Eblasakimab

Translational data presented during a late-breaker poster session from a head-to-head study of eblasakimab and dupilumab in a human tissue model of COPD indicates that eblasakimab performed better than dupilumab in improving airway function and enhancing bronchodilation at the same concentrations Results support further investigation of eblasakimab as a potential therapeutic option for COPD with potentially more effective blockade of Type-2 mediated inflammatory effects in lung tissue SAN MATEO, Calif. and SINGAPORE, May 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ASLN), a clinical-stage, immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients, today announced the late-breaking poster presentation of translational data from head-to-head studies of eblasakimab and dupilumab in human healthy and COPD-derived lung tissue models at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference 2024 in San Diego, California. “We are pleased to present the translational data that we have generated on eblasakimab in COPD at this prestigious conference. Eblasakimab showed significant improvement across all measured bronchial outcomes, a result we believe may be attributed to the potential of eblasakimab to inhibit the Type 2 receptor complex more efficiently than approved biologics, resulting in greater reduction in Th2 cytokine activity. Since airway hyperresponsiveness is clinically shared across asthma, COPD, and other lung disorders, these data support the further investigation of eblasakimab in a range of Type 2-driven lung conditions,” saidDr Carl Firth, Chief Executive Officer, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals. ATS 2024 International Conference presentation details: Late-breaker poster presentation Eblasakimab Significantly Alleviates IL-4 and IL-13 Induced Bronchial Airway Constriction in COPD-Derived Lung Slices (Poster ID 13753) Type 2 inflammation is observed in 30-40% of COPD patients1 and during exacerbations, characterized by impaired airflow, obstruction, and dyspnea2. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) are central mediators of Type 2 inflammation3 and are implicated in various mechanisms of airway obstruction in asthma4, suggesting they may play an essential role in COPD4. Blocking dual IL-4 and IL-13 signaling may have the potential to prevent bronchoconstriction. This was tested using the precision cut-lung slices (PCLS) model of COPD by treatment with dupilumab and eblasakimab which target different receptor subunits of the IL-4 and IL-13 signaling pathway. PCLS from a 66-year-old male with no known history of lung diseases (healthy PCLS) and a 67-year-old female with COPD (COPD PCLS) were used to test constriction and dilation responses to different treatment conditions including IL-4, IL-13, methacholine (bronchoconstrictor), formoterol (dilatory agent), and a range of concentrations of dupilumab and eblasakimab. In both healthy and COPD-derived lung tissues, eblasakimab significantly reduced IL-4- and IL-13-induced bronchial airway constriction. In IL-4 and IL-13 pre-treated healthy lung tissues, eblasakimab further restored formoterol-induced airway dilation, significantly better than dupilumab at the lower concentration, and improved methacholine-induced constriction. The results suggest eblasakimab may provide a therapeutic benefit in reducing IL-4- and IL-13-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and that eblasakimab may provide relief in situations of acute airway constriction. In COPD PCLS, eblasakimab showed significant improvement across all measured bronchial outcomes whereas dupilumab, tested at the same concentrations, did not achieve statistical significance relative to placebo for all measures. This suggests that eblasakimab may potentially provide stronger relief against bronchoconstriction as well as improved dilatory function in COPD compared to dupilumab. The results support further investigation of eblasakimab as a therapeutic option for COPD with potentially more effective blockade of Type-2 mediated effects in lung tissue and improvement in bronchoconstriction. A copy of the poster is available to view online in the Publications section of ASLAN’s website. Singh et al (2014) Eur Resp Journal 44: 1697-1700 Celli BR, et al (2023) Am J Respir Crit Care Med 207(9):1134-1144 Bao K & Reinhardt RL (2015) Cytokine 75(1):25-37 Oishi K et al (2020) J Clin Med 9(8):2670 About eblasakimab Eblasakimab is a potential first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor subunit of the Type 2 receptor, a key pathway driving several allergic inflammatory diseases. Eblasakimab’s unique mechanism of action enables specific blockade of the Type 2 receptor and has the potential to improve upon current biologics used to treat allergic disease. By blocking the Type 2 receptor, eblasakimab prevents signaling through both interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13) – the key drivers of inflammation in AD and Type 2-driven COPD. ASLAN announced positive results from the Phase 2b TREK-AD study of eblasakimab in moderate-to-severe AD patients in July 2023, and is currently investigating eblasakimab in dupilumab-experienced, moderate-to-severe AD patients in the Phase 2 trial, TREK-DX. About ASLAN Pharmaceuticals ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ASLN) is a clinical-stage, immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients. ASLAN is developing eblasakimab, a potential first-in-class antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with the potential to improve upon current biologics used to treat allergic disease, and has reported positive topline data from a Phase 2b dose-ranging study in moderate-to-severe AD patients. ASLAN is currently investigating eblasakimab in dupilumab-experienced, moderate-to-severe AD patients in the TREK-DX Phase 2 trial, with topline data expected at the end of 2024. ASLAN is also developing farudodstat, a potent oral inhibitor of the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) as a potential first-in-class treatment for alopecia areata (AA) in a Phase 2a, proof-of-concept trial with an interim readout expected in Q3 2024. ASLAN has teams in San Mateo, California, and in Singapore. For additional information please visit the ASLAN website or follow ASLAN on LinkedIn. Forward looking statements This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the management of the Company. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to statements regarding the Company’s business strategy and clinical development plans; statements related to the safety and efficacy of eblasakimab, including interim results; the Company’s plans and expected timing with respect to clinical trials, clinical trial enrollment and clinical trial results for eblasakimab; and the potential of eblasakimab as a first-in-class treatment for atopic dermatitis, and in Type-2 receptor-driven lung conditions. The Company’s estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company’s business, strategy, operations, or financial performance, and inherently involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of many risks and uncertainties, which include, unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies; risks that future clinical trial results may not be consistent with interim, initial or preliminary results or results from prior preclinical studies or clinical trials; clinical site activation rates or clinical trial enrollment rates that are lower than expected; the impact of health epidemics or pandemics, or geopolitical conflicts on the Company’s operations, research and development and clinical trials and potential disruption in the operations and business of third-party manufacturers, contract research organizations, other service providers and collaborators with whom the Company conducts business; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape; the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for product candidates; and the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund its strategic and clinical development plans. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements are described in the Company’s US Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001- 38475), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on April 12, 2024. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “might,” “could,” “will,” “aim,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements. Estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any estimate, projection, or forward-looking statement. ASLAN Media and IR contacts Emma Thompson Ashley R. Robinson Spurwing Communications LifeSci Advisors, LLC Tel: +65 6206 7350 Tel: +1 (617) 430-7577 Email: ASLAN@spurwingcomms.com Email: arr@lifesciadvisors.com

Positive interim data readout from 22 patients in TREK-DX study of eblasakimab showed unprecedented efficacy data compared to prior atopic dermatitis (AD) studies with biologics: 60.0% of dupilumab-experienced AD patients treated with 400mg eblasakimab weekly achieved EASI-90 (at least a 90% reduction in their Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) score) and 66.7% achieved a vIGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear skin) after 16 weeks, versus 14.3% of patients on placebo. On track to report topline data from two Phase 2 studies in the second half of 2024: topline interim data readout from FAST-AA, the Phase 2a, proof-of-concept study of farudodstat in alopecia areata expected in Q3 2024, and topline data from the full TREK-DX dataset expected by the end of 2024. SAN MATEO, Calif. and SINGAPORE, May 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ASLN), a clinical-stage, immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, and provided an update on recent corporate activities. “The unprecedented positive efficacy data we announced from the interim analysis of the TREK-DX study of eblasakimab in dupilumab-experienced AD patients in April was a fantastic achievement for ASLAN. Most of the 22 patients on eblasakimab achieved EASI-90 and vIGA of 0 or 1 after just 16 weeks of treatment - numbers that have not been seen in other biologics AD studies. These data give us strong confidence in eblasakimab’s potential to be a best-in-class treatment for AD patients even after they have had an inadequate response to dupilumab, a significant and underserved patient population with limited safe and long-term treatment options,” said Dr Carl Firth, Chief Executive Officer of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals. “Discussions with potential partners on eblasakimab are progressing well and we look forward to the upcoming topline clinical readouts from FAST-AA, the Phase 2a, proof-of-concept study of farudodstat in alopecia areata, and TREK-DX in the second half of 2024.” First quarter 2024 and recent clinical developments In February 2024, received a favorable opinion from the European Patent Office (EPO) on a composition of matter patent application for farudodstat. The EPO is acting as the International Examiner on a polymorph patent application for farudodstat, which, if granted in the national stages, will extend effective patent protection for farudodstat until at least 2043.In March 2024, announced positive translational data from a head-to-head study of eblasakimab versus dupilumab in a human tissue model of COPD. In the study, eblasakimab performed better than dupilumab in improving airway function and enhancing bronchodilation at the same concentrations, providing further support for the potential of eblasakimab as a biologic therapy for COPD.In April 2024, announced positive interim results from the Phase 2 study of eblasakimab in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) adult patients previously treated with dupilumab, TREK-DX. Interim readout of 22 patients showed unprecedented efficacy data compared to prior AD studies with biologics. The primary endpoint, which is the percent change in Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) score from baseline to Week 16, was statistically significant when compared to placebo (p=0.0059), even though the interim analysis was not powered for statistical significance due to the sample size. 73.3% (11/15) of eblasakimab-treated patients achieved a reduction in EASI score of at least 75% from baseline (EASI-75) compared to 14.3% (1/7) on placebo (p=0.0431). Of the six patients treated with eblasakimab that previously had an inadequate response to dupilumab, 66.7% achieved EASI-90 and a vIGA score of 0 or 1 after 16 weeks. Eblasakimab produced rapid and clinically meaningful itch relief versus placebo.In April, an abstract on positive translational data on eblasakimab in COPD was accepted for a late breaking poster that will be presented on May 20, 2024 at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference. Additional details from the late-breaker abstract will be shared after presentation at the conference.In May 2024, ASLAN announced the expansion of its collaboration with Zenyaku to explore the biology underlying differential effects of eblasakimab on AD patients, compared to other biologics, dupilumab and lebrikizumab. The findings may provide further insight to the recent clinical data that show some AD patients may respond to eblasakimab even after they have had an inadequate response to dupilumab. The first part of the collaboration will focus on receptor biology and kinetics to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of eblasakimab’s potential for differentiation and the work will be funded by Zenyaku.In May 2024, ASLAN hosted a virtual Key Opinion Leader (KOL) event, “Treatment Options for Atopic Dermatitis Patients with an Inadequate Response to Dupilumab: Exploring the Potential of Eblasakimab in this Sizable New Market.” The event featured a discussion with Lisa Beck, MD from University of Rochester, Peter Lio, MD from Northwestern University, and Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD from Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School, moderated by Seth Orlow, MD, PhD from New York University, on the positive interim results from the TREK-DX study of eblasakimab and the limited treatment options currently available to patients with an inadequate response to dupilumab. A replay of the event is available here.In May 2024, ASLAN presented new data on investigator-assessed and patient-reported secondary endpoints from the interim analysis of the TREK-DX study. Discontinuation rates were lower for patients treated with eblasakimab (13%, 2/15) compared to those on placebo (43%, 3/7). Time courses for secondary endpoints demonstrated rapid onset of effect for patients treated with eblasakimab, with over half of patients achieving EASI-75 by Week 6 (8/15) and 73% (11/15) achieving EASI-75 by Week 16. These investigator assessments are further supported by patient-reported pruritus scores, which show a rapid reduction in itch, with clear separation observed as early as Week 2. Waterfall plots of individual patient responses show clear and consistent improvements in almost all patients treated with eblasakimab versus placebo. Patients with prior inadequate response to dupilumab showed mean percent change in EASI at Week 16 of 91% reduction (n=6). Topline unblinded data from the full dataset is expected at the end of 2024. First quarter and recent corporate updates In March 2024, in line with evaluating the potential use of eblasakimab as a therapy to treat COPD, ASLAN appointed respiratory experts Dr Ramaswamy Krishnan, MS MPhil PhD, Associate Professor in Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Dr Reynold Panettieri, Jr, MD, Vice Chancellor, Translational Medicine and Science, Rutgers University, to ASLAN’s Scientific Advisory Board.In March 2024, ASLAN completed a $5.0 million registered direct offering for the purchase and sale of 5,000,000 of the Company’s American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each ADS representing twenty-five (25) ordinary shares, at an offering price of $1.00 per ADS. In addition, in a concurrent private placement, the Company issued unregistered warrants to purchase up to 5,000,000 ADSs with an exercise price of $1.00 per ADS. Anticipated upcoming milestones Late breaking poster presentation of positive translational data from a head-to-head study of eblasakimab versus dupilumab in a human tissue model of COPD at the American Thoracic Society International Conference 2024 on May 20, 2024 Topline interim data from the farudodstat Phase 2a study in AA expected in Q3 2024Topline data from the TREK-DX trial of eblasakimab expected at the end of 2024Selection of a development partner to advance eblasakimab into Phase 3 testing in AD and other indications First quarter 2024 financial highlights Cash used in operations for the first quarter of 2024 was $7.4 million compared to $19.3 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was due to lower clinical development and manufacturing costs for eblasakimab studies following the TREK-AD topline data readout in July 2023.Research and development expenses were $5.9 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $14.1 million for the first quarter of 2023. The decrease was due to lower clinical development and manufacturing costs for eblasakimab studies following the TREK-AD topline data readout.General and administrative expenses were $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $4.0 million for the first quarter of 2023.Net loss attributable to stockholders for the first quarter of 2024 was $9.9 million compared to a net loss of $19.1 million for the first quarter of 2023.As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $18.4 million.The weighted average number of ADSs outstanding in the computation of basic loss per share for the first quarter of 2024 was 18.7 million (representing 466.8 million ordinary shares) compared to 14.8 million (representing 370.7 million ordinary shares) for the first quarter of 2023. One ADS is the equivalent of twenty-five ordinary shares. ASLAN Pharmaceuticals LimitedCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In US Dollars, other than shares or share data) December 31, 2023(audited) March 31, 2024(unaudited) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $21,252,058 $18,396,364 Other assets 2,877,934 2,179,230 Total current assets $24,129,992 $20,575,594 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Investments in equity instrument at financial asset at fair value through other comprehensive income 235,567 235,567 Property, plant and equipment 29,268 23,074 Right-of-use assets 229,982 153,320 Intangible assets 1,716 686 Total non-current assets 496,533 412,647 TOTAL ASSETS $24,626,525 $20,988,241 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade payables $7,918,607 $9,656,228 Other payables 3,081,329 2,350,857 Lease liabilities - current 226,187 150,243 Current borrowings 1,800,387 7,165,572 Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 88,394 280,646 Total current liabilities 13,114,904 19,603,546 NON-CURRENT LIABILITY Long-term borrowings 24,798,552 19,349,656 Total non-current liability 24,798,552 19,349,656 Total liabilities 37,913,456 38,953,202 EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY Ordinary shares 63,931,993 65,189,432 Capital surplus 243,791,693 247,775,683 Accumulated deficits (321,067,236) (330,986,695)Other reserves 56,619 56,619 Total equity attributable to stockholders of the Company (13,286,931) (17,964,961)Total equity/(capital deficiency) (13,286,931) (17,964,961)TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY/(CAPITAL DEFICIENCY) $24,626,525 $20,988,241 ASLAN Pharmaceuticals LimitedCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS(In US Dollars, other than shares or share data) For the Three MonthsEnded March 31 (unaudited) 2023 2024 OPERATING EXPENSES General and administrative expenses $(4,047,567) $(3,396,080)Research and development expenses (14,055,560) (5,895,078)Total operating expenses (18,103,127) (9,291,158)LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (18,103,127) (9,291,158)NON-OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES Interest income 324,547 1,740 Other income 134 69 Other gains and losses (240,875) 35,957 Finance costs (1,074,850) (666,066)Total non-operating income and expenses (991,044) (628,300)Share in losses of associated company, accounted for using equity method (11,533) — LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX (19,105,704) (9,919,458)INCOME TAX EXPENSE (6,593) — NET LOSS FOR THE PERIOD (19,112,297) (9,919,458)TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE PERIOD $(19,112,297) $(9,919,458)NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Stockholders of the Company $(19,112,297) $(9,919,458)TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Stockholders of the Company $(19,112,297) $(9,919,458)LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE Basic and diluted $(0.05) $(0.02)LOSS PER EQUIVALENT ADS Basic and diluted $(1.29) $(0.53)Weighted-average number of ordinary shares in the computation of basic loss per ordinary share 370,707,916 466,761,105 Weighted-average number of ADS in the computation of basic loss per ADS 14,828,317 18,670,444 Each ADS represents twenty-five ordinary shares About ASLAN Pharmaceuticals ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ASLN) is a clinical-stage, immunology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients. ASLAN is developing eblasakimab, a potential first-in-class antibody targeting the IL-13 receptor in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with the potential to improve upon current biologics used to treat allergic disease, and has reported positive topline data from a Phase 2b dose-ranging study in moderate-to-severe AD patients. ASLAN is currently investigating eblasakimab in dupilumab-experienced, moderate-to-severe AD patients in the TREK-DX Phase 2 trial, with topline data expected at the end of 2024. ASLAN is also developing farudodstat, a potent oral inhibitor of the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) as a potential first-in-class treatment for alopecia areata (AA) in a Phase 2a, proof-of-concept trial with an interim readout expected in Q3 2024. ASLAN has teams in San Mateo, California, and in Singapore. For additional information please visit the ASLAN website or follow ASLAN on LinkedIn. Forward looking statements This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the management of the Company. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to statements regarding the Company’s business strategy and clinical development plans; statements related to the safety and efficacy of eblasakimab and farudodstat, including interim results; the Company’s plans and expected timing with respect to clinical trials, clinical trial enrollment and clinical trial results for eblasakimab and farudodstat; the potential of eblasakimab as a first-in-class treatment for atopic dermatitis and of farudodstat as a first-in-class treatment for alopecia areata; the Company’s cash runway; and expectations regarding the terms of patents and ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for product candidates. The Company’s estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company’s business, strategy, operations, or financial performance, and inherently involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of many risks and uncertainties, which include, unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies; risks that future clinical trial results may not be consistent with interim, initial or preliminary results or results from prior preclinical studies or clinical trials; clinical site activation rates or clinical trial enrollment rates that are lower than expected; the impact of health epidemics or pandemics, or geopolitical conflicts on the Company’s operations, research and development and clinical trials and potential disruption in the operations and business of third-party manufacturers, contract research organizations, other service providers and collaborators with whom the Company conducts business; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape; and the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund its strategic and clinical development plans. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements are described in the Company’s US Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001- 38475), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on April 12, 2024. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “might,” “could,” “will,” “aim,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements. Estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any estimate, projection, or forward-looking statement. ASLAN Media and IR contacts Emma ThompsonSpurwing CommunicationsTel: +65 6206 7350 Email: ASLAN@spurwingcomms.comAshley R. RobinsonLifeSci Advisors, LLCTel: +1 (617) 430-7577Email: arr@lifesciadvisors.com