Estrella Immunopharma, Inc.

EMERYVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Estrella Immunopharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESLA, ESLAW) (“Estrella” or the “Company”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing CD19 and CD22-targeted ARTEMIS ® T-cell therapies to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, today announced that the first patient enrolled in its STARLIGHT-1 Phase I/II clinical trial has achieved a complete response (CR) one month after receiving an infusion of EB103 CD19- Redirected ARTEMIS ® T Cells. In a clinical trial, a complete response means that no detectable signs of disease or cancer remain after treatment. The patient, diagnosed with follicular lymphoma grade 3A with high-risk 3B symptoms, was enrolled in the STARLIGHT-1 trial at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and received EB103 therapy after relapsing three times following prior treatments. Given the patient’s high tumor burden and multiple comorbidities, the patient was considered at high-risk, which might have increased the severity of side effects like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity with commercially available CAR-T treatments. However, no treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs) were observed in this case. “We are cautiously optimistic about these early results and the favorable safety pro EB103 observed in our first treated patient of this clinical trial,” said Cheng Liu, Ph.D., President and CEO of Estrella Immunopharma. “Our goal is to develop ARTEMIS ® T-cell therapies that not only match but also surpass the efficacy of commercially available CAR-T therapies, while also addressing their safety shortcomings. By improving safety, we hope to reach a broader patient population and make T-cell therapy accessible in community hospitals, not just specialized cancer centers.” “We are excited to see the positive early safety and efficacy results in our first treated patient,” said Naseem Esteghamat, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and Principal Investigator of the trial. “We look forward to continuing our study to further validate these findings and expand access to this potentially curative therapy.” The Phase I/II STARLIGHT-1 clinical trial is an open-label, dose escalation, multi-center, Phase I/II clinical trial to assess the safety of EB103 autologous T-cell therapy and to determine the Recommended Phase II Dose (RP2D) in adult subjects (≥ 18 years of age) who have relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell NHL. The study includes a dose escalation phase followed by an expansion phase. Further details of the trial can be found at under NCT identifier: NCT06343311. About EB103 EB103, a T-cell therapy, also referred to as Estrella’s “CD19-Redirected ARTEMIS® T-Cell Therapy,” utilizes ARTEMIS ® technology licensed from Eureka Therapeutics, Inc. (“Eureka”), Estrella’s parent company. Unlike a traditional CAR-T cell, the unique design of an ARTEMIS ® T-Cell, like EB103 T-cell, allows it to be activated and regulated upon engagement with cancer targets that use a cellular mechanism more closely resembling the one from an endogenous T-cell receptor. Once infused, EB103 T-cells seek out CD19-positive cancer cells, bind to these cells, and destroy them. About Estrella Immunopharma Estrella is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing CD19 and CD22-targeted ARTEMIS ® T-cell therapies to treat cancers and autoimmune diseases. Estrella’s mission is to harness the evolutionary power of the human immune system to transform the lives of patients fighting cancer and other diseases. To accomplish this mission, Estrella’s lead product candidate, EB103, utilizes Eureka’s ARTEMIS ® technology to target CD19, a protein expressed on the surface of almost all B-cell leukemias and lymphomas. Estrella is also developing EB104, which also utilizes Eureka’s ARTEMIS ® technology to target not only CD19, but also CD22, a protein that, like CD19, is expressed on the surface of most B-cell malignancies. For more information about Estrella, please visit . Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, including but not limited to those regarding the potential benefits and therapeutic advantages of EB103 and ARTEMIS® T-cell therapy, the anticipated progress and milestones of the STARLIGHT-1 Phase I/II clinical trial, the potential for EB103 to address limitations of current commercially available CAR-T therapies, and the future development plans for EB103, are based on our management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate and our management’s current beliefs and assumptions. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. These statements relate to future events or our financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Contacts Investor Relations Estrella Immunopharma, Inc. IR@estrellabio.com

EMERYVILLE, Calif.--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- Estrella Immunopharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESLA, ESLAW) ("Estrella", “Estrella Immunopharma”, or the "Company"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing CD19 and CD22-targeted ARTEMIS ® T-cell therapies to treat cancers and autoimmune diseases, today announced the appointment of Hong Zhang as Chairperson and a member of its Board of Directors. This appointment comes shortly after the Company dosed the first patient in its Phase I/II clinical trial (STARLIGHT-1) for EB103, an autologous T-cell therapy for adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL). Ms. Zhang’s appointment increases the size of Estrella's Board from five to six directors. Dr. Cheng Liu, Estrella's Chief Executive Officer and previous Chairman, will continue to serve as a director on the Board. "Hong is a tremendous addition to our board, bringing extensive strategic leadership experience and financial expertise that will greatly benefit Estrella’s mission,” said Cheng Liu, Ph.D., President and CEO of Estrella. “Hong’s broad financial background will complement the strong science and business expertise already present on the board. I am confident that with Hong’s insights, the Company is well-positioned to continue advancing novel drug development.” “I am excited to join Estrella and work alongside such a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in the lives of patients,” said Ms. Zhang. “I look forward to contributing to the growth of Estrella.” Ms. Zhang is a highly accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience in financial and corporate strategy. Most recently, she served as Vice President at Incinta Medical Group Ltd., where she played a key role in establishing the company’s strong financial position and growth. Before that, Ms. Zhang simultaneously served as the Chairperson at Beijing Ocean Co-stone Capital Investment Management Company, and as Managing Director at Shenzhen Co-stone Venture Investment Management Company and oversaw fund management, risk control and investment. Earlier in her career, she held the position of Vice President at UOB Investment (China) Ltd., a private equity company. Ms. Zhang began her career in the legal division of Shandong High-Tech Investment Corporation Co. Ltd., a venture capital firm, working as a management counsel. In addition to her role at Estrella, Ms. Zhang currently has ownership of and serves on the board of Co-Fame Investment Management Co. Ltd. Ms. Zhang holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Shandong University and a Postgraduate degree in Laws from China University of Political Science and Law. About Estrella Immunopharma Estrella is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing CD19 and CD22-targeted ARTEMIS ® T-cell therapies to treat cancers and autoimmune diseases. Estrella's mission is to harness the evolutionary power of the human immune system to transform the lives of patients fighting cancer and other diseases. To accomplish this mission, Estrella's lead product candidate, EB103, utilizes Eureka's ARTEMIS ® technology to target CD19, a protein expressed on the surface of almost all B-cell leukemias and lymphomas. Estrella is also developing EB104, which also utilizes Eureka's ARTEMIS ® technology to target not only CD19, but also CD22, a protein that, like CD19, is expressed on the surface of most B-cell malignancies. For more information about Estrella, please visit www.estrellabio.com . About EB103 EB103, a T-cell therapy and Estrella’s lead product candidate, also referred to as Estrella's "CD19-Redirected ARTEMIS ® T-Cell Therapy," utilizes ARTEMIS ® technology licensed from Eureka Therapeutics, Inc. ("Eureka"), Estrella's parent company. Unlike a traditional CAR-T cell, the unique design of an EB103 T-cell allows it to be activated and regulated upon engagement with cancer targets that use a cellular mechanism more closely resembling the one from an endogenous T-cell receptor. Once infused, EB103 T-cells seek out CD19-positive cancer cells, bind to these cells, and destroy them. EB103 is currently being evaluated in the STARLIGHT-1 Phase I/II clinical trial, which dosed its first patient in July 2024. This trial focuses on assessing the safety and efficacy of EB103 in adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, including but not limited to those regarding the potential benefits and therapeutic advantages of EB103 and ARTEMIS ® T-cell therapy, the anticipated benefits of recent appointments to our board of directors, the anticipated progress and milestones of the STARLIGHT-1 Phase I/II clinical trial, and the future development plans for EB103, are based on our management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate and our management’s current beliefs and assumptions. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. These statements relate to future events or our financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Certification Prioritizes Emotional and Physical Well-Being of Pet Patients, Their Owners and Hospital Teams AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking achievement, the Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center in Round Rock, Texas, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, becomes the first combination emergency and specialty hospital to attain Fear Free Veterinary Practice Certification. This recognition highlights the hospital's dedication to providing a stress-free environment for pets during medical crises, supporting pet owners coping with a beloved pet's illness, and assisting hospital teams working in an emotionally charged setting. Continue Reading "We understand the unique stress that veterinary visits can have on pets and their families." Post this Team members from Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center in Round Rock, Texas, proudly display their Fear Free Veterinary Practice Certification, become the first combination emergency and specialty hospital in the country to achieve this status. Pet owners can expect to see the Fear Free philosophy in action, from the waiting room to the examination room, ensuring that every pet receives gentle, loving care tailored to their emotional needs. Recognizing the impact of emotional health on physical well-being, the Heart of Texas team has integrated Fear Free practices into all aspect of patient and client care protocols. "We understand the unique stress that veterinary visits can have on pets and their families," says Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center Medical Director Dr. Meighan Daly DeHart. "This certification required a team-wide effort. It's more than a title; it's a reflection of our commitment to provide a safe, effective and stress-free experience for all. We're proud to lead the charge as the first ER/specialty hospital to embrace this game-changing philosophy fully." Fear Free, initiated by Dr. Marty Becker in 2016, provides online education and certification programs for veterinary professionals. "Fear Free practices are essential in modern veterinary medicine," explains Dr. Becker. "The principles we advocate are not just about treating animals; they're about creating a healing environment that reduces anxiety for everyone involved." To achieve Fear Free Practice Certification status, the Heart of Texas team underwent rigorous training, showing significant improvements in client retention, visit frequency, and care quality. Pet owners can expect to see the Fear Free philosophy in action, from the waiting room to the examination room, ensuring that every pet receives gentle, loving care tailored to their emotional needs. This approach not only helps pets feel more comfortable but also allows veterinary professionals to perform their roles with greater ease and safety. "Seeing Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center become the first combination ER/specialty hospital to be Fear Free Certified is a landmark moment for us at Fear Free," said Dr. Jennifer Merlo, Director of Veterinary Affairs at Fear Free. "Thrive Pet Healthcare's commitment to integrating our principles has set a remarkable precedent in veterinary medicine. It exemplifies how a focused effort on reducing fear, anxiety and stress can transform the care experience for pets, their families, and the veterinary teams who work tirelessly to support them." Randy Valpy, CEO of Fear Free celebrates this achievement, stating, "The Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty and 24-Hour Emergency Center is setting a new bar for veterinary excellence. Their dedication to the Fear Free mission is a beacon for other practices to follow." "When our hospitals achieve Fear Free Practice Certification status, that means they have taken the commitment to creating a stress-free environment to the next level," says Dr. Kelly Cairns, Thrive Pet Healthcare's Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education. "In doing so, they not only change the way their hospital operates, but they also transform the way pets and people experience veterinary care." Thrive Pet Healthcare's initiative to integrate Fear Free practices across their network of more than 380 hospitals in 37 states has paved the way for veterinary establishments to elevate the standard of care. In addition to Heart of Texas, the following eight Thrive Pet Healthcare partner hospitals have taken Fear Free philosophy and practice to the next level by achieving practice certification status: Primary Care Clark Veterinary Hospital, Nashua, New Hampshire South Baton Rouge Animal Hospital, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Suburban Animal Hospital, Rochester, New York Bargersville Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center, Franklin, Indiana Estrella Veterinary Hospital, Capistrano Beach, California Primary/Specialty Care Saint Francis Veterinary Center of South Jersey, Swedesboro, New Jersey Bloom Animal Hospital, Livonia, Michigan Emergency Care Emergency Pet Clinic San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas To locate a Thrive Pet Healthcare location near you, including primary, specialty, urgent and emergency veterinary care services, visit . About Thrive Pet Healthcare: Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service network that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet's life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit . About Fear Free Founded by Dr Marty Becker and developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling, Fear Free offers online and in-person education to veterinary professionals, the pet professional community, animal shelter staff and volunteers, and pet owners. Fear Free provides both professionals and pet lovers alike with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet's physical and emotional wellbeing. Veterinary or pet professionals can learn more about becoming Fear Free Certified by visiting fearfreepets.com. Pet owners can visit fearfreehappyhomes.com to access free videos, articles, and more that will help improve the physical and emotional health of their pets right at home. Shelter, rescue, and animal welfare employees and volunteers can visit fearfreeshelters.com to enroll in the complimentary program. SOURCE Thrive Pet Healthcare