Arrhythmias, Cardiac

Petros begins enrollment in AI integrated Human Factors Study to optimize self-screening, continuing its efforts to make STENDRA (avanafil) the first erectile dysfunction medication to achieve OTC Status (Please see important safety information below) NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2024 / Petros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTPI), a company focused on expanding consumer access to medication through over-the- counter (OTC) drug development programs, announces it has successfully launched its artificial intelligence (AI) tool developed as a result of its collaboration with a multi-billion-dollar software developer. The tool is being integrated into the Company's web app being used for patient self-screening, which it is testing in its recently launched Human Factors study. Fady Boctor, Petros' President and Chief Commercial Officer, commented, "The utilization of AI is a logical progression as we aim to optimize the safe administration of STENDRA (avanafil), in development for OTC availability. In addition, based on our recent interaction with the FDA on our technology approach, we believe the AI component directly addresses requests made by the Agency in order to optimize selection. Ultimately, we believe the AI will help us to gather information to ensure that the patient is appropriate to receive the drug. Importantly, we continue to believe that we have sufficient funding to achieve our development goals as well as significant near-term clinical milestones for STENDRA." The Human Factors Study, which incorporates the AI tool, is designed to assess whether the web tool developed by the company can be used safely and effectively by its intended users. Subjects will be asked to perform critical tasks with the web app without any guidance from the study staff. The study is based on applicable FDA guidance for human factors studies. The outcomes from this study will further contribute to discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the need for the Additional Condition of Nonprescription Use (ACNU) with regard to the web app and the Company's endeavors to develop STENDRA into the first erectile dysfunction medication to go OTC. About Petros Pharmaceuticals Petros Pharmaceuticals is committed to the goal of becoming a leading innovator in the emerging self-care market driving expanded access to key prescription pharmaceuticals as Over-the-Counter treatment options. Currently, Petros is pursuing increased access for its flagship prescription ED therapy, STENDRA, via potential OTC designation. If ultimately approved by the FDA for OTC access, STENDRA may be the first in its class to achieve this marketing status, also establishing company know how as a proven platform for other prospective prescription therapeutics. About the OTC Pathway The process of switching a prescription medication to over the counter (OTC) first involves the design of a Drug Facts Label (DFL) that is well understood by potential consumers. Then data must show that consumers can make an appropriate decision to use or not to use the product based only upon the information on the DFL and their personal medical history. Then consumers must demonstrate that they can properly use the product based upon the information on the DFL. To accomplish these things, the FDA ordinarily requires a consumer tested OTC DFL. This testing includes conduct of iterative Label Comprehension Studies (LCS) in the general population, Self-Selection Studies (SSS) in a population interested in using the product and in specific populations who may be harmed if they use the product, and usually one Actual Use Trial (AUT) demonstrating safe and appropriate use by consumers in a simulated OTC setting. The regulations that FDA is currently finalizing introduced Additional Conditions for Nonprescription Use (ACNU) criteria that enable correct self-selection by consumers and may expand OTC access to medications that formerly could only be available by prescription. An ACNU may be an innovative computerized tool, or the additional conditions may use other approaches that support the switch process. Important Safety Information about STENDRA® (avanafil) STENDRA® (avanafil), originally launched by Auxilium Pharmaceuticals prior to that company's sale to Endo Pharmaceuticals, is an oral phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. STENDRA is not for use in women or children. It is not known if STENDRA is safe and effective in women or children under 18 years of age. (A 100-mg and 200-mg tablet can be taken as early as ~15 minutes before sexual activity. STENDRA only works with sexual stimulation and should not be taken more than once a day. STENDRA can be taken with or without food; do not drink too much alcohol when taking STENDRA (for example, more than 3 glasses of wine or 3 shots of whiskey) as it can increase chances of side effects. Of people enrolled in clinical trials, 1.4%, 2.0%, and 2.0%, respectively, stopped taking STENDRA (50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg) due to side effects compared to 1.7% on placebo. STENDRA® was designed and developed expressly for erectile dysfunction. STENDRA is contraindicated with any form of organic nitrates, in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the tablet, and in patients who are using a guanylate cyclase stimulator. Patients should not use STENDRA if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status or any other reason. Before taking STENDRA tell your doctor if you have had any kind of heart issues including heart attack, heart failure, angina and irregular heartbeat or have elevated or low blood pressure. Use of STENDRA with alpha-blockers, other antihypertensives, or substantial amounts of alcohol (greater than 3 units) may lead to hypotension. Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts greater than 4 hours. Patients should stop STENDRA and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of Non Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). Discuss with patients the increased risk of NAION in patients with a history of NAION. Patients should stop taking STENDRA and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing. STENDRA can potentiate the hypotensive effect of nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, and alcohol. CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, erythromycin) increase STENDRA exposure. For patients taking concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (including ketoconazole, ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir and telithromycin), do not use STENDRA. Combination with Other PDE5 Inhibitors or Erectile Dysfunction Therapies is not recommended. The safety of STENDRA is unknown in patients with bleeding disorders and patients with active peptic ulceration. The use of STENDRA offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. Consider counseling patients on protective measures for sexually transmitted diseases. The most common adverse reactions reported with use of STENDRA include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, nasopharyngitis, and back pain. For more information about STENDRA, call 844-458-4887. If you would like to report an adverse event or product complaint, please contact us at 844-458-4887. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or at . Please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based upon Petros Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s ("Petros," "we," "our," "us" or the "Company") management's assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, and beliefs about future events. In some cases, predictive, future-tense or forward-looking words such as "intend," "develop," "goal," "plan," "predict", "may," "will," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "continue," "potential," "opportunity," "forecast," "should," "target," "pursuit," "strategy" and similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative, that reflect our current views with respect to future events and operational, economic and financial performance are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions, and actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, Petros' ability to execute on its business strategy, including its plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates; Petros' ability to receive clearance from the FDA to sell STENDRA as an Over-the-Counter treatment; Petros' ability to comply with obligations as a public reporting company; Petros' ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Stock Market's listing standards; risks related to Petros' ability to continue as a going concern; risks related to Petros' history of incurring significant losses; risks related to Petros' dependence on the commercialization of a single product, STENDRA®; and risks related to Petros' ability to obtain regulatory approvals for, or market acceptance of, any of its products or product candidates. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements are contained in the Company's periodic reports and in other filings that the Company has or may file, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere. The Company cautions readers that the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions only as of the date of hereof and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the effect of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, you should not unduly rely on any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in our views or expectations or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws. Contacts Investors: CORE IR ir@petrospharma.com Media: Jules Abraham CORE IR 917-885-7378 pr@coreir.com SOURCE: Petros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com

The median life span of the mice that received Tenaya Therapeutics’ treatment was at least 58 weeks, many times the median 4.7 weeks of the sick controls. Tenaya Therapeutics’ gene therapy for an inherited heart condition that can cause sudden death appears to be effective in mice, new data show.  In a journal article published March 18 in Nature Communications Medicine, Tenaya scientists reported that a single dose of the company’s gene therapy for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, or ARVC, prevented the disease from setting in or slowed its progression in mice that had already developed it. Mouse models of ARVC that received the treatment also had longer life spans than those that didn’t. ARVC is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the gene PKP2 that renders it unable to encode the PKP2 protein, which is required to maintain the heart’s structure and function. While patients may live without symptoms for years, the normal heart muscle is quietly being replaced with fatty tissue, usually beginning in the right ventricle. In some cases, this leads to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death, which is often the very first symptom. In all of them, the amount of blood the heart can pump is reduced, gradually causing it to fail. Complications set in prior to age 40 on average, and about 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 5,000 people have the disease. There are no treatments for the underlying pathology.  Tenaya’s gene therapy, TN-401, restores production of the PKP2 protein by replacing its parent gene. The first set of experiments in the new study assessed whether it could prevent disease in mice that hadn’t yet developed the condition. Adult animals were given either a control solution or a single dose of the treatment before the gene for PKP2 was knocked out. The mice that received the therapy did not go on to develop arrhythmias nor structural changes in their hearts, unlike the untreated mice. The median life span of the treatment group was at least 58 weeks, many times the median 4.7 weeks of the sick controls.  In another set of experiments, the researchers studied whether TN-401 could reverse disease in mice with ARVC that had already developed cardiac remodeling. This was a difficult task given that the mice would normally die within three to six weeks without treatment, they noted. But four weeks after TN-401 was administered—and nine weeks after the PKP2 gene had been chemically knocked out in the mice—the scientists showed that some pathological changes were prevented or reversed in the hearts’ ventricles. The therapy also reduced arrhythmias, though not to a statistically significant degree.  As for survival, the mice that received the therapy had a median life span of greater than or equal to 50 weeks, “comparable to the survival benefit observed in the preventative mode of treatment,” the researchers wrote.  The article also summarized data from tolerability studies on TN-401, which showed that greater than 10 times the efficacious dose was tolerable in healthy mice. The researchers wrote that the results of toxicology studies, which were not included in the paper, showed that the therapy was safe in mice and primates.  Tenaya received FDA clearance in the fall to launch human studies of TN-401, which has both orphan-drug and fast-track designations from the agency. The company anticipates launching the trial, called RIDGE-1, in the second half of 2024, according to a Monday press release. 

TN-401 AAV9-Based Gene Therapy Being Developed to Treat the Underlying Cause of PKP2-associated Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) PKP2 Gene Replacement Therapy Normalized Heart Rhythms, Reversed Disease Progression and Extended Survival in a Severe Mouse Model of Disease Tenaya Anticipates Dosing First Patient in Phase 1b RIDGE™-1 Clinical Trial of TN-401 in Second Half of 2024 SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TNYA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a mission to discover, develop and deliver potentially curative therapies that address the underlying causes of heart disease, today announced the publication of its preclinical research related to its gene therapy candidate, TN-401, in the current issue of Nature Communications Medicine. TN-401 is an adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)-based gene therapy being developed for the treatment of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) caused by Plakophilin-2 (PKP2) gene mutations. PKP2 mutations are the most common genetic cause of ARVC, also known as arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), and result in a loss of key proteins needed to maintain the structural integrity and cell-to-cell electrical signaling of heart muscle cells. TN-401 is designed to deliver a functional PKP2 gene to heart cells where it works to restore normal protein levels in order to halt or even reverse disease after a single dose. “Following a single infusion of our AAV9-based PKP2 gene therapy in a severe knock-out mouse model of the disease, PKP2 protein levels were restored. This led to dose-dependent improvements in right ventricular dilation and ejection fraction, reductions in arrhythmia frequency and severity, and prevention of adverse fibrotic remodeling, with near-maximal efficacy achieved at the 3E13 vg/kg dose.” said Tim Hoey, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Tenaya. “ARVC can have a devastating effect on patients’ lives, putting them at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and placing limitations on their quality of life,” said Whit Tingley, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Tenaya. “These promising preclinical results show the potential of TN-401 to prevent, halt or even reverse the steady progression of PKP2-associated ARVC by addressing the underlying genetic cause, and offer hope to patients. We look forward to commencing dosing of TN-401 in patients with PKP2-associated ARVC in our Phase 1b RIDGE-1 clinical trial in the second half of this year.” Tenaya’s RIDGE-1 Phase 1b clinical trial of TN-401 is a multi-center, open-label study to assess the safety, tolerability and clinical efficacy of a one-time intravenous infusion of TN-401. Tenaya is currently also conducting the RIDGE™ global non-interventional natural history and serotype study of PKP2-associated ARVC. Both studies are being conducted at leading centers for ARVC care. Key Findings The paper, titled “AAV9:PKP2 improves heart function and survival in a Pkp2-deficient mouse model of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy,” describes results from preclinical studies in a Pkp2-deficient mouse model to understand gene therapy’s impact in both prevention mode before disease onset and in treatment mode after disease onset. A single dose of Tenaya’s AAV9:PKP2 gene therapy: Restored normal levels of PKP2 protein expression, Led to a highly coordinated and durable correction in structural genes encoding desmosome, sarcomere and calcium handling proteins with a role in maintaining cellular integrity and function, Reduced the frequency and severity of arrhythmias, Demonstrated durable efficacy in preventing disease development, Slowed or reversed disease progression after onset, Prevented fibrotic remodeling, and Improved long-term survival. Tenaya selected AAV9 as the vector for delivery for TN-401 based on its extensive clinical and commercial safety record in thousands of patients globally and its demonstrated ability in clinical studies to broadly distribute in all regions of the human heart and to more robustly express the PKP2 gene in cardiomyocytes as compared to other vectors. About PKP2-Associated ARVC Mutations in the desmosome gene PKP2 are the most frequent cause of ARVC, with greater than 40% of those diagnosed estimated to carry pathogenic PKP2 mutations. In the U.S. prevalence of PKP2-associated ARVC is estimated at more than 70,000, though the condition is frequently undiagnosed; in nearly one in four cases, sudden cardiac death is the first sign of disease. Mutations of the PKP2 gene result in insufficient expression of a protein needed for the proper functioning of the desmosomal complex that maintains physical connections and electrical signaling between heart muscle cells. As the desmosome structure degrades, cardiac muscle cells are replaced by fibrofatty tissue and electrical pulses in the heart become unstable, resulting in adverse remodeling and irregular heart rhythms. A progressive disease, ARVC is typically diagnosed before age 40 and symptoms may include arrhythmias, palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness and fainting and sudden cardiac arrest. Current treatments include anti-arrhythmic medications, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and ablation procedures, which do not address the underlying genetic cause of disease. About TN-401 Gene Therapy and the RIDGE Clinical Program TN-401 is an investigational AAV9-based gene therapy being developed for the treatment of ARVC due to mutations in the PKP2 gene. Tenaya has received clearance from the FDA to initiate its first-in-human RIDGE-1 Phase 1b clinical trial of TN-401 in patients with PKP2-associated ARVC. To support TN-401’s clinical development, the company is currently enrolling the RIDGE global non-interventional study to collect natural history and AAV9 antibody (seroprevalence) data among ARVC patients carrying PKP2 gene mutations. TN-401 has received Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations from the FDA. About Tenaya Therapeutics Tenaya Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to a bold mission: to discover, develop and deliver potentially curative therapies that address the underlying drivers of heart disease. Leveraging integrated proprietary core capabilities enabling target identification and validation, design of AAV-based genetic medicines and in-house manufacturing the company is advancing a pipeline of novel therapies with diverse treatment modalities for rare genetic cardiovascular disorders and more prevalent heart conditions. Tenaya’s most advanced candidates include TN-201, a gene therapy for MYBPC3-associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), TN-401, a gene therapy for PKP2-associated arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and TN-301, a small molecule HDAC6 inhibitor being initially developed for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Tenaya also has multiple early-stage programs progressing through preclinical development. For more information, visit . Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipates,” “promising,” “potential,” “look forward,” “plan,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the clinical, therapeutic and commercial potential of TN-401 as a treatment for PKP2-associated ARVC and the plan for initiation of patient dosing in RIDGE-1. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon Tenaya’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: the potential failure of TN-401 to demonstrate safety and/or efficacy in clinical testing; unexpected concerns that may arise as a result of the occurrence of adverse safety events or additional data analyses of clinical trials evaluating TN-401; the timing and progress of the RIDGE-1 clinical trial; the timing, scope and likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals for TN-401; risks associated with the process of discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics and operating as an early stage company; Tenaya’s ability to develop, initiate or complete preclinical studies and clinical trials, and obtain approvals, for any of its product candidates; Tenaya’s continuing compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; Tenaya’s ability to raise any additional funding it will need to continue to pursue its business and product development plans; Tenaya’s reliance on third parties; Tenaya’s manufacturing, commercialization and marketing capabilities and strategy; the loss of key scientific or management personnel; competition in the industry in which Tenaya operates; Tenaya’s ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for its product candidates; general economic and market conditions; and other risks. Information regarding the foregoing and additional risks may be found in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in documents that Tenaya files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Tenaya assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Contacts Michelle Corral Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tenaya Therapeutics IR@TenayaThera.com Investors AnneMarie Fields Stern IR AnneMarie.Fields@SternIR.com Media Wendy Ryan Ten Bridge Communications wendy@tenbridgecommunications.com