DHODH

SAN MATEO, Calif. and SINGAPORE, March 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq: ASLN), a clinical-stage, immunology focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients, today announced today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase and sale of 5,000,000 of the Company’s American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each ADS representing twenty-five (25) ordinary shares, at an offering price of $1.00 per ADS in a registered direct offering. In addition, in a concurrent private placement, the Company will issue unregistered warrants to purchase up to 5,000,000 ADSs. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.00 per ADS, will be exercisable upon issuance, and will expire five years following issuance. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about March 14, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. The gross proceeds to the Company from this offering are expected to be $5 million, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses. ASLAN intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund new and other ongoing research and development activities, working capital and other general corporate purposes. The ADSs (but not the warrants issued in the private placement or the ADSs underlying the warrants) are being offered by the Company pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-270835) that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 24, 2023 and was declared effective on April 6, 2023. The offering of the ADSs is being made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of an effective registration statement. A prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering of the ADSs will be filed with the SEC. Electronic copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@hcwco.com.The warrants described above are being issued in a concurrent private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the ADSs underlying the warrants, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the warrants and underlying ADSs may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About ASLAN Pharmaceuticals ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ASLN) is a clinical-stage, immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients. ASLAN is developing eblasakimab, a potential first-in-class antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with the potential to improve upon current biologics used to treat allergic disease, and has reported positive topline data from a Phase 2b, dose-ranging study in moderate-to-severe AD patients. ASLAN is also developing farudodstat, a potent oral inhibitor of the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), as a potential first-in-class treatment for alopecia areata (AA) in a Phase 2a, proof-of-concept trial with an interim readout expected in mid-2024. ASLAN has teams in San Mateo, California, and in Singapore. For additional information please visit ASLAN’s website or follow ASLAN on LinkedIn.Forward-looking statements This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the management of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited and/or its affiliates (the "Company"). These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to statements regarding the completion of the offering; the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering; the intended use of proceeds from the offering; the Company’s business strategy and clinical development plans; the Company’s plans to develop and commercialize eblasakimab and farudodstat; the safety and efficacy of eblasakimab and farudodstat; the Company’s plans and expected timing with respect to manufacturing activities, clinical trials, clinical trial enrolment and clinical trial results for eblasakimab and farudodstat; the potential of eblasakimab as a first-in-class treatment for atopic dermatitis and of farudodstat as a first-in-class treatment for alopecia areata; the potential benefits, capabilities and results of the Company’s collaboration efforts; and the Company’s cash runway. The Company’s estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company’s business, strategy, operations, or financial performance, and inherently involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of many risks and uncertainties, which include, unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies; the fact that results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; clinical site activation rates or clinical trial enrolment rates that are lower than expected; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia and bank failures on the Company’s business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape; and the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund its strategic and clinical development plans. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements are described in the Company’s US Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001- 38475), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2023. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “might,” “could,” “will,” “aim,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements. Estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any estimate, projection, or forward-looking statement.Media and IR contactsASLAN Media and IR contacts Emma ThompsonSpurwing CommunicationsTel: +65 6206 7350 Email: ASLAN@spurwingcomms.comAshley R. RobinsonLifeSci Advisors, LLCTel: +1 (617) 430-7577Email: arr@lifesciadvisors.com

TREK-DX, the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to be conducted in a dupilumab-experienced atopic dermatitis (AD) patient population, has started enrolling patients in the US under an updated protocol; new European sites are on track to open in the first half of 2024 In a preliminary review of blinded data from 22 patients treated to date, 45% (10/22) of patients saw at least a 90% reduction in their EASI score (EASI-90) and 50% (11/22) of patients achieved a vIGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear skin) after 16 weeks. Topline unblinded data from the full dataset is expected at the end of 2024 Translational data demonstrates differentiated effects of targeting IL-13R versus IL-4R, suggesting eblasakimab has the potential to be effective in AD patients that do not achieve an adequate response to dupilumab, a significant and underserved patient population with few safe and long-term treatment options SAN MATEO, Calif. and SINGAPORE, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq: ASLN), a clinical-stage, immunology focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients, today announced that it has begun to enroll patients in the US under an updated protocol in the ongoing TREK-DX trial, studying eblasakimab in dupilumab-experienced patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). TREK-DX is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to be conducted in AD patients who have been previously treated with dupilumab, a market estimated to reach $10 billion by 20291. Based on findings from the TREK-AD study which highlighted the changing AD patient population in the US, the TREK-DX inclusion criteria have been tightened to enroll patients with a baseline Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score of at least 18, instead of 16. In conjunction with this, independent reviewer confirmation of baseline EASI scores has also been implemented. US sites are now enrolling patients according to the updated criteria and additional sites in Europe are on track to open in the first half of 2024. TREK-DX will enroll approximately 75 patients who have discontinued dupilumab treatment for any reason, including inadequate control of AD, loss of access or an adverse event, and treat them with either 400mg eblasakimab or placebo once weekly for 16 weeks. At the time of the data cut off for this preliminary review of blinded data from 22 patients enrolled under the original inclusion criteria, who were randomized 2:1 active to placebo, 17 patients completed the 16 week treatment period and 5 patients discontinued before the completion of the 16 week treatment period. At 16 weeks or the last visit, EASI score decreased at least 90% (EASI-90) in 10 patients, or 45%, and 11 patients, or 50%, achieved a validated Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA) score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear skin). Of the 9 patients who previously had an inadequate response to dupilumab, 5 patients (56%) achieved EASI-90 and 5 patients (56%) a vIGA score of 0 or 1. Treatments have been well-tolerated to date and no new safety signals were identified. There have been no reports of conjunctivitis and no reports of injection site reactions. Topline unblinded data from the full dataset is expected at the end of 2024. “63% of dupilumab-treated patients fail to achieve clear or almost clear skin (IGA score of 0 or 1) after 16 weeks2, and around half of those patients that do achieve this response do not maintain it after the subsequent 36 weeks3, so there is a significant need for additional biologic therapies that could provide a safe and efficacious long-term treatment option for patients that do not achieve an adequate response to dupilumab. EASI-90 and vIGA are among the most stringent of endpoints in AD studies. Although this is based on a preliminary review of the blinded data, we are encouraged to observe a high percentage of patients in the TREK-DX study meeting these endpoints to date. Our market research found that most AD patients are only moderately satisfied with their current treatment. This, together with the translational data we have generated, supports the potential role of eblasakimab as a treatment for these patients, and the data we are generating in the TREK-DX study could demonstrate that, for many patients, eblasakimab could control their disease even where dupilumab has not,” saidDr Carl Firth, Chief Executive Officer, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals. Translational data demonstrates differentiated effects of targeting IL-13R versus IL-4R, suggesting eblasakimab has the potential to be effective even in instances where dupilumab is not Eblasakimab targets the IL-13 receptor (IL-13R) subunit of the Type 2 receptor, preventing signaling through both interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13). Both are key drivers of inflammation in AD, however, recently published translational data highlighted the advantages of targeting IL-13R by eblasakimab over the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R), the target of dupilumab, in AD patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells4. IL-13R blockade resulted in more efficient reduction of cytokines implicated in Type 2-driven (allergic) inflammation compared to IL-4R blockade, as well as lower levels of Type 1 pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additional data from head-to-head studies between eblasakimab and dupilumab in skin biopsies from AD patients confirmed the differentiated effects of targeting IL-13R versus IL-4R5. In this study, eblasakimab reduced localized secretion of pro-inflammatory Type 2 cytokines by the skin tissue more efficiently than dupilumab, suggesting eblasakimab could have the potential to be effective in AD patients that do not achieve an adequate response to dupilumab. References Decision Resources Group (2023) Atopic Dermatitis Disease Landscape and Forecast Report Thaci et al (2019) J Dermatol Sci 94(2):266-275 Worm et al (2020) JAMA Derm 156(2):131-143 Cevikbas et al (2023) 1st International Society of Investigative Dermatology Meeting, May 10-14, 2023 Cevikbas et al (2023) 7th Annual Dermatology Drug Development Summit, October 31-November 2, 2023 About TREK-DX TREK-DX trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of eblasakimab in patients with moderate-to-severe AD previously treated with dupilumab. The trial will enroll approximately 75 patients who have discontinued dupilumab treatment for any reason, including inadequate control of AD, loss of access or an adverse event. The trial consists of a 16-week treatment period and an 8-week safety follow-up period. The primary efficacy endpoint is percentage change in Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) score from baseline to week 16. Key secondary efficacy endpoints include the proportion of patients achieving validated Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA) score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear), proportion of patients with a 75% or greater reduction in EASI (EASI-75), proportion of patients achieving EASI-50 and EASI-90, and changes in peak pruritus. About eblasakimab Eblasakimab is a potential first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor subunit of the Type 2 receptor, a key pathway driving several allergic inflammatory diseases. Eblasakimab’s unique mechanism of action enables specific blockade of the Type 2 receptor and has the potential to improve upon current biologics used to treat allergic disease. By blocking the Type 2 receptor, eblasakimab prevents signaling through both interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13) – the key drivers of inflammation in AD and Type 2 driven COPD. Positive results from the Phase 2b TREK-AD study in moderate-to-severe AD support eblasakimab’s potential to deliver a monthly dosing regimen from initiation in AD without compromising on efficacy and with an encouraging safety pro to date, with preparations for Phase 3 underway. ASLAN is also investigating eblasakimab in dupilumab experienced, moderate-to-severe AD patients in the Phase 2 TREK-DX study. About ASLAN Pharmaceuticals ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ASLN) is a clinical-stage, immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients. ASLAN is developing eblasakimab, a potential first-in-class antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with the potential to improve upon current biologics used to treat allergic disease, and has reported positive topline data from a Phase 2b, dose-ranging study in moderate-to-severe AD patients. ASLAN is also investigating eblasakimab in dupilumab experienced, moderate-to-severe AD patients in the Phase 2 TREK-DX study with a topline data readout expected at the end of 2024. Farudodstat, a potent oral inhibitor of the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), is being developed by ASLAN as a potential first-in-class treatment for alopecia areata (AA) in a Phase 2a, proof-of-concept trial with an interim readout expected in mid-2024. ASLAN has teams in San Mateo, California, and in Singapore. For additional information please visit ASLAN’s website or follow ASLAN on LinkedIn. Forward-looking statements This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the management of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited and/or its affiliates (the "Company"). These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to statements regarding the Company’s business strategy and clinical development plans; the Company’s plans to develop and commercialize eblasakimab; statements related to the safety and efficacy of eblasakimab, including preliminary blinded data; the Company’s plans and expected timing with respect to manufacturing activities, clinical trials, clinical trial enrolment and clinical trial results for eblasakimab; and the potential of eblasakimab as a first-in-class treatment for atopic dermatitis. The Company’s estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company’s business, strategy, operations, or financial performance, and inherently involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of many risks and uncertainties, which include, unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies; risks that future clinical trial results may not be consistent with interim, initial or preliminary results or results from prior preclinical studies or clinical trials; risks that trends or characteristics based on preliminary blinded data may not be consistent with unblinded data; clinical site activation rates or clinical trial enrolment rates that are lower than expected; the impact of geopolitical conflicts and bank failures on the Company’s business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape; and the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund its strategic and clinical development plans. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements are described in the Company’s US Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001- 38475), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2023. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “might,” “could,” “will,” “aim,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements. Estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any estimate, projection, or forward-looking statement. ASLAN Media and IR contacts Emma Thompson Spurwing Communications Tel: +65 6206 7350 Email: ASLAN@spurwingcomms.com Ashley R. Robinson LifeSci Advisors, LLC Tel: +1 (617) 430-7577 Email: arr@lifesciadvisors.com

Encinitas, California--(News - March 8, 2024) - Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: KPRX), ("Kiora" or the "Company") announced the publication of results from a Phase 1 double-masked study of KIO-101, a potent, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. KIO-101 contains the same active molecule as KIO-104, which belongs to a family of potent anti-inflammatory agents, The study showed that a 12-day treatment of KIO-101 topically at multiple doses was well tolerated in healthy volunteers and patients with inflammation of the eye. There was a significant decrease in conjunctival hyperemia in the treatment group compared to the placebo group. Conjunctival hyperemia, a sign of ocular inflammation, is due to a variety of non-infectious and infectious causes. The paper was published in the journal, Pharmaceutics (2024, 16(3), 367 | ) Kiora's KIO-100 family of compounds contain the same proprietary active molecule but are uniquely formulated for a specific condition and region of the eye being targeted. KIO-101 is the designation for topical delivery and KIO-104 is the designation for intravitreal injection (directly into the eye). Kiora's active molecule belongs to a class of drugs known as DHODH inhibitors, including teriflunomide, an FDA-approved drug that has been prescribed to hundreds of thousands of patients with multiple sclerosis. DHODH inhibitors are believed to reduce the production of T-cells, a type of immune cell that, in certain conditions like autoimmune disease, can cause damaging inflammation. Delivering KIO-101 or KIO-104 locally in the eye aims to reduce T-cell-related inflammation without the associated potential side effects of systemic anti-inflammatory drugs. "These results support the therapeutic potential of our molecule to address inflammation in the eye," explained Eric Daniels, MD, Chief Development Officer, Kiora. "A Phase 2 trial of KIO-104 is expected to start later this year to treat posterior non-infectious uveitis, a rare inflammatory condition of the retina. Because uveitis can lead to vision loss, there's an important need for new treatment options beyond chronic steroid injections or systemic autoimmune disease drugs currently being used today. Beyond uveitis, we see an opportunity to target additional retinal inflammatory diseases that could similarly benefit from a non-steroidal therapeutic option." The published study involved a double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group design that consisted of two parts. In Part I, 24 healthy volunteers received single or multiple administrations of KIO-101 eye drops in ascending doses (0.05%, 0.15% or 0.30%). Part II involved 21 patients with conjunctival hyperemia who received either 0.15% KIO-101 eye drops or vehicle (2:1) twice daily for 12 consecutive days. The findings include the following: KIO-101 eye drops were well tolerated in all subjects. There were no serious adverse events. All adverse events were transient and considered mild to moderate. In the highest dose cohort (0.30%), epistaxis occurred in two subjects after multiple instillations. In Part II, after 12 days of treatment with 0.15% KIO-101, conjunctival hyperemia decreased by 1.1 ± 0.27 points in the KIO-101 treated group versus 0.6 ± 0.79 points in the placebo group (p = 0.0385). From baseline to day 12, the Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire (OSDI) score decreased by 20.3 points in the treatment group, while in the placebo group decreased by 14.0 points (p=ns). Kiora is planning a Phase 2 clinical trial of KIO-104 to be administered by intravitreal injection directly into the retina for the treatment of posterior non-infectious uveitis. The Company previously reported positive results from a Phase 1 study of KIO-104 for treatment of posterior non-infectious uveitis. Posterior non-infectious uveitis is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the retina, choroid, vitreous, or optic nerve, and can result in severe vision loss. It can result from many underlying causes, which may include the ocular manifestation of certain autoimmune diseases. About Kiora Pharmaceuticals Kiora Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing and commercializing products for the treatment of orphan retinal diseases. KIO-301 is being developed for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, choroideremia, and Stargardt disease. It is a molecular photoswitch that has the potential to restore vision in patients with inherited and/or age-related retinal degeneration. KIO-104 is being developed for the treatment of posterior non-infectious uveitis. It is a next-generation, non-steroidal, immuno-modulatory, and small-molecule inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. In addition to news releases and SEC filings, we expect to post information on our website, , and social media accounts that could be relevant to investors. We encourage investors to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn as well as to visit our website and/or subscribe to email alerts. Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release are "forward-looking" and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These "forward-looking" statements include statements relating to, among other things, the potential of the KIO-100 family to address inflammation in the eye, the expected timing of a Phase 2 trial of KIO-104, and the development and commercialization efforts and other regulatory or marketing approval efforts pertaining to Kiora's development-stage products, including KIO-104, as well as the success thereof, where such approvals or success may not be obtained or achieved on a timely basis or at all. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from the statements set forth in this press release, including, among other things, the ability to conduct clinical trials on a timely basis, the ability to obtain any required regulatory approvals, whether future trials will yield similar results for participants, market and other conditions, and certain risk factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Kiora's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 23, 2023, or described in Kiora's other public filings. Kiora's results may also be affected by factors of which Kiora is not currently aware. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Kiora expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to such statements to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any changes in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Contact Information: Investors@kiorapharma.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit