Meningitis, Fungal

Sustained efficacy was confirmed with an annualized relapse rate of 0.098 and 67% of patients were relapse-free at six years Safety was consistent with prior findings and the established safety pro Zeposia with nearly 10 years of clinical experience In a separate DAYBREAK analysis, nearly 97% of followed patients were relapse-free at 90 days post Zeposia discontinuation; patients that did relapse showed no evidence of rebound effect PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) today announced new results from the Phase 3 DAYBREAK open-label extension trial, demonstrating the long-term efficacy and safety pro Zeposia (ozanimod) in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). These data (Poster #P090) and nine additional abstracts will be presented at the 9th annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida taking place February 29 to March 2. In the DAYBREAK long-term extension study, treatment with Zeposia demonstrated a low annualized relapse rate of 0.098. Three- and six-month confirmed disability progression was absent in 82.8% and 84.8% of participants in the trial respectively. At Month 60, the adjusted mean number of new/enlarging T2 lesions per scan (range: 0.79–0.93) and the adjusted mean number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions (0.06–0.08) were similar across patient cohorts. “These DAYBREAK data continue to validate the role of Zeposia in the long-term management of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, with two-thirds of patients relapse-free at six years of treatment,” said Bruce Cree, MD, PhD, MAS, study investigator and professor of Clinical Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Clinical Research Director, UCSF MS Center. “These findings add to our confidence in Zeposia as an important treatment option for people living with the disease, highlighting its efficacy and safety over time.” In the DAYBREAK trial, 2,494 participants were exposed to Zeposia for an average of 60.9 months (12,664.7 person-years); 2,219 participants (89.0%) had any treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE), 381 (15.3%) had a serious TEAE and 98 (3.9%) discontinued the study due to a TEAE. The most common TEAEs were nasopharyngitis (21.3%), headache (17.1%), COVID-19 infection (16.5%) and upper respiratory tract infection (12.4%). No new safety signals emerged; data from this long-term observational study of patients treated for up to 81.5 months were consistent with the established safety pro Zeposia. Additionally, a separate analysis (Poster #P097) was conducted to assess the risk of rebound after Zeposia discontinuation in the DAYBREAK trial. Five hundred forty-four participants (21.8%) discontinued the study early, while 1,950 participants (78.2%) remained on treatment until the end of the trial. Approximately 2.2% were known to have relapsed after permanently discontinuing Zeposia, with 87.3% of relapses occurring between 29 and 90 days (median time to onset: 61 days) after discontinuation. Nearly all patients were not taking any disease modifying therapy for MS at the time of relapse. Most relapses were mild (n=20 [36.4%]) or moderate (n=34 [61.8%]) and most patients made a complete recovery. No post-treatment relapse was associated with rebound effect, characterized by severe exacerbation of disease or severe persistent increase in disability. “Currently no cure exists for multiple sclerosis, but effective strategies and treatments can help slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms,” said Jonathan Sadeh, MD, MSc, senior vice president and head of global program leaders, Immunology, Cardiovascular and Neuroscience development, Bristol Myers Squibb. “These DAYBREAK efficacy, safety and rebound data underscore a consistent and sustained safety and efficacy pro add to the body of evidence supporting Zeposia’s role in the treatment armamentarium. We remain focused on advancing care and delivering meaningful innovations in neuroscience, including for the millions of people impacted by relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.” At the ACTRIMS Forum 2024, Bristol Myers Squibb and collaborators will present multiple abstracts that reinforce the company’s growing body of research on Zeposia as a treatment for relapsing forms of MS and unwavering commitment to people living with the disease. Summary of Presentations: Bristol Myers Squibb presentations featured at the ACTRIMS Forum 2024 include: Zeposia clinical abstracts Long-term safety and efficacy of ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis: Final analysis of the DAYBREAK open-label extension study Author: Krzysztof Selmaj Presentation Number: P090 Session Number: Poster session 1 Absence of rebound effect following ozanimod discontinuation among participants in the DAYBREAK open-label extension study Author: Ralf Gold Presentation Number: P097 Session: Poster session 1 Patient-reported outcomes after 1 year of ozanimod use for early relapsing multiple sclerosis: An interim analysis of the ENLIGHTEN study Author: Sarah Morrow Presentation Number: P433 Session: Poster session 2 Baseline predictors of long-term disability progression in ozanimod-treated participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis from the SUNBEAM, RADIANCE, and DAYBREAK trials Author: Hans-Peter Hartung Presentation Number: P096 Session: Poster session 1 Changes in cognitive functioning over 1 year in ozanimod-treated patients with early relapsing multiple sclerosis: An interim analysis of the ENLIGHTEN study Author: John DeLuca Presentation Number: P354 Session: Poster session 2 Long-term efficacy of ozanimod in disease-modifying treatment–naive vs experienced patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis Author: Diego Centonze Presentation Number: P092 Session: Poster session 1 Long-term efficacy of the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator ozanimod by age category in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: Final results from two Phase 3 trials and an open-label extension trial Author: Bruce Cree Presentation Number: P091 Session: Poster session 1 Effects of ozanimod on cognitive processing speed: Updated findings from the Phase 3 SUNBEAM and DAYBREAK extension trials Author: John DeLuca Presentation Number: P353 Session: Poster session 2 Zeposia MS health economics outcomes research abstracts Real-world clinical outcomes for disease-modifying therapy–naïve and experienced patients with multiple sclerosis treated with ozanimod: A U.S. retrospective medical chart review Author: Damemarie Paul Presentation Number: P477 Session: Poster session 2 Ozanimod use in patients with multiple sclerosis treated in a large U.S. healthcare system: A retrospective case series Author: Jennifer Hadlock Presentation Number: P478 Session: Poster session 2 Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators who have participated in Zeposia clinical trials. About DAYBREAK DAYBREAK was a Phase 3, multi-center, long-term open-label extension study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Zeposia (ozanimod) administered orally to patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). Eligible patients from the RADIANCE, SUNBEAM and RPC01-1001 trials diagnosed with RMS were enrolled to receive treatment until the end of the DAYBREAK. Patients in the trial received Zeposia 0.92 mg (equivalent to 1 mg). About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling, unpredictable disease in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath that covers the nerves. The myelin damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Ultimately, the nerves themselves may deteriorate—a process that's currently irreversible. MS affects 700,000 people in Europe and approximately 2.9 million people worldwide. Relapsing forms of MS (RMS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, is characterized by clearly defined attacks of worsening neurologic function. These attacks—often called relapses, flare-ups or exacerbations—are followed by partial or complete recovery periods. During these recovery periods, also called remissions, symptoms improve partially or completely with no apparent progression of disease. However, smoldering neuroinflammation can be present from the earliest stages of MS, which is underlying and continuous disease activity occurring simultaneously in different areas of the brain that contributes to disability accumulation. Since MS relapses are unpredictable, patients can feel frustrated, stressed or scared when they occur. RMS is the most common disease course at the time of diagnosis. Approximately 85% of patients are initially diagnosed with RMS, compared with 10%-15% diagnosed with progressive forms of the disease. Bristol Myers Squibb: Delivering Breakthrough Science for Meaningful Interventions in Neuroscience Neurological conditions represent some of the greatest challenges of our time because of their impact on society, including patients, caregivers, families and healthcare systems. At Bristol Myers Squibb, we are committed to advancing our robust pipeline of potential medicines for neurological disorders with the goal of modifying disease and improving quality of life. Leveraging genetics, biomarkers and predictive sciences, we target key pathways involved in the initiation and progression of neurological diseases to develop therapies with the potential to optimize patient outcomes. About Zeposia (ozanimod) Zeposia (ozanimod) is an oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that binds with high affinity to S1P receptors 1 and 5. Zeposia blocks the capacity of lymphocytes to egress from lymph nodes, reducing the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The mechanism by which Zeposia exerts therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown but may involve the reduction of lymphocyte migration into the central nervous system. Zeposia is approved in numerous countries around the world for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of MS and adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. U.S. FDA APPROVED INDICATIONS ZEPOSIA® (ozanimod) is indicated for the treatment of: Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Contraindications: Patients who in the last 6 months, experienced myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), decompensated heart failure requiring hospitalization, or Class III/IV heart failure or have a presence of Mobitz type II second-degree or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial block, unless the patient has a functioning pacemaker Patients with severe untreated sleep apnea Patients taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor Infections: ZEPOSIA may increase the susceptibility to infections. Life-threatening and rare fatal infections have occurred in patients receiving ZEPOSIA. Obtain a recent (i.e., within 6 months or after discontinuation of prior MS or UC therapy) complete blood count (CBC) including lymphocyte count before initiation of ZEPOSIA. Delay initiation of ZEPOSIA in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved. Consider interruption of treatment with ZEPOSIA if a patient develops a serious infection. Continue monitoring for infections up to 3 months after discontinuing ZEPOSIA. Herpes zoster was reported as an adverse reaction in ZEPOSIA-treated patients. Herpes simplex encephalitis and varicella zoster meningitis have been reported with sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. Patients without a healthcare professional-confirmed history of varicella (chickenpox), or without documentation of a full course of vaccination against varicella zoster virus (VZV), should be tested for antibodies to VZV before initiating ZEPOSIA. A full course of vaccination for antibody-negative patients with varicella vaccine is recommended prior to commencing treatment with ZEPOSIA. Cases of fatal cryptococcal meningitis (CM) were reported in patients treated with another S1P receptor modulator. If CM is suspected, ZEPOSIA should be suspended until cryptococcal infection has been excluded. If CM is diagnosed, appropriate treatment should be initiated. In the MS and UC clinical studies, patients who received ZEPOSIA were not to receive concomitant treatment with antineoplastic, non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive, or immune-modulating therapies used for treatment of MS and UC. Concomitant use of ZEPOSIA with any of these therapies would be expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression. When switching to ZEPOSIA from immunosuppressive medications, consider the duration of their effects and their mode of action to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects. Use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided during and for 3 months after treatment with ZEPOSIA. If live attenuated vaccine immunizations are required, administer at least 1 month prior to initiation of ZEPOSIA. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): PML is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain that typically occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability. PML has been reported in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators, including ZEPOSIA, and other MS and UC therapies and has been associated with some risk factors. If PML is suspected, withhold ZEPOSIA and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation. If confirmed, treatment with ZEPOSIA should be discontinued. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) has been reported in MS patients treated with S1P receptor modulators who developed PML and subsequently discontinued treatment. IRIS presents as a clinical decline in the patient’s condition that may be rapid, can lead to serious neurological complications or death, and is often associated with characteristic changes on MRI. The time to onset of IRIS in patients with PML was generally within a few months after S1P receptor modulator discontinuation. Monitoring for development of IRIS and appropriate treatment of the associated inflammation should be undertaken. Bradyarrhythmia and Atrioventricular Conduction Delays: Since initiation of ZEPOSIA may result in a transient decrease in heart rate and atrioventricular conduction delays, dose titration is recommended to help reduce cardiac effects. Initiation of ZEPOSIA without dose escalation may result in greater decreases in heart rate. If treatment with ZEPOSIA is considered, advice from a cardiologist should be sought for those individuals: with significant QT prolongation with arrhythmias requiring treatment with Class 1a or III anti-arrhythmic drugs with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, history of cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, and uncontrolled hypertension with a history of Mobitz type II second-degree or higher AV block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial heart block Liver Injury: Elevations of aminotransferases may occur in patients receiving ZEPOSIA. Obtain liver function tests, if not recently available (i.e., within 6 months), before initiation of ZEPOSIA. Patients who develop symptoms suggestive of hepatic dysfunction should have hepatic enzymes checked and ZEPOSIA should be discontinued if significant liver injury is confirmed. Fetal Risk: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Based on animal studies, ZEPOSIA may cause fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 3 months after stopping ZEPOSIA. Women who become pregnant while taking ZEPOSIA for MS may enroll in the ZEPOSIA pregnancy registry by calling 1-877-301-9314 or visiting . Increased Blood Pressure: Increase in systolic pressure was observed after about 3 months of treatment and persisted throughout treatment. Blood pressure should be monitored during treatment and managed appropriately. Certain foods that may contain very high amounts of tyramine could cause severe hypertension in patients taking ZEPOSIA. Patients should be advised to avoid foods containing a very large amount of tyramine while taking ZEPOSIA. Respiratory Effects: ZEPOSIA may cause a decline in pulmonary function. Spirometric evaluation of respiratory function should be performed during therapy, if clinically indicated. Macular Edema: S1P modulators have been associated with an increased risk of macular edema. Patients with a history of uveitis or diabetes mellitus are at increased risk. Patients with a history of these conditions should have an ophthalmic evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, prior to treatment initiation and regular follow-up examinations. An ophthalmic evaluation is recommended in all patients at any time if there is a change in vision. Continued use of ZEPOSIA in patients with macular edema has not been evaluated; potential benefits and risks for the individual patient should be considered if deciding whether ZEPOSIA should be discontinued. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Rare cases of PRES have been reported in patients receiving a S1P receptor modulator. If a ZEPOSIA-treated patient develops unexpected neurological or psychiatric symptoms or any symptom/sign suggestive of an increase in intracranial pressure, a complete physical and neurological examination should be conducted. Symptoms of PRES are usually reversible but may evolve into ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. If PRES is suspected, treatment with ZEPOSIA should be discontinued. Unintended Additive Immunosuppressive Effects From Prior Immunosuppressive or Immune-Modulating Drugs: When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects while at the same time minimizing risk of disease reactivation. Initiating treatment with ZEPOSIA after treatment with alemtuzumab is not recommended. Severe Increase in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disability After Stopping ZEPOSIA: In MS, severe exacerbation of disease, including disease rebound, has been rarely reported after discontinuation of a S1P receptor modulator. The possibility of severe exacerbation of disease should be considered after stopping ZEPOSIA treatment so patients should be monitored upon discontinuation. After stopping ZEPOSIA in the setting of PML, monitor for development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PML-IRIS). Immune System Effects After Stopping ZEPOSIA: After discontinuing ZEPOSIA, the median time for lymphocyte counts to return to the normal range was 30 days with approximately 90% of patients in the normal range within 3 months. Use of immunosuppressants within this period may lead to an additive effect on the immune system, therefore caution should be applied when initiating other drugs 4 weeks after the last dose of ZEPOSIA. Most Common Adverse Reactions that occurred in the MS clinical trials of ZEPOSIA-treated patients (≥4%): upper respiratory infection, hepatic transaminase elevation, orthostatic hypotension, urinary tract infection, back pain, and hypertension. In the UC clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions that occurred in ≥4% of ZEPOSIA-treated patients and greater than in patients who received placebo were upper respiratory infection, liver test increased, and headache. Use in Specific Populations: Hepatic Impairment: Dosage adjustment in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B) is required, and use of ZEPOSIA in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) is not recommended. For additional safety information, please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide. About Bristol Myers Squibb Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, that results of future post-marketing studies will be consistent with the results of this study, that Zeposia (ozanimod) for the additional indication described in this release may not be commercially successful, any marketing approvals, if granted, may have significant limitations on their use, and that continued approval of such treatment for such additional indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in additional confirmatory trials. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb’s business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bristol Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. corporatefinancial-news

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

ORALTO Phase 3 trial focused on desired initial target indication of early oral step-down treatment of invasive aspergillosis infections in adults who have limited or no treatment options Non-inferiority trial will enroll approximately 216 patients with primary endpoint of all-cause mortality at day 42 Key secondary endpoint includes superiority of oral step-down treatment with MAT2203 vs. AmBisome® (liposomal amphotericin B) for treatment-related toxicities leading to changes in treatment BEDMINSTER, N.J., Feb. 20, 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, announces alignment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the design of a single Phase 3 registration trial of MAT2203 in patients with invasive aspergillosis who have limited treatment options (the “ORALTO” trial). The ORALTO trial design is built upon the successful Phase 2 EnACT trial that confirmed MAT2203’s efficacy and safety as a step-down and all-oral therapy in HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis, as well as the Company’s ongoing Compassionate/Expanded Use Access Program in individuals suffering from severe invasive fungal infections with no other treatment options. “We are pleased to achieve alignment with the FDA on the design of a single Phase 3 trial to support the registration of MAT2203 for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in patients with limited treatment options,” commented Dr. Theresa Matkovits, Chief Development Officer at Matinas. “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to work collaboratively with the FDA, which was essential for reaching consensus on all critical elements of the registrational path for MAT2203. Importantly, we view ORALTO as a registration trial with a high probability of clinical success given the ongoing positive patient clinical experience in our Compassionate/Expanded Use Access Program, which mirrors the patients to be enrolled in our upcoming Phase 3 registration trial.” “Reaching this agreement with the FDA is a major milestone for Matinas and a testament to the dedication and expertise of our collective team,” added Jerome D. Jabbour, Chief Executive Officer of Matinas. “We are energized by the support and guidance from the FDA, and believe this alignment provides the requisite certainty to advance our partnership discussions for this important product. We are pursuing every opportunity to secure a partner and to advance MAT2203 into this Phase 3 registration trial as quickly as possible.” About ORALTO ORALTO is a Phase 3, randomized, multicenter, open-label, adjudicator-blinded study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MAT2203 as an oral step-down treatment following treatment with AmBisome (liposomal IV-amphotericin B) compared with the standard of care in patients with invasive aspergillosis who have limited treatment options. The primary efficacy endpoint is all-cause mortality at study day 42. Key secondary objectives include: (a) demonstration of superiority of oral-step down treatment with MAT2203 compared with AmBisome for treatment-related toxicities leading to changes in treatment (i.e., dose adjustment/discontinuations or changes to treatment regimens); (b) long-term survival benefit of MAT2203 using all-cause mortality at study day 84;(c) evaluation of the impact of MAT2203 on healthcare resource utilization and quality of life impact.Enrollment is expected to include approximately 216 adults with recently diagnosed probable or proven invasive aspergillosis who are being treated with AmBisome due to their inability to receive an IV mold-active azole and with limited alternative treatment options. Following up to two days of initial treatment with AmBisome, eligible study participants will be entered into the study and randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either oral MAT2203 or continued AmBisome treatment followed by standard of care. All study participants will receive up to 12 weeks of treatment starting from the first day of treatment with AmBisome. It is anticipated that all study participants will be hospitalized during the initial AmBisome treatment period. After step-down to oral MAT2203, study participants may be discharged from the hospital to continue treatment on an outpatient basis, as clinically appropriate. An independent Data Review Committee, who will be blinded to treatment, will adjudicate primary and secondary endpoints, including clinical, radiological, and mycological responses. Once approximately 75% of participants are enrolled, an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board will review the overall pooled all-cause mortality rate in a blinded fashion to ensure that the sample size assumptions are reasonable and that the study is adequately powered. Should the pooled event differ substantially from expected levels, a sample size adjustment can be made to the trial. ORALTO will be a global trial conducted at approximately 65 investigator sites in the U.S., Europe, South America, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Enrollment is expected to commence in the second half of 2024 and is expected to require approximately 24 months. About Invasive Aspergillosis in Patients with Limited Treatment Options Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious and life-threatening invasive fungal infection that occurs primarily in severely immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies and in transplant recipients. IA has been increasing globally due to advancements in the medical management of these patients and has recently been recognized as a global public health concern. In 2022, the World Health Organization released their Fungal Priority Pathogen List that designated Aspergillus fumigatus, the most common cause of IA, to be in the Critical Priority group (i.e., the highest perceived public health threat). Aspergillus is also included in the FDA qualified designation list of pathogens that pose a serious and life-threatening risk. The one-year mortality for patients with IA has been reported to be 41% in solid organ transplant recipients and up to 75% in stem cell transplant recipients. Although outcomes have improved since the development of mold-active azoles, the use of these agents is often complicated by treatment-limiting toxicities, drug-drug interactions, and the recent emergence of drug resistance. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Treatment Guidelines recommend that patients with IA receive treatment with a mold-active azole for a minimum of 6 to 12 weeks, largely dependent on the degree and duration of immunosuppression, site of disease, and evidence of disease. Although the mold-active azoles are generally effective, their use requires a considerable degree of expertise to manage toxicities and drug-drug interactions which often limit duration of treatment. IA caused by Aspergillus species that are resistant to mold-active azoles has been increasing globally due to the chronic use of azoles and the widespread use of azole fungicides in agriculture. This emerging resistance is particularly concerning because IA due to azole-resistant Aspergillus is a life-threatening disease with a high mortality rate. Patients with hematological malignancies and transplant recipients often receive antifungal prophylaxis with a mold-active azole to prevent infection during high-risk periods. Recently, cases of breakthrough IA have been reported in patients receiving antifungal prophylaxis. The reason for these apparent failures of prophylaxis may be non-compliance, poor absorption, drug-drug interactions, or infection with a drug-resistant Aspergillus species. The IDSA Treatment Guidelines recommend an intravenously administered amphotericin B, such as AmBisome, as an alternative for patients with IA who are unable to receive treatment with a mold-active azole. However, IV amphotericin B can cause nephrotoxicity and electrolyte abnormalities which usually requires hospitalization for close monitoring and electrolyte supplementation. Other complications of IV amphotericin B include acute infusion reactions with dyspnea, hypoxia, chest and back pain, IV-site phlebitis, anemia, and hepatotoxicity. As such, treatment with IV amphotericin B for more than a few weeks is generally not safe or practical. There are no oral antifungals available that will enable these patients to complete the recommended 6 to 12 weeks of treatment. Accordingly, there is a critical unmet medical need for effective and well-tolerated oral antifungal agents to treat these patients with IA. 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 resulting in a lower risk of toxicity and potentially creating the ideal antifungal agent for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. MAT2203 was successfully evaluated in the completed Phase 2 EnACT study in cryptococcal meningitis, meeting its primary endpoint and achieving robust survival. 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 ContactLHA Investor RelationsJody Cain Jcain@lhai.com310-691-7100