Coccidioidomycosis

Interchangeability study for HADLIMA (adalimumab-bwwd) was conducted in accordance with the FDA’s Guidance for Industry; primary pharmacokinetics (PK) endpoints as well as efficacy, safety and immunogenicity profiles were comparable between switching group and continuous reference product Humira group 52-week results from SB17 Phase 3 study demonstrated long-term efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of SB17 compared to reference ustekinumab, including switching from ustekinumab to SB17 INCHEON, Korea, March 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. presented two new study results for its immunology portfolio – SB5, a biosimilar to Humira1 (adalimumab), and SB17, a proposed biosimilar to Stelara2 (ustekinumab) – at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting being held from March 8 to 12 in San Diego, California, United States. “We are excited to present new clinical data for our immunology portfolio at AAD Annual Meeting. We will continue to work towards generating robust scientific evidence that demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety of biosimilars to reference products, including data for switching from reference products to biosimilars,” said Ilsun Hong, Vice President, Production Evaluation Team Leader of Samsung Bioepis. SB5, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the brand name HADLIMA™ (adalimumab-bwwd) as a biosimilar to Humira, is being reviewed by the FDA as an interchangeable biosimilar to Humira based on the Phase 4 study results. The Phase 4 randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multiple-dose, active comparator, multicenter study (NCT05510063) assessed pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity in two treatment groups of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: patients who switched between reference product Humira and the high-concentration formulation SB5 (40 mg/0.4 mL) versus those receiving reference product continuously. The interchangeability study met primary endpoints of AUCtau (week 23-25) and Cmax (week 23-25), demonstrating comparability between the switching group and continuous reference product treatment group. Other endpoints including efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity were also comparable. SB5 was first approved by the FDA in July 2019 under the brand name HADLIMA (adalimumab-bwwd) as a low-concentration (40 mg/0.8 mL) formulation of prefilled syringe and prefilled autoinjector. The high-concentration (40 mg/0.4 mL) formulation of prefilled syringe and prefilled autoinjector of HADLIMA was approved in August 2022. HADLIMA was introduced into the U.S. commercial market on July 1, 2023 and is marketed by Organon. In addition, Samsung Bioepis presented the final 52-week results from the Phase 3 study for SB17, comparing the long-term efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity between three treatment groups: SB17-treated group, reference ustekinumab-treated group, and switched group from reference ustekinumab to SB17 at Week 28. The study showed that efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity between the three arms were comparable up to Week 52. SB17 was recommended for approval by the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) in February 2024 under the brand name PYZCHIVA™. In the United States, the Biologics License Application (BLA) for SB17 is under review by the FDA. If approved, SB17 will be commercialized by Sandoz in Europe and the U.S. Details of the Samsung Bioepis’ abstracts are as follows: Presentation TitlePresentation DetailsInterchangeability of SB5 and Adalimumab Reference Product in Patients with Moderate to Severe Chronic Plaque PsoriasisSession: PosterExhibit Date/Time: March 8-9th, 2024, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMAbstract Number: 50522Authors: Steven R. Feldman, Skaidra Valiukevičienė, Grazyna Pulka, Elzbieta Krolikowska, Pawel Brzewski, Malgorzata Janczylo-Jankowska, Bartlomiej Kwiek, Lidia Rajzer, Soyeon Kim, Yumin Baek, Hyuna LeeClinical Similarity of SB17 (Proposed Ustekinumab Biosimilar) to Reference Ustekinumab in Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Randomized, Double-blind, Phase III, 52-Week ResultsSession: PosterExhibit Date/Time: March 8-9th, 2024, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMAbstract Number: 49140Authors: Steven R. Feldman, Joanna Narbutt, Giampiero Girolomoni, Jan Brzezicki, Nataliya Reznichenko, Maria Agnieszka Zegadlo-Mylik, Grazyna Pulka, Magdalena Dmowska-Stecewicz, Jiyoon Lee, Minkyung Lee, Young Hee Rho About HADLIMA (adalimumab-bwwd) Injection 40 mg/0.4 mL and 40 mg/0.8mL HADLIMA is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker indicated for: Rheumatoid Arthritis: HADLIMA is indicated, alone or in combination with methotrexate or other non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: HADLIMA is indicated, alone or in combination with methotrexate, for reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older. Psoriatic Arthritis: HADLIMA is indicated, alone or in combination with non-biologic DMARDs, for reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. Ankylosing Spondylitis: HADLIMA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis. Crohn’s Disease: HADLIMA is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. Ulcerative Colitis: HADLIMA is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adult patients.Limitations of Use:The effectiveness of HADLIMA has not been established in patients who have lost response to or were intolerant to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. Plaque Psoriasis: HADLIMA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate. HADLIMA should only be administered to patients who will be closely monitored and have regular follow-up visits with a physician. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: HADLIMA is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adult patients. Uveitis: HADLIMA is indicated for the treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adult patients. SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with adalimumab products, including HADLIMA, are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. Discontinue HADLIMA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis (TB), including reactivation of latent TB. Patients with TB have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Test patients for latent TB before HADLIMA use and during therapy. Initiate treatment for latent TB prior to HADLIMA use. Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider empiric anti-fungal therapy in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness. Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria. Carefully consider the risks and benefits of treatment with HADLIMA prior to initiating therapy in patients: with chronic or recurrent infection who have been exposed to TB with a history of opportunistic infection who resided in or traveled in regions where mycoses are endemic with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with HADLIMA, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. Do not start HADLIMA during an active infection, including localized infections. Patients older than 65 years, patients with co-morbid conditions, and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants may be at greater risk of infection. If an infection develops, monitor carefully and initiate appropriate therapy. Drug interactions with biologic products: A higher rate of serious infections has been observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with rituximab who received subsequent treatment with a TNF blocker. An increased risk of serious infections has been seen with the combination of TNF blockers with anakinra or abatacept, with no demonstrated added benefit in patients with RA. Concomitant administration of HADLIMA with other biologic DMARDs (eg, anakinra or abatacept) or other TNF blockers is not recommended based on the possible increased risk for infections and other potential pharmacological interactions. MALIGNANCY Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, including adalimumab products. Postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers, including adalimumab products. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all of these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the occurrence of HSTCL is related to use of a TNF blocker or a TNF blocker in combination with these other immunosuppressants. Consider the risks and benefits of HADLIMA treatment prior to initiating or continuing therapy in a patient with known malignancy. In clinical trials, more cases of malignancies were observed among adalimumab-treated patients compared to control patients. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) was reported during clinical trials for adalimumab-treated patients. Examine all patients, particularly those with a history of prolonged immunosuppressant or psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy, for the presence of NMSC prior to and during treatment with HADLIMA. In adalimumab clinical trials, there was an approximate 3-fold higher rate of lymphoma than expected in the general U.S. population. Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly those with highly active disease and/or chronic exposure to immunosuppressant therapies, may be at higher risk of lymphoma than the general population, even in the absence of TNF blockers. Postmarketing cases of acute and chronic leukemia were reported with TNF blocker use. Approximately half of the postmarketing cases of malignancies in children, adolescents, and young adults receiving TNF blockers were lymphomas; other cases included rare malignancies associated with immunosuppression and malignancies not usually observed in children and adolescents. HYPERSENSITIVITY Anaphylaxis and angioneurotic edema have been reported following adalimumab administration. If a serious allergic reaction occurs, stop HADLIMA and institute appropriate therapy. HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION Use of TNF blockers, including HADLIMA, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers. Some cases have been fatal. Evaluate patients at risk for HBV infection for prior evidence of HBV infection before initiating TNF blocker therapy. Exercise caution in patients who are carriers of HBV and monitor them during and after HADLIMA treatment. Discontinue HADLIMA and begin antiviral therapy in patients who develop HBV reactivation. Exercise caution when resuming HADLIMA after HBV treatment. NEUROLOGIC REACTIONS TNF blockers, including adalimumab products, have been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of central nervous system and peripheral demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Exercise caution when considering HADLIMA for patients with these disorders; discontinuation of HADLIMA should be considered if any of these disorders develop. HEMATOLOGIC REACTIONS Rare reports of pancytopenia, including aplastic anemia, have been reported with TNF blockers. Medically significant cytopenia has been infrequently reported with adalimumab products. Consider stopping HADLIMA if significant hematologic abnormalities occur. CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE Worsening and new onset congestive heart failure (CHF) has been reported with TNF blockers. Cases of worsening CHF have been observed with adalimumab products; exercise caution and monitor carefully. AUTOIMMUNITY Treatment with adalimumab products may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in development of a lupus-like syndrome. Discontinue treatment if symptoms of a lupus-like syndrome develop. IMMUNIZATIONS Patients on HADLIMA should not receive live vaccines. Pediatric patients, if possible, should be brought up to date with all immunizations before initiating HADLIMA therapy. Adalimumab is actively transferred across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in utero-exposed infant. The safety of administering live or live-attenuated vaccines in infants exposed to adalimumab products in utero is unknown. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to vaccinating (live or live-attenuated) exposed infants. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions in adalimumab clinical trials (>10%) were: infections (eg, upper respiratory, sinusitis), injection site reactions, headache, and rash. Before prescribing HADLIMA, please read the accompanying Full Prescribing Information, including the Boxed Warning about serious infections and malignancies, Medication Guide and Instructions for Use. About Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. Established in 2012, Samsung Bioepis is a biopharmaceutical company committed to realizing healthcare that is accessible to everyone. Through innovations in product development and a firm commitment to quality, Samsung Bioepis aims to become the world's leading biopharmaceutical company. Samsung Bioepis continues to advance a broad pipeline of biosimilar candidates that cover a spectrum of therapeutic areas, including immunology, oncology, ophthalmology, hematology, and endocrinology. For more information, please visit: www.samsungbioepis.com and follow us on social media – X, LinkedIn. _________________________ 1 Humira is a trademark registered in the US by AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd. 2 Stelara is a trademark of Johnson & Johnson.

ROCKLAND, Mass--( BUSINESS WIRE )--EMD Serono, the Healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the U.S. and Canada, today announced the presentation of two new post-hoc analyses of tertiary endpoints from the MAGNIFY-MS study, a Phase IV, prospective, open-label study evaluating the efficacy and safety of MAVENCLAD ® (cladribine) tablets in highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The first presentation examines the stability or improvement in cognitive processing speed over a two-year period, suggesting the potential of MAVENCLAD to maintain or improve cognitive function in patients with highly active RMS. Additionally, interim findings from year three of the MAGNIFY-MS extension trial underscore the continued efficacy and safety profile of MAVENCLAD, which is consistent with earlier safety data. These data are being presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2024. The post-hoc analysis from 270 patients showed a clinically meaningful benefit in cognitive processing speed in patients treated with MAVENCLAD. Cognitive benefit was seen following the first treatment course and became more pronounced by month 18 when patients had received the full treatment course. At two years, the estimated rate of stability or sustained improvement was more than 95% with an 8-point score change on the Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT), a measure of cognitive processing speed. “Our decades of experience in multiple sclerosis have brought us clarity around the cognitive issues that affect over half of individuals with MS,” said Lori Lebson, Senior Vice President, North America Medical Affairs, EMD Serono. “Based on these findings from MAGNIFY-MS, where the majority of patients on MAVENCLAD had either cognitive improvement or stability at two years, we are optimistic about a future where the burden of cognitive changes in MS can be reduced.” Cognitive symptoms often have a profound impact on daily living and the quality of life in people living with MS. They can touch multiple aspects of a person’s life, such as employment, social life, including relationships, and even participating in their own healthcare decisions. 1 Also being presented are the year three findings from an interim analysis of the extension trial of the MAGNIFY-MS study which showed sustained efficacy of MAVENCLAD, one year following completion of the two treatment courses. The No Evidence of Disease Activity-3 (NEDA-3) rates during year three were 85.99% for treatment naïve and 76.86% for those previously treated, based on the assessment of 219 patients. NEDA-3 status is defined as patients with no relapse, no 6-month Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression and no T1 gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) or active T2 lesions. The majority of patients (90.4%) were free of qualifying relapses and overall EDSS remained stable. Sustained improvements in MRI outcomes were seen: T1 Gd+ counts and annualized active T2 lesion counts showed a decrease from baseline to month 24 and month 36. These findings further support the continued benefits of MAVENCLAD following completion of the two-year treatment course. About MAVENCLAD ® MAVENCLAD, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 29, 2019, is the first and only short-course oral therapy for the treatment of adults with relapsing-remitting disease (RRMS) and active secondary progressive disease (SPMS). Because of its safety profile, use of MAVENCLAD is generally recommended for patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, an alternate drug indicated for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), and MAVENCLAD is not recommended for use in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Patients should follow healthcare provider instructions including cancer screening, contraception and blood tests. The approved dose of MAVENCLAD is 3.5 mg per kg body weight over two years, administered as one treatment course of 1.75 mg per kg per year, each consisting of two treatment weeks. The mechanism by which cladribine exerts its therapeutic effects in patients with multiple sclerosis has not been fully elucidated but is thought to involve cytotoxic effects on B and T lymphocytes through impairment of DNA synthesis, resulting in depletion of lymphocytes. MAVENCLAD causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte counts followed by recovery. Because cladribine is cytotoxic, special handling and disposal instructions should be followed. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: MALIGNANCIES and RISK OF TERATOGENICITY Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated in patients with current malignancy. In patients with prior malignancy or with increased risk of malignancy, evaluate the benefits and risks of the use of MAVENCLAD on an individual patient basis. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with MAVENCLAD. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm. Malformations and embryolethality occurred in animals. Exclude pregnancy before the start of treatment with MAVENCLAD in females of reproductive potential. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. Stop MAVENCLAD if the patient becomes pregnant. CONTRAINDICATIONS Patients with current malignancy. Pregnant women, and women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception during and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. May cause fetal harm. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients with active chronic infections (e.g., hepatitis or tuberculosis). Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine. Women intending to breastfeed on a MAVENCLAD treatment day and for 10 days after the last dose. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Malignancies: Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. After the completion of 2 treatment courses, do not administer additional MAVENCLAD treatment during the next 2 years. In clinical studies, patients who received additional MAVENCLAD treatment within 2 years after the first 2 treatment courses had an increased incidence of malignancy. The risk of malignancy with reinitiating MAVENCLAD more than 2 years after the completion of 2 treatment courses has not been studied. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with MAVENCLAD. Risk of Teratogenicity: MAVENCLAD may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. In females of reproductive potential, exclude pregnancy before initiation of each treatment course of MAVENCLAD and prevent by the use of effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for at least 6 months after the last dose of each treatment course. Women who become pregnant during treatment with MAVENCLAD should discontinue treatment. Lymphopenia: MAVENCLAD causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte count. Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with hematotoxic drugs may increase the risk of adverse reactions because of the additive hematological effects. Monitor lymphocyte counts before, during, and after treatment. Infections: Serious, including life-threatening or fatal, infections have occurred. MAVENCLAD reduces the body's immune defense, and an increased risk of infections has been observed in patients receiving MAVENCLAD. Infections occurred in 49% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients compared to 44% of patients treated with placebo in clinical studies; serious or severe infections occurred in 2.4% of MAVENCLAD- treated patients and 2.0% of placebo-treated patients. The most frequent serious infections included herpes zoster and pyelonephritis. Fungal infections were observed, including cases of coccidioidomycosis. Single fatal cases of tuberculosis and fulminant hepatitis B were reported in the clinical program. Screen patients for active and latent infections (tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C). Delay treatment until infection is fully resolved or controlled. Vaccinate patients who are seronegative for varicella zoster virus (VZV) prior to treatment. Vaccinate patients who are seropositive to VZV with recombinant, adjuvanted zoster vaccine either prior to or during treatment, including when their lymphocyte counts are less than or equal to 500 cells per microliter. Administer anti-herpes prophylaxis in patients with lymphocyte counts less than 200 cells per microliter. Monitor for infections. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has been reported in patients treated with parenteral cladribine for oncologic indications. No case of PML has been reported in clinical studies of cladribine in patients with MS. Obtain a baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 months before initiating the first treatment course of MAVENCLAD. At the first sign of PML, withhold MAVENCLAD and perform an evaluation. Administer all immunizations (except as noted for VZV) according to immunization guidelines prior to starting MAVENCLAD. Administer live-attenuated or live vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to starting MAVENCLAD due to risk of infection. Hematologic Toxicity: In addition to lymphopenia, decreases in other blood cells and hematological parameters have been reported with MAVENCLAD in clinical studies. Obtain complete blood count (CBC) with differential including lymphocyte count before and during treatment, periodically thereafter, and when clinically indicated. Graft-versus-Host Disease with Blood Transfusions: Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease has been observed rarely after transfusion of nonirradiated blood in patients treated with cladribine for non-MS treatment indications. In patients who require blood transfusion, irradiation of cellular blood components is recommended. Liver Injury: In clinical studies, 0.3% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients had liver injury (serious or causing treatment discontinuation) compared to 0 placebo patients. Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels prior to treatment. Discontinue MAVENCLAD if clinically significant liver injury is suspected. Hypersensitivity: If a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue MAVENCLAD therapy. Do not use MAVENCLAD in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine. Cardiac Failure: In clinical studies, one MAVENCLAD-treated patient experienced life-threatening acute cardiac failure with myocarditis, which improved after approximately one week. Cases of cardiac failure have also been reported with parenteral cladribine used for treatment indications other than multiple sclerosis. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of cardiac failure (e.g., shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, swelling). Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (incidence of >20%) are upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and lymphopenia. Drug Interactions: Concomitant use of with immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive drugs and some immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., interferon beta) is not recommended and may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Acute short-term therapy with corticosteroids can be administered. Monitor for additive effects on the hematological provide with use of hemotoxic drugs. Avoid concomitant use of antiviral and antiretroviral drugs. Avoid concomitant use of BCRP or ENT/CNT inhibitors as they may alter bioavailability of MAVENCLAD. Use in Specific Populations: Studies have not been performed in pediatric, or elderly patients >65 years, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Use in patients with moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment is not recommended. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact EMD Serono, Inc. at 1-800-283-8088 ext. 5563 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . Please see the full Prescribing Information , including BOXED WARNING for additional information. About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central nervous system and is the most common non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults. It is estimated that approximately 2.8 million people have MS worldwide. While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of MS include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with strength and coordination. The relapsing forms of MS are the most common. EMD Serono, Inc. and Multiple Sclerosis For more than 20 years, EMD Serono has been relentlessly focused on understanding the journey people living with MS face in order to create a meaningful, positive experience for them and the broader MS community. However, there is still much that is unknown about this complex and unpredictable disease. EMD Serono is digging deeper to advance the science. About EMD Serono, Inc. EMD Serono - the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the U.S. and Canada - aspires to create, improve and prolong life for people living with difficult-to-treat conditions like infertility, multiple sclerosis and cancer. The business is imagining the future of healthcare by working to translate the discovery of molecules into potentially meaningful outcomes for people with serious unmet medical needs. EMD Serono’s global roots go back more than 350 years with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Today, the business has approximately 1,500 employees around the country with commercial, clinical and research operations in Massachusetts. www.emdserono.com . About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 64,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2022, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 22.2 billion in 66 countries. The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. 1 Morrow SA, Kruger P, Langdon D, Alexandri N. What Is the True Impact of Cognitive Impairment for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis? A Commentary of Symposium Discussions at the 2020 European Charcot Foundation. Neurol Ther. 2023 Oct;12(5):1419-1429. doi: 10.1007/s40120-023-00519-z. Epub 2023 Jul 19. PMID: 37466762; PMCID: PMC10444737.

A total of 19 patients with serious/life-threatening invasive fungal infections have been enrolled, including aspergillosis, mucormycosis, fusarium, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and endemic mycoses such as coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis All 5 patients who completed the desired course of treatment had complete clinical resolution of their infection; patients with ongoing treatment continue to experience significant clinical improvement All patients who transitioned to MAT2203 after developing renal toxicity following treatment with AmBisome® (liposomal amphotericin B) saw a reversal of renal impairment with a return to baseline renal function with no subsequent renal issues BEDMINSTER, N.J., Feb. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Matinas BioPharma (NYSE American: MTNB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering groundbreaking therapies using its lipid nanocrystal (LNC) platform delivery technology, today provided an update from its ongoing Compassionate/Expanded Use Access Program (the “Program”) with MAT2203, the Company’s proprietary, LNC-delivered oral formulation of the broad-spectrum antifungal drug amphotericin B. To date, 19 patients have been enrolled in the Program at prestigious healthcare institutions, including the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, City of Hope, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the National Institutes of Health, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. The majority of enrolled patients are post-transplant or are undergoing treatment for underlying malignancies. The infections being treated with MAT2203 include a variety of micro-organisms (including Aspergillus, Mucorales species, Candidiasis, Fusarium and suspected Coccidioides) occurring at multiple sites of infection, including brain, bladder/colon, bone, lung, sinus, and skin. Most patients were receiving AmBisome prior to enrollment but developed treatment-limiting nephrotoxicity and most also required treatment for either azole-resistant organisms or had clinically failed azole therapy and had no other treatment options. “We are encouraged by the positive clinical impact of MAT2203 in each of our patients who faced few or no treatment options,” said Dr. Marisa Miceli, an internationally recognized infectious disease physician specializing in the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan. “Of the seven patients we have treated to date under the Program, all were either unable to receive azole therapy due to drug-drug interactions, intolerance or resistance and some of them experienced serious treatment-limiting toxicities while attempting therapy with IV-administered amphotericin B. Treatment with MAT2203 was well tolerated and led to favorable clinical and radiological response and we did not observe any renal toxicity. While additional study is warranted, MAT2203 may be particularly promising for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in patients with limited options and therefore satisfy a currently significant unmet medical need.” Of the 19 patients enrolled in the Program, 15 have available follow-up and 4 recently initiated or will soon commence treatment with MAT2203. 12 of the 15 patients had either complete clinical resolution or objective improvement in clinical markers of infection (including radiologic and mycologic).Of the 5 patients who completed their full individually specified course of treatment (ranging from 2 weeks to 1 year, depending on the infection) all have had complete clinical resolution with no relapses or recurrence of their infection.5 additional patients have shown objective improvement in clinical markers and are continuing treatment with MAT2203 as planned.5 of the 15 patients were unable to complete their individually specified course of treatment, although 2 saw significant clinical improvement of their fungal infection and are included in the 12 overall successful cases. 2 patients transitioned to palliative care shortly after starting therapy with MAT2203 because of unanticipated progression of their malignant disease.1 patient discontinued therapy after two days due to underlying GI issues (i.e., Crohn’s disease).1 patient passed away due to progression of their underlying disease approximately 8 weeks into therapy (but previously experienced significant clinical improvement of their fungal infection).1 patient discontinued MAT2203 treatment following 10 weeks of therapy due to underlying GI issues (long-standing nausea/vomiting), but with improvement in their fungal infection. Importantly, all patients who experienced renal toxicity following treatment with AmBisome saw their renal function return to baseline after transitioning to MAT2203 therapy and suffered no further renal side effects over the course of extended treatment with MAT2203. “We continue to be excited about the ongoing, consistent positive clinical impact of MAT2203, seen in these extremely ill patients,” said Theresa Matkovits, PhD, Chief Development Officer at Matinas. “We look forward to advancing MAT2203 into Phase 3 development in the ORALTO registration trial and to validating these results in a well-controlled clinical trial in which we believe the clinical probability of success is quite high. If approved, oral, effective, and safe MAT2203 could represent a dramatic improvement to current clinical standard of care and become the treatment of choice for patients and physicians battling invasive fungal infections. We are grateful to the participants in the Program and to their physicians for recognizing the clinical potential of MAT2203 in treating a broad spectrum of deadly invasive fungal infections.” MAT2203 is not yet licensed or approved anywhere globally. About MAT2203Matinas BioPharma is developing MAT2203 as a potential oral broad-spectrum treatment for invasive deadly fungal infections. Although amphotericin B is a fungicidal agent, it is currently only available through an intravenous route of administration, which is known to be associated with several significant safety issues such as renal toxicity and anemia due to very high circulating levels of amphotericin B. MAT2203 has the potential to overcome the significant limitations of the currently available amphotericin B products due to its targeted oral delivery. Combining comparable fungicidal activity with targeted delivery results in a lower risk of toxicity and potentially creates the ideal antifungal agent for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. MAT2203 was successfully evaluated in the completed Phase 2 EnACT study in HIV patients suffering from cryptococcal meningitis, meeting its primary endpoint, and achieving robust survival. MAT2203 will be further evaluated in a single Phase 3 registration trial (the “ORALTO” trial) as an oral step-down monotherapy following treatment with AmBisome (liposomal amphotericin B) compared with the standard of care in patients with invasive aspergillosis who have limited treatment options. About Matinas BioPharmaMatinas BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering groundbreaking therapies using its lipid nanocrystal (LNC) platform delivery technology. In addition to MAT2203, preclinical and clinical data have demonstrated that this novel technology can potentially provide solutions to many challenges of achieving safe and effective intracellular delivery of both small molecules and larger, more complex molecular cargos including small oligonucleotides such as ASOs and siRNA. The combination of its unique mechanism of action and flexibility with routes of administration (including oral) positions Matinas’ LNC technology to potentially become a preferred next-generation orally available intracellular drug delivery platform. For more information, please visit www.matinasbiopharma.com. Forward-looking StatementsThis release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to our business activities, our strategy and plans, the future development of its product candidates, including MAT2203, the Company’s ability to identify and pursue development, licensing and partnership opportunities for its products, including MAT2203, or platform delivery technology on favorable terms, if at all, and the ability to obtain required regulatory approval and other statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "could," "believes," "estimates" and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to continue as a going concern, our ability to obtain additional capital to meet our liquidity needs on acceptable terms, or at all, including the additional capital which will be necessary to complete the clinical trials of our product candidates; our ability to successfully complete research and further development and commercialization of our product candidates; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals; our ability to protect the Company’s intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel or consultants; competition; changes in the regulatory landscape or the imposition of regulations that affect the Company’s products; and the other factors listed under "Risk Factors" in our filings with the SEC, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Matinas BioPharma’s product candidates are all in a development stage and are not available for sale or use. Investor Contact LHA Investor RelationsJody Cain Jcain@lhai.com310-691-7100