousto (+23%, +1.08 pence per share) enjoyed another quarter of strong trading and closed 2020 with revenue growth of 114%. Among the many positives, the successful commissioning of a second factory was an important milestone. Learning Technologies (+39%, +1.07 pence per share) shares, which have drifted in and out of favour over the years, enjoyed good support as the company raised £78m to continue its acquisition strategy and progress towards its 2022 strategic goals. The recent trading update reported that profits and cash generation in FY20 were ahead of expectations. For Yourgene (-28%, -0.14 pence per share), resilient trading in the six months to September 2020 was offset by a report of extended sales cycles. Forecasts were maintained, implying a heavy weighting to the second half. Whilst progress was made during the second half of the year, the company subsequently reduced expectations post period end. Faron Pharma (-35%, -0.13 pence per share) reported that Traumakine did not result in reduced mortality rates amongst CV19 patients when included in a WHO trial. Disappointing as this was, it is important to note that the WHO trial was not core to the development of Traumakine. A further investigation using different protocols will be run at Harvard Medical School. Clevegen continues to progress through its combined Phase I/II trial. Fusion Antibodies (-24%, -0.12 pence per shares) slipped back as investors acknowledged that a sharp move higher in September was difficult to justify. The company reported that trading was in line with expectations in the six months to September 2020. Non-Qualifying Investments The successful development of CV19 vaccines in November was positive for our non-qualifying holdings as markets began to look towards the potential recovery. Notable contributors to performance over the quarter included Melrose, On The Beach and Taylor Wimpey, which all rose over 50%. Portfolio structure The VCT is comfortably above the HMRC defined investment test and ended the period at 87% invested as measured by the HMRC investment test. By market value, the weighting to qualifying investments decreased from 76.5% to 72.9%, primarily a consequence of the £18m of offer proceeds. In the 3 months to 31 December 2020, we deployed £1.1m into 2 qualifying companies, one an AIM IPO and the other an existing AIM listed company. We continued to adjust the qualifying portfolio and rebalance where necessary. For the most part, this was in response to considerable gains in share prices. We made four complete exits: two sales of non-core underperforming companies and two to M&A. We made partial disposals in 4 qualifying companies. We redeployed modest amounts of capital into the Marlborough Special Situations Fund, increasing the weighting from nil to 3.4%. Our allocation to non-qualifying equities reduced marginally from 13.3% to 12.5% and cash increased from 10.7% to 11.7% of net assets. The HMRC investment tests are set out in Chapter 3 of Part 6 Income Tax Act 2007, which should be read in conjunction with this interim management statement. Funds raised by VCTs are first included in the investment tests from the start of the accounting period containing the third anniversary of the date on which the funds were raised. Therefore, the allocation of qualifying investments as defined by the legislation can be different to the portfolio weighting as measured by market value relative to the net assets of the VCT. Post Period End Update The NAV has increased to 94.96p as at 19 February 2021. Adjusting for the 2.65 pence per share dividend paid on 11 February 2021, this equates to a gain of 11.68% within the current quarter. A further £2.26m has been invested into 3 qualifying companies including one investment into a new private qualifying company. Share Buy Backs & Discount Control In total, 806,227 shares (nominal value £8,062) were purchased during the period at a cost of £593,702 and an average price of 73.64 pence per share. The Board continues to target a share price discount of approximately 5% to the NAV per share (as measured against the mid-price). It should be emphasised that this target is non-binding and depends upon a range of factors, including the Company’s liquidity, its shareholder permissions and market conditions. The share price traded at a discount of 6.2% (after adjusting for the dividend) following the publication of the 31 December 2020 NAV on 8 January 2021. END For further information, please contact: LEI: 213800LRYA19A69SIT31

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Indication	Highest Phase	Country/Location	Organization	Date
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute	Phase 3	BE	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute	Phase 3	CZ	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute	Phase 3	FI	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute	Phase 3	FR	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute	Phase 3	DE	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute	Phase 3	IT	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute	Phase 3	ES	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute	Phase 3	GB	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult	Phase 3	BE	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult	Phase 3	CZ	Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy	23 Dec 2015

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Study	Phase	Population	Analyzed Enrollment	Group	Results	Evaluation	Publication Date


NCT03119701 (INFORAAA, Pubmed \| Sci Rep) Manual	Phase 2	Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal	38	Interferon beta-1a	tdslqjgwyn(otaepospfx) = gjxtalayba orjkckifvf (cjiorugxhk ) View more	Negative	03 Feb 2022
				Placebo	tdslqjgwyn(otaepospfx) = ngozviydgl orjkckifvf (cjiorugxhk ) View more
NCT03119701 (INFORAAA, CTgov)	Phase 2	Multiple Organ Failure \| Aneurysm, Ruptured	40	Interferon Beta-1A (FP-1201-lyo 10 µg)	xhisnmnppi(jtlmhpgcgt) = gkhywualyj jkdsefzryo (hkkbttubag, kcnzcblqly - azhmvmvjnx) View more	-	14 Jan 2021
				Placebo (FP-1201-lyo Placebo)	xhisnmnppi(jtlmhpgcgt) = rtplwpcfml jkdsefzryo (hkkbttubag, hxwblkfnnk - jefhgwrevt) View more
NCT02622724 (INTEREST, CTgov)	Phase 3	Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult \| Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute	301	Interferon beta-1a	sfylbmhtdk(asfgyjtvil) = fpamvxfryr ejuonbjxxl (kvblpkeuma, jhgkirxodf - wxpgkczaih) View more	-	30 Mar 2020
NCT02622724 (INTEREST, Pubmed \| JAMA) Manual	Phase 3	Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult	296	Interferon beta 1a	cyneefopni(kbydcemfft) = feqykrmebr atqosmhhaf (oaxodgpoun, -1 to 20) View more	Negative	25 Feb 2020
				Placebo	cyneefopni(kbydcemfft) = kfpelnfxxl atqosmhhaf (oaxodgpoun, 0 - 20) View more

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