Letetresgene autoleucel

Afami-cel commercial and regulatory update presented at Company's Investor Day (replay HERE); FDA review and inspections progressing with PDUFA date of August 4th, 2024 Commercial and manufacturing infrastructure in place to support afami-cel commercial launch upon approval Data from SPEARHEAD-1 pivotal trial with afami-cel published in The Lancet; data from a planned interim analysis of pivotal lete-cel IGNYTE-ESO trial to be presented at ASCO Cash runway into late 2025 Conference call today at 8 a.m. EDT webcast link HERE Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Oxford, United Kindgom--(News - May 15, 2024) - Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ: ADAP), a company redefining the treatment of solid tumor cancers with cell therapy, today reports financial results and business updates for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. The Company will host a live webcast at 8:00 a.m. EDT (1:00 p.m. BST) today. Adrian Rawcliffe, Adaptimmune's Chief Executive Officer: "Support from the sarcoma community continues to highlight the high unmet medical need for new therapies for synovial sarcoma and we are making great progress preparing for the commercial launch of afami-cel on approval. Behind afami-cel, we plan to launch lete-cel for synovial sarcoma and MRCLS in 2026 with projected peak US sales of $400 million for our sarcoma franchise." Sarcoma Franchise with afami-cel and lete-cel U.S. FDA accepted the BLA for afami-cel for the treatment of advanced synovial sarcoma with priority review and a PDUFA date of August 4th, 2024 The BLA mid-cycle review meeting was held with FDA in April FDA GCP Bioresearch Monitoring Program (BIMO) inspections have been conducted at Adaptimmune and at selected clinical sites that participated in the pivotal SPEARHEAD-1 trial FDA GMP Pre-license inspections (PLI) have taken place at the Company's Navy Yard facility and at the lentiviral vector contract manufacturer's facility Preliminary plans for confirmatory evidence for afami-cel's full approval were previously agreed with FDA, including Cohort 2 Adaptimmune expects to discuss post-marketing requirements and commitments at the late-cycle meeting which is scheduled for the second half of May To date, the FDA has not requested an Advisory Committee meeting or a REMS program The marketing application for the companion diagnostic for MAGE-A4 is currently under FDA review and is expected to be approved contemporaneously with the BLA Adaptimmune is preparing to launch afami-cel on approval in the U.S. Initially, launch will be focused on 6-10 selected treatment centers ("Authorized Treatment Centers" or "ATCs") and will expand to up to ~30 ATCs. 100% of the customer facing commercial and medical affairs teams is now in place Company launched : an unbranded website aimed at educating healthcare providers about TCR T-cell therapy in solid tumors, including synovial sarcoma, and the role of biomarkers and testing to determine future treatments The second product in Adaptimmune's sarcoma franchise, lete-cel, is being investigated in the pivotal IGNYTE-ESO trial (NCT03967223), which at a planned interim analysis exhibited response in 18/45 of patients (ORR 40%). The primary efficacy endpoint requires 16/60 patients have responses, so this trial has met its primary endpoint for efficacy. The full pivotal analyses are anticipated in late 2024. Lete-cel will enable Adaptimmune to expand its addressable synovial sarcoma patient population by targeting the NY-ESO cancer antigen, in addition to MAGE-A4 targeted by afami-cel, as well as treating Myxoid Round Cell Liposarcoma (MRCLS) patients. Sarcoma franchise of afami-cel and lete-cel leverages same development and commercial footprint with US peak year sales projected to be up to $400 million Data presentations Data from pivotal SPEARHEAD-1 trial with afami-cel published in The Lancet: article entitled "Afamitresgene autoleucel for advanced synovial sarcoma and myxoid round cell liposarcoma (SPEARHEAD-1): an international, open-label, phase 2 trial" Data from the planned interim analysis of the pivotal IGNYTE-ESO trial with lete-cel to be presented by Dr. Sandra P. D'Angelo, M.D., Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in an oral presentation at ASCO entitled "Lete-cel in patients with synovial sarcoma or myxoid/round cell liposarcoma: Planned interim analysis of the pivotal IGNYTE-ESO trial" during the Developmental Therapeutics-Immunotherapy session in Hall D2 on June 3, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. CDT Clinical pipeline Uzatresgene autoleucel ("uza-cel", formerly ADP-A2M4CD8) is being investigated in the SURPASS-3 Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT05601752) for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Uza-cel received FDA RMAT designation in 2022 for the treatment of patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer. The SURPASS-3 trial is currently enrolling patients. Cohorts in the Phase 1 SURPASS trial are ongoing for people with head & neck and urothelial (bladder) cancers with uza-cel in combination with standard of care checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Preclinical pipeline IND-enabling studies are underway for ADP-600 (PRAME) and ADP-520 (CD70) programs. Wholly owned allogeneic pipeline advancing; process development in progress at Adaptimmune's allogeneic manufacturing facility in Milton Park, UK. Data presentation Poster presented by George Pope, Ph.D., Associate Director Preclinical Safety at Adaptimmune, entitled "Development and Preclinical Characterization of an Engineered T-Cell Therapy Targeting PRAME-Expressing Solid Tumors" at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Annual meeting Corporate news As announced earlier today, Adaptimmune has secured up to $125 million in debt financing with Hercules Capital with the first tranche of $25 million available upon closing; and an additional $25 million available upon afami-cel approval Cash runway into late 2025 which includes current cash on hand, anticipated revenues from the launch of afami-cel, expected future income from partners and other non-dilutive capital sources including the Company's new debt facility with Hercules Capital Company announced that its strategic collaboration with Genentech was terminated Financial Results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 Cash / liquidity position: As of March 31, 2024, Adaptimmune had cash and cash equivalents of $140.7 million and Total Liquidity[1] of $143.7 million, compared to $144.0 million and $146.9 million respectively, as of December 31, 2023. Revenue: Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $5.7 million compared to $47.6 million for the same period in 2023. Revenue has decreased in 2024, compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to the termination of the Astellas collaboration in the first quarter of 2023, resulting in the remaining deferred income for the collaboration being recognized as revenue in March 2023. Research and development (R&D) expenses: R&D expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, were $35.2 million compared to $25.5 million for the same period in 2023. R&D expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased in employee-related costs and additional costs associated with lease properties following the acquisition of TCR2 in June 2023 and a decrease in offsetting reimbursements receivable for research and development tax and expenditure credits. General and administrative (G&A) expenses: G&A expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, were $19.7 million compared to $20.4 million for the same period in 2023. G&A expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased due to restructuring and charges recognised in the first quarter of 2023 and a decrease in other corporate costs due to an increase in accounting, legal and professional fees incurred in relation to the TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc merger agreement that were not repeated in 2024, offset by an increase in depreciation due to leasehold improvements capitalised in 2023. Net loss/profit: Net loss attributable to holders of the Company's ordinary shares for the three months March 31, 2024, was $48.5 million ($(0.03) per ordinary share), compared to a profit of $1.0 million ($0.00 per ordinary share), for the same periods in 2023. Financial Guidance The Company believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, together with anticipated revenues from the launch of afami-cel, expected future income from partners and other non-dilutive capital sources including the Company's new debt facility with Hercules Capital announced earlier today, will fund the Company's current operations into late 2025, as further detailed in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2024, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission following this earnings release. Today's Webcast Details A live webcast and replay can be accessed at . Call in information is as follows: 1-800-806-5484 (US or Canada) or +416-340-2217 (International and additional options available HERE) and the passcode is 3025919#. Callers should dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and simply ask to join the Adaptimmune call. About Adaptimmune Adaptimmune is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on designing, developing, and delivering cell therapies to transform the lives of people with cancer. The Company's unique engineered T-cell receptor (TCR) platform enables the engineering of T-cells to target and destroy cancers across multiple solid tumor types. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, and include, without limitation: the success, cost and timing of our product development activities and clinical trials and our ability to successfully advance our TCR therapeutic candidates through the regulatory and commercialization processes. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to our business in general, we refer you to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended 31 December, 2023, our 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 contained in this press release speak only as of the date the statements were made and we do not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Total Liquidity (a non-GAAP financial measure) Total Liquidity (a non-GAAP financial measure) is the total of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities (available-for-sale debt securities). Each of these components appears separately in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The U.S. GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to Total Liquidity is cash and cash equivalents as reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements, which reconciles to Total Liquidity as follows (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2024 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 140,670 $ 143,991 Marketable securities - available-for-sale debt securities 2,982 2,947 Total Liquidity $ 143,652 $ 146,938 The Company believes that the presentation of Total Liquidity provides useful information to investors because management reviews Total Liquidity as part of its assessment of overall solvency and liquidity, financial flexibility, capital position and leverage. Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited, in thousands, except per share data) Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Revenue $ 5,678 $ 47,601 Operating expenses Research and development (35,207) (25,548) General and administrative (19,732) (20,397) Total operating expenses (54,939) (45,945) Operating (loss)/profit (49,261) 1,656 Interest income 1,345 676 Other income (expense), net (61) (671) (Loss)/profit before income tax expense (47,977) 1,661 Income tax expense (526) (625) Net (loss)/profit attributable to ordinary shareholders $ (48,503) $ 1,036 Net (loss)/profit per ordinary share Basic $ (0.03) $ 0.00 Diluted $ (0.03) $ 0.00 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 1,451,241,661 991,330,402 Diluted 1,451,241,661 1,000,276,615 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited, in thousands, except share data) March 31, December 31, 2024 2023 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 140,670 $ 143,991 Marketable securities - available-for-sale debt securities (amortized cost of $2,981 and $2,940) net of allowance for expected credit losses of $0 and $0 2,982 2,947 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for expected credit losses of $0 and $0 8,404 821 Other current assets and prepaid expenses 34,847 59,793 Total current assets 186,903 207,552 Restricted cash 2,858 3,026 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net of accumulated amortization of $14,381 and $13,220 19,434 20,762 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $48,445 and $46,020 48,291 50,946 Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $5,198 and $5,155 524 330 Total assets $ 258,010 $ 282,616 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 6,587 $ 8,128 Operating lease liabilities, current 5,250 5,384 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 23,050 30,303 Deferred revenue, current 31,524 28,973 Total current liabilities 66,411 72,788 Operating lease liabilities, non-current 18,442 19,851 Deferred revenue, non-current 147,365 149,060 Other liabilities, non-current 1,417 1,404 Total liabilities 233,635 243,103 Stockholders' equity Common stock - Ordinary shares par value £0.001, 1,702,760,280 authorized and 1,532,974,878 issued and outstanding (2023: 1,702,760,280 authorized and 1,363,008,102 issued and outstanding) 2,081 1,865 Additional paid in capital 1,096,690 1,064,569 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,720) (3,748) Accumulated deficit (1,071,676) (1,023,173) Total stockholders' equity 24,375 39,513 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 258,010 $ 282,616 Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited, in thousands) Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities Net (loss)/profit $ (48,503) $ 1,036 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation 2,771 1,659 Amortization 59 186 Share-based compensation expense 3,102 1,676 Unrealized foreign exchange losses 305 563 (Accretion)/amortization on available-for-sale debt securities (23) 112 Other (19) 134 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase in receivables and other operating assets 15,620 3,683 (Decrease)/increase in payables and other current liabilities (7,650) 21 Decrease/(increase) in deferred revenue 2,388 (46,353) Net cash used in operating activities (31,950) (37,283) Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (102) (2,349) Acquisition of intangible assets (256) (173) Maturity or redemption of marketable securities — 50,863 Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities (358) 48,341 Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of common stock from offerings, net of commissions and issuance costs 29,161 188 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 74 8 Net cash provided by financing activities 29,235 196 Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (416) 588 Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (3,489) 11,842 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at start of period 147,017 109,602 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 143,528 $ 121,444 Adaptimmune Contact Investor Relations Juli P. Miller, Ph.D. - VP, Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations T : +1 215 825 9310 M : +1 215 460 8920 Juli.Miller@adaptimmune.com Media Relations Dana Lynch, Senior Director of Corporate Communications M: +1 267 990 1217 Dana.Lynch@adaptimmune.com [1] Total liquidity is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is explained and reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP below To view the source version of this press release, please visit

Pictured: A collage representing cell and gene therapy/Taylor Tieden for BioSpace In 2023, cell and gene therapy saw an unprecedented surge with seven FDA approvals, and this year, an even greater number of these treatments could reach the market. So far in 2024, the regulator has given the green light to three new CGTs, and at least seven additional cell and gene therapy products are expected to receive approval by year’s end, according to a March report from the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine. “All signs point to 2024 surpassing 2023 as a landmark year for cell and gene therapy,” David Barrett, CEO of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT), told BioSpace. The first approval this year belonged to Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics’ Casgevy, which won the FDA’s nod in January for use in transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. This followed the agency's December 2023 approval of Casgevy as one of the first two cell-based gene therapies to treat patients with sickle cell disease. It also represented the first FDA approval of a therapy using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Then, in February, Iovance Biotherapeutics’ Amtagvi was approved as the first one-time cell therapy for a solid tumor and the first tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes therapy, for advanced melanoma patients who have worsened after being treated with certain other therapies failed. Finally, last month, the FDA greenlit Orchard Therapeutics’ Lenmeldy, which entered the U.S. market as the first gene therapy for children with metachromatic leukodystrophy, and the word’s most expensive drug, with a $4.25 million price tag. Looking forward, the FDA has upcoming PDUFA dates for several more novel CGTs, including a traditional in vivo gene therapy delivered via viral vector, a couple of gene-corrected cell therapies in which a patient’s cells are modified by gene therapy outside of the body and then reinfused, and a new CAR-T. Two Q1 reports, from ASGCT and the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, highlight some of these regulatory actions as potential catalysts for the sector, with approvals poised to propel the CGT space. The ASGCT report includes a list of noteworthy events in Q1 2024, while ARM’s report makes the case that 2024 could be a banner year for cell therapy. Here, BioSpace reviews five products under regulatory review that were highlighted by both organizations. Pfizer’s Beqvez Indication: Hemophilia B Therapy type: In vivo gene therapy Action date: April 27 Later this month, the FDA will rule on Pfizer’s gene therapy for hemophilia B, Beqvez. This engineered version of the factor IX coagulation gene carried by an adeno-associated virus is administered via a single infusion. Beqvez has been approved by Health Canada to treat adults with hemophilia B based on positive data from the Phase III BENEGENE-2 study, which showed a significant reduction in bleeding rate and infusion frequency. The Big Picture An FDA approval would put Pfizer in competition with CSL Behring, whose gene therapy Hemgenix, which is also administered via a single intravenous infusion, became the first FDA-approved gene therapy for hemophilia B in November 2022. Pricing details for Beqvez are not yet available, but Hemgenix costs $3.5 million per dose. Chris Boshoff, Pfizer’s chief oncology officer, told BioSpace the company aims to leverage its experience to ensure smooth market entry and efficient delivery to eligible patients. Abeona Therapeutics’ pz-cel Indication: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa Therapy type: Gene-corrected cell therapy Action date: May 25 Next up is Abeona Therapeutics’ pz-cel, which delivers a functional collagen-producing COL7A1 gene into a patient’s own skin cells using a retroviral vector, for the treatment of patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). RDEB, a rare connective tissue disorder, causes severe skin wounds, pain and life-threatening complications stemming from compromised immunity due to a deficiency in the COL7A1 gene, preventing the production of functional type VII collagen. In November 2023, the FDA granted priority review to pz-cel based on clinical data from the Phase III VIITAL study and long-term results from a Phase I/IIa study, which demonstrated sustained wound healing and pain reduction. The Big Picture Ira Leiderman, managing director of healthcare at Cassel Salpeter, underscored the importance of evaluating therapeutic options against the rarity and impact of the disease. A positive decision on Abeona’s pz-cel will help address the high unmet need of RDEB patients and may lead to transformative interventions in this challenging rare genetic disorder, Leiderman told BioSpace. If approved, pz-cel would follow Krystal Biotech’s Vyjuvek, the first gene therapy approved for recessive or dominant DEB in May 2023. Abeona said in March it is actively preparing for the potential U.S. launch of pz-cel, including discussions with treatment sites and payer engagement. Rocket Pharmaceuticals’ Kresladi Indication: Leukocyte adhesion deficiency-1 Therapy type: Ex-vivo vector gene therapy Action date: June 30 While Rocket Pharmaceuticals initially anticipated a decision on its gene therapy for leukocyte adhesion deficiency-I (LAD-I) by March, the FDA requested more review time and extended the deadline to June 30. Severe LAD-I, a rare genetic disorder affecting children, is caused by mutations in the ITGB2 gene that lead to life-threatening infections. Without regular bone marrow transplants, survival beyond childhood is rare. Kresladi contains patient-derived hematopoietic stem cells genetically modified with a lentiviral vector to carry functional copies of the ITGB2 gene, crucial for leukocyte adhesion and infection-fighting. In November 2023, the FDA accepted Rocket’s BLA for Kresladi with priority review, following positive efficacy and safety data from a global Phase I/II study, in which all nine LAD-I patients were alive 12 to 24 months post-infusion. Significant reductions in infection rates were observed compared to pre-treatment levels, along with the resolution of LAD-I–related skin lesions and restoration of wound healing capabilities. Kresladi also holds the FDA’s Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy, Rare Pediatric, Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations. The Big Picture This marks Rocket’s inaugural product filing and is a notable advancement for patients, offering an alternative to bone marrow transplant, which carries significant risks and may not be readily accessible. Rocket is enhancing its commercial infrastructure in preparation for a potential product launch, including center initiation, channel strategies, education and payer engagement. Rocket CEO Gaurav Shah told BioSpace the FDA is reallocating reviewers to focus on rare diseases and complex biologics, necessitating changes and a transition period. Shah noted that the delayed decision, based on the FDA’s request for clarity on chemistry, manufacturing and controls information submitted by Rocket, is common among CGTs and does not raise significant concerns beyond ensuring the regulator has sufficient resources for the approval process. Adaptimmune’s afami-cel Indication: Advanced synovial sarcoma Therapy type: T cell receptor therapy Action date: August 4 Adaptimmune is gearing up for the potential launch of its inaugural product in the sarcoma franchise, afami-cel, intended for treating advanced synovial sarcoma, with a PDUFA date set for August 4. Afami-cel received FDA priority review in January. Synovial sarcoma, which makes up 5% to 10% of soft tissue sarcomas, typically affects individuals under 30, with a five-year survival rate of 20% for metastatic cases. Recurrence is frequent, necessitating multiple lines of therapy and potential exhaustion of treatment options. Afami-cel is a single-dose engineered T cell receptor therapy targeting MAGE-A4-posititive tumor cells. The therapy’s clinical data from the SPEARHEAD-1 trial revealed that about 39% of patients experienced clinical responses, with a median response duration of around 12 months. Median overall survival was about 17 months, contrasting with historical data of less than 12 months for those who received two or more prior lines of therapy. Some 70% of responders to afami-cel were alive two years post-treatment. The FDA granted afami-cel Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation. The Big Picture If approved, afami-cel would become the first approved engineered T cell therapy for this type of cancer. In November 2023, the Investigational New Drug (IND) for another T cell therapy, lete-cel, was transferred from GSK to Adaptimmune for the pivotal IGNYTE-ESO clinical trial, following an interim analysis showing a 40% response rate in synovial sarcoma or myxoid/round cell liposarcoma patients. Adaptimmune CEO Adrian Rawcliffe said that the clinical results from the pivotal trial position lete-cel as a complement to afami-cel, potentially allowing the company’s sarcoma franchise to significantly expand its reach. He noted that leveraging the same commercial infrastructure intended for afami-cel could facilitate the efficient delivery of lete-cel to the market. Afami-cel would become the first engineered T cell therapy for a solid tumor. The franchise, including both afami-cel and lete-cel, “is projected to deliver up to $400 million in U.S. peak year sales,” Rawcliffe said in March. Autolus Therapeutics’ obe-cel Indication: B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Therapy type: CAR-T cell therapy Action date: November 16 In accepting Autolus Therapeutics’ BLA for its lead next-generation CAR-T therapy obe-cel for relapsed/refractory adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in January, the FDA set a PDUFA target action date of November 16. Obe-cel, an investigational CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, is designed to enhance clinical activity and safety compared to existing therapies by incorporating a fast target binding off-rate, minimizing T cell activation. In December 2022, Autolus hailed the Phase II FELIX trial as a success, as interim analysis showcased an overall remission rate of 70% for obe-cel in leukemia patients. CAR-T cell concentration peaked and persisted at 75% in peripheral blood after a median of 166.5 days post-infusion. The trial also demonstrated positive safety findings. Obe-cel holds the FDA’s Orphan Drug and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy status. Earlier this month, the company;’s obe-cel marketing application was accepted by the European Medicines Agency. The Big Picture The potential approval of a second cell therapy for solid tumors this year suggests breakthroughs in treating these cancers may be near, Stephen Majors, a spokesperson for the ARM, told BioSpace. There is an “increasing focus on solid tumors,” a previously elusive area for cell and gene therapy, he said. A recent $250 million deal granted BioNTech access to obe-cel, with the partner to aid in the launch and development program expansion and receive royalties based on net sales. Autolus expects obe-cel peak sales to exceed $300 million. Autolus could face competition from Gilead Sciences subsidiary Kite, which in 2021 gained FDA approval for its CAR-T therapy Tecartus, the first such treatment for ALL, achieving a 65% complete remission rate. Ana Mulero is a freelance writer based in Puerto Rico. She can be reached at anacmulero@outlook.com and @anitamulero on X.