Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

WALTHAM, Mass., March 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Morphic Therapeutic (Nasdaq: MORF), a biopharmaceutical company developing a new generation of oral integrin therapies for the treatment of serious chronic diseases, today announced that Simon Cooper, M.B.B.S., has joined the Company as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Cooper is an accomplished leader in drug development with appreciable success and a proven history across all phases of clinical development and in a wide variety of therapeutic areas, particularly autoimmune, inflammatory, cardiovascular, and pulmonary diseases. Dr. Cooper most recently served as Chief Medical Officer of Keros Therapeutics. “Simon brings clinical development expertise stemming from leadership roles across the entire spectrum of clinical development from first-in-human studies through FDA submissions and approvals of highly successful therapeutics. Of particular relevance to Morphic as we advance MORF-057, is Simon’s experience in the development and approvals for therapeutically effective and commercially successful autoimmune and inflammatory agents in the GI space,” commented Praveen Tipirneni, Chief Executive Officer of Morphic. “On behalf of the entire Morphic Team and our Board of Directors, I welcome Simon and look forward to collaboration on our exciting work.” “In MORF-057, Morphic holds the possibility of creating a new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease with an ideal product profile: an orally administered, well tolerated and clinically meaningful therapeutic. I am also excited about the prospects for Morphic research programs for small molecules against non-integrin immunology targets and am looking forward to working with the Morphic Team,” commented Dr. Cooper. About Simon Cooper Dr. Simon Cooper was most recently Chief Medical Officer of Keros Therapeutics. Prior to Keros, Dr. Cooper served as Chief Medical Officer of each of Kadmon Holdings and Anokion, where he drove significant advances in program development and building key functional areas to support clinical development for assets in the autoimmune, inflammatory, and immuno-oncology areas. Dr. Cooper was previously Asset Strategy Leader at AbbVie where he played a key role in the development of risankizumab in a variety of indications including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Dr. Cooper has also held the role of Vice President, Global Project Head for the sarilumab program at Sanofi and Group Program Medical Director at Novartis, leading the submission of the secukinumab program in psoriasis. Earlier in this career, Dr. Cooper held roles of increasing responsibility at research and development organizations including Wyeth Research, Napp Pharmaceutical Research, Roche, Human Genome Sciences and MedImmune. Dr Cooper holds a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne Medical School. Grant of Inducement Award In connection with Dr. Cooper’s appointment as Chief Medical Officer, Morphic’s Board of Directors granted Dr. Cooper, pursuant to the Company’s 2024 Equity Inducement Plan and in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4): (i) stock options to purchase up to 170,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $33.46 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the grant date (the “Option Grant”), (ii) restricted stock units (“RSUs”) with respect to 14,000 shares of our common stock (the “New-Hire RSU Grant”) and (iii) RSUs with respect to 7,000 shares of our common stock (the “Sign-On RSU Grant” and together with the Option Grant and the New-Hire RSU Grant, the “Grants”). The Grants are subject to the terms and conditions of the 2024 Equity Inducement Plan, and the terms and conditions of the stock option and RSU agreements covering the Grants. About Morphic Therapeutic Morphic Therapeutic is a biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of oral integrin therapies for the treatment of serious chronic diseases, including autoimmune, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. Morphic is also advancing its pipeline and discovery activities in collaboration with Schrödinger using its proprietary MInT technology platform which leverages the Company’s unique understanding of integrin structure and biology. For more information, visit . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to: our plans to develop and commercialize oral small-molecule integrin therapeutics and any proposed timing thereof; the initiation, execution and completion of clinical trials of MORF-057; and the ability of MORF-057 to treat inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other indications. Statements including words such as “believe,” “plan,” “continue,” “expect,” “will be,” “develop,” “signal,” “potential,” “anticipate” or “ongoing” and statements in the future tense are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including risks and uncertainties in this press release and other risks set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, among others, our or a partner’s ability to complete a current or future clinical trial of any of our current or future product candidates, our ability to develop or obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize any product candidate, our ability to protect our intellectual property, and the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents and investments to fund our operations. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and we specifically disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements or reasons why actual results might differ, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Contact Morphic Therapeutic Chris Erdman chris.erdman@morphictx.com 617.686.1718

SAN DIEGO and TAICANG, China, March 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Connect Biopharma Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: CNTB) (“Connect Biopharma” or the “Company”), a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases through the development of therapies derived from T cell-driven research, today announced that Zheng Wei, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO, and Raúl Collazo, Ph.D., Global Head of Medical Affairs will participate in H.C. Wainwright 2nd Annual Autoimmune & Inflammatory Disease Virtual Conference in a fireside chat on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Please see below for additional details about the event and how to request a one-on-one meeting with management. H.C. Wainwright Autoimmune & Inflammatory Disease Virtual Conference Location: Virtual Format: Fireside chat Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024, 4:00 p.m. EDT Registration and 1x1 Meeting Requests: Click Here About Connect Biopharma Holdings Limited Connect Biopharma is a global, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company applying its expertise in T cell biology and deep knowledge of the drug discovery industry to develop innovative therapies to treat chronic inflammatory diseases with the goal of improving the lives of millions of those affected around the world. The Company is building a rich pipeline of proprietary small molecules and antibodies, using functional T cell assays, to screen and discover potent product candidates against validated immune targets. The Company’s lead product candidate, rademikibart (formerly known as CBP-201), is an antibody designed to target interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) in development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. The Company’s second product candidate, icanbelimod (formerly known as CBP-307), is a modulator of S1P1 T cell receptors and is in development for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). For more information, please visit: Forward-Looking Statements Connect Biopharma cautions that statements included in this release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “predict,” “seek,” “contemplate,” “look forward,” “potential,” “continue” or “project” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include the Company’s plans to advance the development of its product candidates, the timing of achieving any development, regulatory or commercial milestones or reporting data or whether such milestones or data will be achieved or generated, including whether any new drug application will be submitted or accepted and the timing thereof, and the potential of such product candidates, including to achieve any benefit, improvement, differentiation, trend or pro any product approval or be effective. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Connect Biopharma that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual data may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business and other risks described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 11, 2023, and its other reports. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Connect Biopharma undertakes no obligation to revise or update this release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Connect Biopharma’s filings with the SEC which are available from the SEC’s website ( ) and on Connect Biopharma’s website ( ) under the heading “Investors.” All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. INVESTOR CONTACT: Tim McCarthy LifeSci Advisors tim@lifesciadvisors.com

WALTHAM, Mass., March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spyre Therapeutics, Inc. ("Spyre" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SYRE), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of investigational antibody therapeutics with the potential to transform the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD"), today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private investment in public equity ("PIPE") financing that is expected to result in gross proceeds of approximately $180 million to the Company, before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses. The PIPE financing included participation from both new and existing investors, including Adage Capital Partners LP, Avidity Partners, Boxer Capital, Darwin Global Management, Deep Track Capital, funds affiliated with Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C., Logos Capital, Perceptive Advisors, RTW Investments, a leading biotechnology investor associated with one of the largest alternative asset managers, and a large investment management firm. Pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement, Spyre is selling an aggregate of 121,625 shares of its Series B non-voting convertible preferred stock (the "Series B preferred stock") at a price of $1,480.00 per share. The shares of Series B preferred stock are convertible into an aggregate of 4,865,000 shares of common stock. Subject to Spyre stockholder approval, each share of Series B preferred stock will automatically convert into 40 shares of common stock, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations set by each holder. The PIPE financing is expected to close on or about March 20, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the PIPE financing, together with the Company's existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, to fund its pipeline programs, and for general corporate purposes and working capital. The Company also expects that the net proceeds will extend its cash runway to fund its operating plan well into 2027. Jefferies, TD Cowen, Evercore ISI, Stifel, Guggenheim Securities, and LifeSci Capital are acting as joint placement agents for the PIPE financing. The offer and sale of the foregoing securities are being made in a transaction not involving a public offering and the securities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be reoffered or resold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. Concurrently with the execution of the securities purchase agreement, Spyre and the investors entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which the Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") registering the resale of the shares of common stock underlying the Series B preferred stock sold in the PIPE financing. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Spyre Therapeutics Spyre Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that aims to create the next-generation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) products by combining best-in-class antibody engineering, rational therapeutic combinations, and precision medicine approaches. Spyre's pipeline includes investigational extended half-life antibodies targeting α4β7, TL1A, and IL-23. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release, other than purely historical information, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning Spyre and other matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements relating to Spyre's management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future including, without limitation, the intended use of net proceeds from the PIPE financing, Spyre's cash sufficiency and runway, and the expected timing of closing of the PIPE financing and the completion of the PIPE financing, Spyre's business plans and the anticipated benefits of the management changes. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words "opportunity," "potential," "milestones," "pipeline," "can," "goal," "aim," "strategy," "target," "seek," "anticipate," "achieve," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intends," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" and similar expressions (including the negatives of these terms or variations of them) may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Spyre will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Spyre's control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions and the satisfaction of closing conditions, as well as those uncertainties and factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" and "Note about Forward-Looking Statements" in Spyre's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors included in other filings by Spyre from time to time. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Spyre's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth therein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. Spyre does not undertake or accept any duty to make any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements. This press release does not purport to summarize all of the conditions, risks and other attributes of an investment in Spyre. SOURCE Spyre Therapeutics, Inc.