Cicatrix

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PHAT), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, today announced that the company will present data from multiple investigational studies for its first-in-class treatment VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) tablets at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, being held October 25-30 in Philadelphia, PA. VOQUEZNA is approved for the relief of heartburn associated with Non-Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Non-Erosive GERD), for the treatment of all severities of Erosive Esophagitis, commonly referred to as Erosive GERD, and relief of related heartburn, and in combination with antibiotics for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.1 VOQUEZNA is the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB).2 Evaluating On-Demand VOQUEZNA Treatment from the PHALCON-NERD-201 Trial3In an oral presentation being presented Monday, October 28 at ACG, Ronnie Fass, M.D., director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and medical director of the Digestive Health Center at MetroHealth in Cleveland, Ohio, and lead investigator of the PHALCON-NERD-201 trial, will provide results from a post-hoc analysis of the Phase 2 study. This research, recognized with the ACG Outstanding Research Award in the ‘Esophagus’ category, evaluated the efficacy of As Needed (On-Demand) dosing of VOQUEZNA, compared to placebo, for relief of episodic heartburn in participants with Non-Erosive GERD following a 4-week VOQUEZNA daily dosing “run-in” period. As previously reported, the primary analysis of the study demonstrated that all three VOQUEZNA doses tested (10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg) had higher percentages of heartburn completely relieved within three hours of dosing and sustained for 24 hours, with significant differences reported as early as one hour. Use of As Needed dosing in this population is investigational as VOQUEZNA has been neither evaluated nor approved by the FDA as an As Needed treatment for Non-Erosive GERD. To understand the practical application of As Needed dosing for VOQUEZNA, the new analysis examined daily heartburn symptom burden at baseline, during daily VOQUEZNA treatment, and upon switching to As Needed treatment after achieving symptom control during the run-in period. It also further evaluated the rate of symptom improvement upon treating new onset heartburn episodes during the As Needed dosing period.3 “As a healthcare provider, the concept of a novel As Needed dosing option for Non-Erosive GERD is highly compelling. I am pleased that ACG has recognized this data as a recipient of the ACG Outstanding Research Award, further reinforcing its importance to the GI community,” said Ronnie Fass, M.D. “The low frequency of heartburn after discontinuing daily VOQUEZNA treatment, coupled with the rapid onset of improvement following As Needed dosing, suggests that transitioning from daily dosing to As Needed treatment is a viable option for patients who previously respond well to daily therapy of VOQUEZNA. These promising results warrant further investigation in a larger and extended As Needed study period.” The double-blind, placebo-controlled PHALCON-NERD Phase 2 study randomized 207 patients who were eligible for On-Demand (“As Needed”) treatment following a 4-week daily dosing run-in period in which patients received VOQUEZNA 20 mg once-daily. Patients without heartburn in the last seven days of the run-in period were evenly randomized to receive 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg of VOQUEZNA, or placebo, for six weeks. Results of the study were published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics in September 2023.4 Results:3 Patients eligible for the On-Demand period (n=207) were highly symptomatic with a reported mean of 16.1% [95% CI: (13.5%, 18.7%)] heartburn-free days during screening. Heartburn-free days increased during the run-in period to a mean of 82.9% [95% CI: (80.4%, 85.4%)] and remained well above pre-treatment levels (means 71% to 75%) throughout the six-week On-Demand period.The difference in the improvement of treated heartburn episodes between the active and placebo groups became evident within the first hour of dosing (10 mg [75.5%, p<0.0001], 20 mg [69.1%, p = 0.0010], 40 mg [75.5%, p<0.0001], placebo [57.0%]).Over 90% of heartburn episodes treated with VOQUEZNA improved within two hours. Non-Erosive GERD is the largest category of GERD and is characterized by reflux-related symptoms in the absence of esophageal mucosal erosions. An estimated 45 million U.S. adults are living with Non-Erosive GERD, and approximately 15 million are treated with a prescription medicine annually. Despite longstanding treatment options, many patients continue to suffer from heartburn symptoms. As Needed dosing is a unique and differentiated dosing regimen for which proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a mainstay of GERD treatment, are not approved in the U.S.5 In July 2024, VOQUEZNA was approved by the FDA as a daily dosing treatment for the relief of heartburn associated with Non-Erosive GERD in adults.1 Nocturnal GERD Symptoms in Non-Erosive GERD6 In a poster presentation on Monday, October 28 at ACG, which has received ACG’s Presidential Poster Award, Dr. Catiele Antunes, M.D., Yale New Haven Hospital, will present data looking at the common, yet infrequently evaluated, nocturnal symptoms among patients with Non-Erosive GERD. The study included an exploratory analysis of a validated patient-reported outcomes scale, the Nocturnal Gastro-esophageal reflux disease Symptom Severity and Impact Questionnaire (N-GSSIQ), to determine the severity, morning impact, and concern about nocturnal GERD. “We are very pleased to continue to add to the body of clinical research evaluating the potential benefits of VOQUEZNA for GERD patients,” said Eckhard Leifke, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Phathom. “In our study, patients who experienced nocturnal GERD symptoms prior to VOQUEZNA treatment found effective and meaningful relief with daily dosing, reinforcing its potent and durable acid suppression profile in helping to address both daytime and nighttime heartburn. While these findings are exploratory, they show promise for the many individuals suffering from nocturnal GERD symptoms.” Results:6 Among 772 subjects, the mean percentage of heartburn-free nights during the screening period was 29.6%, 25.8% and 31.1%, for patients randomized to placebo, VOQUEZNA 10 mg and 20 mg, respectively.After 4 weeks, the least-square (LS) mean percentage of heartburn-free nights was significantly better with 59.9% for VOQUEZNA 10 mg (LS mean difference=16.5%, p<0.0001 vs. placebo), and 56.4% for VOQUEZNA 20 mg (LS mean difference=13.1%, p<0.0001 vs. placebo), compared to 43.3% for placebo. The median percentage of heartburn-free nights was 70.4% for VOQUEZNA 10 mg and 71.0% for VOQUEZNA 20 mg, compared to 45.5% for placebo.N-GSSIQ scores showed significant improvement with VOQUEZNA compared to placebo in total score (LS mean difference vs. placebo of -2.9 and -1.8 for VOQUEZNA 10 mg and 20 mg, respectively; p<0.005 for both comparisons), nocturnal symptom severity (LS mean difference vs. placebo of -5.4 and -3.5 for VOQUEZNA 10 mg and 20 mg; p<0.001 for both comparisons), and concern about nocturnal GERD (LS mean difference vs. placebo of -2.0 for both VOQUEZNA 10 mg and 20 mg; p<0.0001). In addition to these data presentations, Phathom will sponsor a product theater highlighting VOQUEZNA as an approved treatment for GERD and will also have a presence on the exhibit floor at booth #757 throughout the conference. Following the conclusion of ACG 2024, the abstracts will be posted to the publications and scientific section of the Phathom company website. VOQUEZNA is marketed exclusively by Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and is currently available via prescription. Please visit voqueznapro.com to learn more about VOQUEZNA. About Non-Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux DiseaseNon-Erosive GERD is the largest category of GERD and is characterized by reflux-related symptoms in the absence of esophageal mucosal erosions. There are over 65 million U.S. patients living with GERD, and it is estimated that approximately 70% of this population have Non-Erosive GERD. Symptoms of Non-Erosive GERD may impact overall quality of life and can include episodic heartburn, especially at night, regurgitation, problems swallowing, and chest pain.7,8 About VOQUEZNA®VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) tablets contain vonoprazan, an oral small molecule potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB). PCABs are a novel class of medicines that block acid secretion in the stomach. VOQUEZNA is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adults with Erosive Esophagitis, also known as Erosive GERD, the relief of heartburn associated with Erosive GERD, the relief of heartburn associated with Non-Erosive GERD, and for the treatment of H. pylori infection in combination with either amoxicillin or amoxicillin and clarithromycin. Phathom in-licensed the U.S. rights to vonoprazan from Takeda, which markets the product in Japan and numerous other countries in Asia and Latin America. About Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Phathom Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel treatments for gastrointestinal diseases. Phathom has in-licensed the exclusive rights to vonoprazan, a first-in-class potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) that is currently marketed in the United States as VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) tablets for the treatment of heartburn associated with Non-Erosive GERD in adults, the healing and maintenance of healing of Erosive GERD in adults and associated heartburn, in addition to VOQUEZNA® TRIPLE PAK® (vonoprazan tablets, amoxicillin capsules, clarithromycin tablets) and VOQUEZNA® DUAL PAK® (vonoprazan tablets, amoxicillin capsules) for the treatment of H. pylori infection in adults. For more information about Phathom, visit the company’s website at www.phathompharma.com and follow on LinkedIn and X. INDICATIONS AND USAGE VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) is a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) indicated in adults: for the healing of all grades of Erosive Esophagitis (Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or Erosive GERD) and relief of heartburn associated with Erosive GERD.to maintain healing of all grades of Erosive GERD and relief of heartburn associated with Erosive GERD.for the relief of heartburn associated with Non-Erosive GERD.in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.in combination with amoxicillin for the treatment of H. pylori infection. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS VOQUEZNA is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to vonoprazan or any component of VOQUEZNA, or in patients receiving rilpivirine-containing products. For information about contraindications of antibacterial agents (clarithromycin and amoxicillin) indicated in combination with VOQUEZNA, refer to the Contraindications section of the corresponding prescribing information. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Presence of Gastric Malignancy: In adults, symptomatic response to therapy with VOQUEZNA does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Consider additional follow-up and diagnostic testing in patients who have a suboptimal response or an early symptomatic relapse after completing treatment with VOQUEZNA. In older patients, also consider endoscopy. Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) has been reported with VOQUEZNA. If suspected, discontinue VOQUEZNA and evaluate patients with suspected acute TIN. Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea: Published observational studies suggest that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), especially in hospitalized patients. VOQUEZNA may also increase the risk of CDAD. Consider CDAD in patients with diarrhea that does not improve. Use the shortest duration of VOQUEZNA appropriate to the condition being treated. CDAD has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents. For more information specific to antibacterial agents (clarithromycin and amoxicillin) indicated for use in combination with VOQUEZNA, refer to Warnings and Precautions section of the corresponding prescribing information. Bone Fracture: Several published observational studies suggest that PPI therapy may be associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine, especially in patients receiving high dose (multiple daily doses) and long-term therapy (a year or longer). Bone fracture, including osteoporosis-related fracture, has also been reported with vonoprazan. Use the shortest duration of VOQUEZNA appropriate to the condition being treated. Patients at risk for osteoporosis-related fractures should be managed according to the established treatment guidelines. Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCAR): Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported with VOQUEZNA. Discontinue VOQUEZNA at the first signs or symptoms of SCAR or other signs of hypersensitivity and consider further evaluation. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency: Long-term use of acid-suppressing drugs can lead to malabsorption of Vitamin B12 caused by hypo- or achlorhydria. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been reported postmarketing with vonoprazan. If clinical symptoms consistent with vitamin B12 deficiency are observed in patients treated with VOQUEZNA, consider further workup. Hypomagnesemia and Mineral Metabolism: Hypomagnesemia has been reported postmarketing with vonoprazan. Hypomagnesemia may lead to hypocalcemia and/or hypokalemia and may exacerbate underlying hypocalcemia in at-risk patients. Consider monitoring magnesium levels prior to initiation of VOQUEZNA and periodically in patients expected to be on prolonged treatment, in patients taking drugs that may have increased toxicity in the presence of hypomagnesemia or drugs that may cause hypomagnesemia. Treatment of hypomagnesemia may require magnesium replacement and discontinuation of VOQUEZNA. Consider monitoring magnesium and calcium levels prior to initiation of VOQUEZNA and periodically while on treatment in patients with a preexisting risk of hypocalcemia. Supplement with magnesium and/or calcium, as necessary. If hypocalcemia is refractory to treatment, consider discontinuing VOQUEZNA. Interactions with Diagnostic Investigations for Neuroendocrine Tumors: Serum chromogranin A (CgA) levels increase secondary to drug-induced decreases in gastric acidity. The increased CgA level may cause false positive results in diagnostic investigations for neuroendocrine tumors. Temporarily discontinue VOQUEZNA treatment at least 4 weeks before assessing CgA levels and consider repeating the test if initial CgA levels are high. Fundic Gland Polyps: Use of VOQUEZNA is associated with a risk of fundic gland polyps that increases with long-term use, especially beyond one year. Fundic gland polyps have been reported with vonoprazan in clinical trials and during postmarketing use with PPIs. Most patients who developed fundic gland polyps were asymptomatic and fundic gland polyps were identified incidentally on endoscopy. Use the shortest duration of VOQUEZNA appropriate to the condition being treated. ADVERSE REACTIONS: Healing of Erosive GERD: The most common adverse reactions (≥2% of patients in the VOQUEZNA arm) include gastritis (3%), diarrhea (2%), abdominal distention (2%), abdominal pain (2%), and nausea (2%). Maintenance of Healed Erosive GERD: The most common adverse reactions (≥3% of patients in the VOQUEZNA arm) include gastritis (6%), abdominal pain (4%), dyspepsia (4%), hypertension (3%), and urinary tract infection (3%). Relief of Heartburn Associated with Non-Erosive GERD: The most common adverse reactions (≥2% of patients in the VOQUEZNA arm) include abdominal pain (2%), constipation (2%), diarrhea (2%), nausea (2%), and urinary tract infection (2%). Treatment of H. Pylori Infection (VOQUEZNA and Amoxicillin): The most common adverse reactions (≥2% in any treatment arm) include diarrhea (5%), abdominal pain (3%), vulvovaginal candidiasis (2%), nasopharyngitis (2%), dysgeusia (1%), headache (1%), and hypertension (1%). Treatment of H. Pylori Infection (VOQUEZNA, Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin): The most common adverse reactions (≥2% in any treatment arm) include dysgeusia (5%), diarrhea (4%), vulvovaginal candidiasis (3%), headache (3%), abdominal pain (2%), hypertension (2%), and nasopharyngitis (<1%). For more information on adverse reactions and laboratory changes with amoxicillin or clarithromycin, refer to Adverse Reactions section of the corresponding prescribing information. DRUG INTERACTIONS VOQUEZNA has the potential for clinically important drug interactions, including interactions with drugs dependent on gastric pH for absorption, drugs that are substrates for certain CYP enzymes, and some diagnostic tests. Avoid concomitant use of VOQUEZNA with atazanavir or nelfinavir. See full Prescribing Information for more details about important drug interactions. Consult the labeling of concomitantly used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with vonoprazan. For information about drug interactions, contraindications, and warnings and precautions of antibacterial agents (amoxicillin or clarithromycin) indicated in combination with VOQUEZNA, refer to their corresponding prescribing information. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. Because of the potential risk of adverse liver effects shown in animal studies with vonoprazan, advise patients not to breastfeed during treatment with VOQUEZNA. Renal Impairment: For the healing of Erosive GERD, dosage reduction is recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min). Use of VOQUEZNA is not recommended for the treatment of H. pylori infection in patients with severe renal impairment. Hepatic Impairment: For the healing of Erosive GERD, dosage reduction is recommended in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B and C). Use of VOQUEZNA is not recommended for the treatment of H. pylori infection in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. You are encouraged to report suspected adverse reactions by contacting Phathom Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-775-PHAT (7428) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Please see full Prescribing Information for VOQUEZNA. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or continue” and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, including statements about the ability of vonoprazan to relieve symptoms of GERD following As Needed dosing and to suppress nocturnal symptoms among patients with Non-Erosive GERD. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Phathom that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Phathom’s business, including, without limitation: additional data related to vonoprazan to relieve symptoms of GERD following As Needed dosing may be inconsistent with the data produced as of the date hereof, and further analysis of existing data and analysis of new data may lead to conclusions different from those established as of the date hereof; the inherent risks of clinical development of vonoprazan; Phathom’s dependence on third parties in connection with product manufacturing, research and preclinical and clinical testing; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate efficacy of vonoprazan that may limit its development, regulatory approval and/or commercialization, or may result in recalls or product liability claims; Phathom’s ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection and non-patent regulatory exclusivity for vonoprazan; Phathom’s estimates regarding patient population and commercial coverage could prove to be inaccurate; and other risks described in the Company’s prior press releases and the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Phathom undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. References VOQUEZNA. Prescribing Information. Phathom Pharmaceuticals; 2024.Data on file. Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Florham Park, NJFass R, et al. Heartburn Frequency and Symptom Improvement Rates of Treated Episodes when Switching From Daily to On-Demand Vonoprazan Treatment for Non-Erosive Reflux Disease; American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024 abstract; October 25-30, Philadelphia, PA.Fass R, Vaezi M, Sharma P, et al. Randomised clinical trial: Efficacy and safety of on-demand vonoprazan versus placebo for non-erosive reflux disease. Accessed September 17, 2024. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17728Antunes C, Aleem A, Curtis SA. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. NCBI Bookshelf. Accessed January 21, 2024. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441938/?report=printableAntunes C, et al. Vonoprazan Improves Nocturnal Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Non-Erosive Reflux Disease; American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024 abstract; October 25-30, Philadelphia, PA.Machiacado JD, Greer JB, Yadav D. (2021) Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Diseases. In: Pitchumoni CS, Dharmarajan T, (eds). Geriatric Gastroenterology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30192-7_7Antunes C, Aleem A, Curtis SA. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. NCBI Bookshelf. Accessed January 21, 2024. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441938/?report=printable MEDIA CONTACTNick Benedetto1-877-742-8466media@phathompharma.com INVESTOR CONTACTEric Sciorilli1-877-742-8466ir@phathompharma.com © 2024 Phathom Pharmaceuticals. All rights reserved.VOQUEZNA, VOQUEZNA DUAL PAK, VOQUEZNA TRIPLE PAK, Phathom Pharmaceuticals, and their respective logos are registered trademarks of Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 10/24US-VPZ-24-0557

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helio Genomics (“Helio” or “the Company”), an AI-driven biotechnology company specializing in diagnostics technology and test development for cancer detection, today announced the strategic partnership, in commercializing HelioLiver Dx in Saudi Arabia, with Halub Medical Co., a healthcare company for Saudi Arabia, GCC and Middle East. The test is expected to be commercially available in Saudi Arabia and The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Q1 2025, with the following 12-month revenue for Helio expected to exceed $10 million dollars. “We are honored to partner with Halub Medical, a top healthcare provider in the Middle East,” said Shu Li, PhD, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Helio Genomics. “There are about 25–30% of the worldwide population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can lead to an increased incidence of liver cancers. We believe HelioLiver Dx can significantly improve the current standard of care, and we are thrilled to contribute to the success of Saudi Arabia’s Health Cluster.” “We are very pleased to introduce HelioLiver Dx to Saudi Arabia,” said Sheikh Ahmed Almalki, Chairman of Board of Directors of Halub Medical and Founder of Smo Elfaker and Dr. Omar Almalki, CEO Halub Medical. “The breakthrough liver cancer screening test, based on the pivotal trial conducted by 50 of the top medical institutions in the U.S. led by Stanford Medical Centers, demonstrates 4-times better sensitivity. In addition, we believe that a blood-based test such as HelioLiver Dx will have a significantly higher adherence rate, up to 9-times, compared to the current standard of care, ultrasound.” “With the introduction of the world leading AI-multi-modal platform technology and Helio’s world-renowned scientific team to the Health Cluster of Saudi Arabia, we are looking forward not only to saving lives by much better liver-cancer screening technologies, but also co-developing many other new early detection tests for major degenerative diseases,” said Dr. Talal A Almalki, CEO of Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. About HelioLiver Dx HelioLiver Dx is a multi-analyte blood test that analyzes cfDNA, methylation patterns, serum protein markers and demographic information to detect early-stage HCC. HelioLiver achieved superior sensitivity and non-inferior specificity compared to ultrasound, the current standard of care for HCC surveillance, as demonstrated by the results of the ENCORE and CLiMB clinical trials. HelioLiver Dx has received a Category I Current Procedural Terminology Proprietary Laboratory Analyses, or CPT PLA, code from the American Medical Association, effective October 1, 2022, which establishes a reimbursement pathway and facilitates expected Medicare coverage for increased access and potential broader adoption of HelioLiver in the United States. Based on the results of the CLiMB trial, Helio submitted its PMA application for HelioLiver to the FDA in the second quarter of 2024 for authorization as a Class III medical device. Prior to FDA approval, HelioLiver will remain commercially available in the United States in a CLIA laboratory as a laboratory developed test, or LDT. About Helio Genomics Helio Genomics is a commercial-stage, AI-driven biotechnology company focused on developing pioneering diagnostics for early cancer detection and prevention. Committed to improving global cancer survival rates, Helio Genomics specializes in blood-based diagnostic technologies, utilizing advanced approaches liquid biopsy and DNA methylation analysis to detect cancer at its earliest stages. The company's flagship product, HelioLiver, is a multi-analyte blood test dedicated to the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common and aggressive form of liver cancer. By evaluating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation patterns, serum protein markers, and demographic data, HelioLiver integrates AI and multi-marker analysis to deliver a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools. Helio pipeline portfolio includes multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing, focusing on cancers like liver, breast, and lung, which are notoriously challenging to detect early. As a science-driven company, Helio Genomics collaborates with clinical and academic institutions worldwide to advance cancer diagnostics, striving to make these solutions accessible and affordable on a global scale. For more information, please visit https://heliogenomics.com/. About Halub Medical Co. Halub Medical Co., based in Taif, Saudi Arabia, is a leading healthcare provider specializing in the distribution of laboratory diagnostic test kits across the GCC and Middle East, as well as advanced dermatology and aesthetic procedures. Known for high-quality diagnostic solutions, Halub Medical supplies a comprehensive range of test kits, supporting diverse medical and laboratory needs—from infectious disease detection and hormone level assessment to genetic testing and biochemical analyses. This distribution expertise enables healthcare facilities throughout the region to enhance their diagnostic capabilities with reliable and precise testing solutions. In addition to its diagnostic services, Halub Medical Co. features a premier facility for dermatology and aesthetic treatments, offering state-of-the-art laser services, including tattoo removal, permanent hair reduction, acne and scar revision, skin resurfacing, and vascular therapies. The center’s specialized treatments also address pigmented lesions, wrinkle reduction, vascular issues, body contouring, and laser-assisted lipolysis, catering to the most advanced skincare and aesthetic needs. Complementing these services, Halub Medical’s training center provides expert medical training and certification programs, empowering healthcare professionals to excel in both diagnostic and aesthetic fields. Recently, the owner extended their healthcare commitment by opening a rehabilitation center focused on addiction recovery, further enhancing healthcare support within the community. For more information, please visit https://halubmedical.com. Investor Contact: Jeremy Feffer Managing Director LifeSci Advisors jfeffer@lifesciadvisors.com

Agomab’s lead candidate is being investigated as a treatment for patients with fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease (FSCD). Credit: Hananeko_Studio via Shutterstock. Agomab Therapeutics has secured $89m in Series D funding to support clinical trials of its fibrotic disease treatments, with some help from Sanofi . Belgium-based Agomab announced that Sanofi and Invus have joined as new investors in its latest funding round, following on from a $100m Series C round in October 2023, and a $114m Series B where Pfizer led an extension round. The funds will be used to advance the development of Agomab’s lead candidate AGMB-129, a treatment for patients with fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease (FSCD). The oral small molecule inhibitor of ALK5 (TGFβ1R) is currently being investigated in the Phase IIa STENOVA trial (NCT05843578). The company expects to share interim results from the 90-patient trial in early 2025. Positive data from the Phase I trial (NCT04933565) of AGMB-129 was reported in February 2023, where the candidate demonstrated high local exposure in the ileum, with no drug-related safety signals or dose-limiting toxicities. Patients with FSCD have strictures in the intestines caused by inflammation and scarring, for which there is no cure. The company also has an inhaled treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), named AGMB-447, and a liver cirrhosis candidate AGMB-101. AGMB-447 is being investigated in a Phase I trial (NCT06181370) and Agomab plans to start clinical development of AGMB-101, which is “in the final stages of IND-enabling studies”. See Also: Dyno and Roche collaborate on neurological gene therapies Takeda and BMC partner to decarbonise US healthcare sector Sanofi continues to assert itself in the immunology space, signing deals with parties such as Recludix, Teva Pharmaceutical and IGM Biosciences . The company expanded its immunology pipeline further in June 2024, entering a $700m strategic partnership with Belharra Therapeutics to spur the development of small molecule therapies for immunological diseases. Sanofi and Regeneron’s immune-targeting biologic Dupixent (dupilumab) has been picking up label expansions since its 2017 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for atopic dermatitis. The drug earned $11.6bn last year, as per Regeneron’s financials, and is set to generate $23.6bn in 2030, according to GlobalData consensus forecasts. GlobalData is the parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology. In the announcement accompanying the funding, Agomab’s CEO Tim Knotnerus said: “We are thrilled to have Sanofi and Invus joining our investor syndicate. Their investment as well as the continued support from our existing shareholders is another validation of the trailblazing work our team is conducting in the fields of fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.”