CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– This is a correction of the announcement. The number of shares and expected proceeds from the private placement have been corrected to 463,332 shares and approximately $695,000. All other aspects of the announcement remain the same.
The updated release reads:
MAIA BIOTECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCES PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF APPROXIMATELY $695,000
MAIA Biotechnology, Inc., (NYSE American: MAIA) (“MAIA”, the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 463,332 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $1.50 per share, in a private placement to accredited investors and a Company director. Each share of common stock is being offered together with a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $1.71 per share, which price represents the greater of the book or market value of the stock on the date the definitive agreements were executed (subject to customary adjustments as set forth in the warrants). The warrants are exercisable commencing six-months following issuance and have a term of five years from the initial issuance date. The securities being sold to the Company director participating in the offering are being issued pursuant to the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. The private placement is expected to close on or about May 29, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
The gross proceeds from the offering are expected to be approximately $695,000, prior to offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for to fund the execution of Step 1 of Part C of the Phase II trial THIO -101 and for working capital.
The securities described above are being offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the shares of common stock underlying the warrants, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the warrants and underlying shares of common stock may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.
About MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.
MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Our lead program is ateganosine (THIO), a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.
Forward Looking Statements
MAIA cautions that all statements, other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels or activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The use of words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “future,” “potential,” or “continue,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that statements are not forward-looking. For example, all statements we make regarding (i) completion of the private placement, (ii) the initiation, timing, cost, progress and results of our preclinical and clinical studies and our research and development programs, (iii) our ability to advance product candidates into, and successfully complete, clinical studies, (iv) the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, (v) our ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize our product candidates and to improve the manufacturing process, (vi) the rate and degree of market acceptance of our product candidates, (vii) the size and growth potential of the markets for our product candidates and our ability to serve those markets, and (viii) our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our product candidates, are forward looking. All forward-looking statements are based on current estimates, assumptions and expectations by our management that, although we believe to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Any forward-looking statement expressing an expectation or belief as to future events is expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements are not guarantees of future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors beyond our control that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In this release, unless the context requires otherwise, “MAIA,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refers to MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Highlights Critical Role of Multi-Antigen GEO-CM04S1 in Protecting Vulnerable Populations
ATLANTA, GA, May 27, 2025 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing multi-antigen vaccines and immunotherapies, today announced its strong support for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel’s updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. The new guidance prioritizes protection for older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions, moving away from a universal vaccination strategy and signaling a more focused public health approach – one that GeoVax believes that it is well equipped to support through its multi-antigen COVID-19 vaccine, GEO-CM04S1. The advisory panel’s recommendations follow details on how the FDA is changing the type of evidence it will accept from vaccine manufacturers to approve updated COVID-19 vaccines as outlined in an editorial published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine.
GeoVax’s COVID-19 candidate, GEO-CM04S1, is designed to address the precise needs of high-risk populations, including those identified in the new FDA guidance. Developed on the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) platform, GEO-CM04S1 delivers multiple antigens—specifically, both the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins of SARS-CoV-2—to induce broad, durable immune responses, including both antibody and T-cell immunity. This approach is believed to enhance protection, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, and others whose response to current mRNA vaccines may be suboptimal.
“GEO-CM04S1 embodies the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines—vaccines that offer layered immune protection and are purpose-built for the most vulnerable individuals,” said David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax. “The FDA’s new guidance underscores the urgency of advancing vaccine solutions tailored for those at greatest risk. Our clinical data thus far appear to demonstrate that GEO-CM04S1 delivers a more comprehensive immune response, and we believe it is uniquely suited to fulfill the mission articulated by the FDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).”
The FDA’s updated recommendations mirror recent priorities set forth by HHS and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), which have called for a pivot toward vaccine technologies that provide durable, variant-resistant protection. This policy evolution reflects growing concerns about waning immunity, limited breadth of response, and manufacturing vulnerabilities associated with single-antigen platforms.
GeoVax’s alignment with these priorities is reflected not only in its COVID-19 vaccine design but also in its commitment to domestic manufacturing and pandemic preparedness. GEO-CM04S1 is currently being evaluated in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. Interim results from a Phase 2 trial in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) demonstrated superior T-cell responses relative to an FDA-approved mRNA vaccine, prompting the study’s independent Data Safety Monitoring Board to halt the comparator arm and continue enrollment exclusively with GEO-CM04S1.
“The future of pandemic response lies in broad, durable, and accessible solutions that meet the needs of real-world patients—not just the healthy and immunocompetent,” added Dodd. “We’re building a vaccine portfolio that we believe will meet this challenge, and we are encouraged by the FDA’s and HHS’s recognition of the need for more sophisticated vaccine approaches.”
With over 40 million immunocompromised adults in the U.S. and an annual global need estimated to be in excess of 400 million, GeoVax believes GEO-CM04S1, with an estimated market potential exceeding $30 billion, is uniquely positioned to potentially capture a significant market opportunity while advancing the public health mission. Its MVA-based COVID-19 approach enables expression of multiple antigens with a well-established safety profile, making it especially well-suited for vulnerable and immunocompromised populations.
About GeoVax
GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel vaccines against infectious diseases and therapies for solid tumor cancers. The Company’s lead clinical program is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, being evaluated as (1) a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, (2) a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and (3) a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. In oncology the lead clinical program is evaluating a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, having recently completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. The Company is also developing GEO-MVA, a vaccine targeting Mpox and smallpox. GeoVax has a strong IP portfolio in support of its technologies and product candidates, holding worldwide rights for its technologies and products. For more information about the current status of our clinical trials and other updates, visit our website: www.geovax.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.
Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
MALVERN, Pa., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a pioneering biotechnology leader in gene therapies for blindness diseases, today announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) has granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) for OCU410ST for the treatment of ABCA4-associated retinopathies including Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa 19, and cone-rod dystrophy 3. Previously, OCU410ST received Orphan Drug designations for the treatment of ABCA4-associated retinopathies from the FDA and European Medicines Agency.
“This latest designation for OCU410ST reaffirms the urgency of providing a therapeutic option to Stargardt patients who have no FDA-approved treatment available,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO, and Co-founder of Ocugen. “This inherited retinal disease presents itself most often in childhood—making Stargardt disease a diagnosis that not only affects the patient but impacts the entire family.”
The FDA grants RPDD for serious and life-threatening diseases that primarily affect children ages 18 years or younger and fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. There are approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. and Europe combined living with Stargardt disease.
With this designation for OCU410ST, Ocugen may be awarded a Priority Review Voucher (PRV), if the PRV program is reauthorized by the U.S. Congress. The PRV program is designed to incentivize drug development for serious rare pediatric diseases. If awarded, a PRV can be redeemed to receive priority review for a different product or sold to another sponsor and typically sells for about $100 million.
Ocugen is committed to advancing the OCU410ST program through clinical development and plans to initiate the Phase 2/3 pivotal confirmatory trial in the next few weeks with a target Biologics License Application (BLA) filing in 2027.
About OCU410ST OCU410ST utilizes an AAV delivery platform for the retinal delivery of the RORA (RAR-Related Orphan Receptor A) gene. It represents Ocugen’s modifier gene therapy approach, which is based on Nuclear Hormone Receptor (NHR) RORA that regulates pathophysiological pathways linked to Stargardt disease, such as lipofuscin formation, oxidative stress, complement formation, inflammation, and cell survival networks.
About Stargardt Disease Stargardt disease is a genetic eye disorder that causes retinal degeneration and vision loss. Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited macular degeneration. The progressive vision loss associated with Stargardt disease is caused by the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the central portion of the retina called the macula.
Decreased central vision due to loss of photoreceptors in the macula is the hallmark of Stargardt disease. Some peripheral vision is usually preserved. Stargardt disease typically develops during childhood or adolescence, but the age of onset and rate of progression can vary. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer of cells supporting photoreceptors, is also affected in people with Stargardt disease.
About Ocugen, Inc. Ocugen, Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology leader in gene therapies for blindness diseases. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to address significant unmet medical need for large patient populations through our gene-agnostic approach. Unlike traditional gene therapies and gene editing, Ocugen’s modifier gene therapies address the entire disease—complex diseases that are potentially caused by imbalances in multiple gene networks. Currently we have programs in development for inherited retinal diseases and blindness diseases affecting millions across the globe, including retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and geographic atrophy—late stage dry age-related macular degeneration. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us X and LinkedIn.
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
Thispressreleasecontainsforward-lookingstatementswithinthemeaningofThePrivateSecuritiesLitigationReformActof1995,including,butnot limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines,whicharesubjecttorisksanduncertainties.Wemay,insomecases,usetermssuchas “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including,butnotlimitedto,therisksthatpreliminary,interimandtop-lineclinicaltrialresultsmaynotbeindicativeof,andmaydifferfrom,finalclinical data;the ability of OCU410ST to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical, preclinical or previous clinical study data;thatunfavorablenewclinicaltrialdatamayemergeinongoingclinicaltrialsorthroughfurtheranalysesofexistingclinicaltrialdata;thatearlier non-clinicalandclinicaldataandtestingofmaynotbepredictiveoftheresultsorsuccessoflaterclinicaltrials;andthatthatclinicaltrialdataare subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities.Theseandotherrisksanduncertaintiesaremorefully describedinourperiodicfilingswiththeSecuritiesandExchangeCommission(SEC),includingtheriskfactorsdescribedinthesectionentitled“Risk Factors”inthequarterlyandannualreportsthatwefilewiththeSEC.Anyforward-lookingstatementsthatwemakeinthispressreleasespeakonlyas ofthedateofthispressrelease.Exceptasrequiredbylaw,weassumenoobligationtoupdateforward-lookingstatementscontainedinthispress release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.
Contact: Tiffany Hamilton AVP, Head of Communications [email protected]
SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gyre Therapeutics (“Gyre”) (Nasdaq: GYRE), an innovative, commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on organ fibrosis, today announced the pricing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 2,222,222 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $9.00 per share. In addition, Gyre has granted the underwriters of the offering an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional 333,333 shares of its common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The gross proceeds of the offering to Gyre, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Gyre, are expected to be approximately $20.0 million. The offering is expected to close on or about May 27, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Jefferies is acting as lead book-running manager for the offering and H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as co-manager for the offering.
Gyre intends to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with its existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations, to advance its Phase 2 clinical trial of F351 in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (“MASH”)-associated liver fibrosis in the United States, for research and development, manufacturing and scale-up, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The shares of common stock described above are being offered pursuant to a shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that was declared effective by the SEC on November 22, 2024. The offering of the securities is being made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of an effective registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering have been filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website, located at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus related to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be obtained, when available, by contacting: Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (877) 821-7388, or by email at [email protected].
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Gyre Therapeutics
Gyre Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, CA, primarily focused on the development and commercialization of Hydronidone for liver fibrosis, including MASH, in the U.S. Gyre’s strategy builds on its experience in mechanistic studies using MASH rodent models and clinical studies in CHB-induced liver fibrosis. In the People’s Republic of China, Gyre is advancing a broad pipeline through its indirect controlling interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals, including therapeutic expansions of ETUARY, and development programs for F573, F528, and F230.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties and are based on estimates and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, are forward-looking statements, including statements concerning: Gyre’s expectations regarding the consummation of the offering and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions with respect to the offering; and the expected use of net proceeds from the offering. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our plans, estimates, and expectations, as of the date of this press release. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: risks and uncertainties associated with market conditions and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions relating to the offering; Gyre’s ability to execute on its clinical development strategies; positive results from a clinical trial may not necessarily be predictive of the results of future or ongoing clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; competition from competing products; the impact of general economic, health, industrial or political conditions in the United States or internationally; the sufficiency of Gyre’s capital resources and its ability to raise additional capital. Additional risks and factors are identified under “Risk Factors” in Gyre’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed on March 17, 2025 and in other filings Gyre may make with the SEC.
Gyre expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gyre Therapeutics (“Gyre”) (Nasdaq: GYRE), an innovative, commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on organ fibrosis, today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of shares of its common stock. In addition, Gyre is expected to grant the underwriters of the offering an option for a period of 30 days to purchase additional shares of its common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The proposed public offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed or as to the actual size or terms of the offering. All of the shares of common stock to be sold in the offering are being offered by Gyre.
Gyre intends to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with its existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations, to advance its Phase 2 clinical trial of F351 in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (“MASH”)-associated liver fibrosis in the United States, for research and development, manufacturing and scale-up, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.
Jefferies is acting as lead book-running manager for the offering and H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as co-manager for the offering.
The shares of common stock described above are being offered pursuant to a shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that was declared effective by the SEC on November 22, 2024. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of an effective registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website, located at www.sec.gov. Prospective investors should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and other documents Gyre has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Gyre and the offering. Electronic copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus related to the offering may also be obtained by contacting Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (877) 821-7388, or by email at [email protected].
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Gyre Therapeutics
Gyre Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, CA, primarily focused on the development and commercialization of Hydronidone for liver fibrosis, including MASH, in the U.S. Gyre’s strategy builds on its experience in mechanistic studies using MASH rodent models and clinical studies in CHB-induced liver fibrosis. In the People’s Republic of China, Gyre is advancing a broad pipeline through its indirect controlling interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals, including therapeutic expansions of ETUARY, and development programs for F573, F528, and F230.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties and are based on estimates and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, are forward-looking statements, including statements concerning: Gyre’s expectations regarding the offering, including the timing, size, structure and completion of the proposed offering on the anticipated terms; the grant to the underwriters of the option to purchase additional shares; and the expected use of net proceeds from the offering. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our plans, estimates, and expectations, as of the date of this press release. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: risks and uncertainties associated with market conditions and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions relating to the offering; Gyre’s ability to execute on its clinical development strategies; positive results from a clinical trial may not necessarily be predictive of the results of future or ongoing clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; competition from competing products; the impact of general economic, health, industrial or political conditions in the United States or internationally; the sufficiency of Gyre’s capital resources and its ability to raise additional capital. Additional risks and factors are identified under “Risk Factors” in Gyre’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed on March 17, 2025 and in other filings Gyre may make with the SEC.
Gyre expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Achieved statistically significant ≥1-stage fibrosis regression at Week 52 vs. placebo (52.85% vs. 29.84%, P=0.0002).
Demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability profile: 4.88% serious adverse events vs. 6.45% for placebo; zero discontinuations due to adverse events.
Breakthrough Therapy Designation granted by China’s National Medical Products Administration (“NMPA”) in 2021 supports potential first-in-class approval in CHB-associated liver fibrosis (“CHB fibrosis”).
Gyre intends to seek accelerated approval for Hydronidone in CHB fibrosis, with a New Drug Application (“NDA”) submission to the NMPA expected in Q3 2025.
U.S. Phase 2 trial in MASH-associated liver fibrosis expected to begin in 2H2025.
SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gyre Therapeutics (“Gyre”) (Nasdaq: GYRE), an innovative, commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on organ fibrosis, today announced that its lead compound, Hydronidone (F351), met the primary endpoint in a pivotal Phase 3 trial evaluating its efficacy and safety for the treatment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (“CHB”) in China.
The 52-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 248 patients with CHB fibrosis across 39 hospitals in China. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either Hydronidone (270 mg/day, orally) or placebo, in addition to background entecavir antiviral therapy. The trial met its primary endpoint, with a statistically significant proportion of patients receiving Hydronidone achieving a ≥1-stage regression in liver fibrosis compared to placebo (P=0.0002). These results are consistent with the efficacy and safety outcomes observed in Gyre’s prior Phase 2 trial.
“These landmark Phase 3 results represent a major step forward for Gyre and for the millions of Chinese patients living with CHB fibrosis,” said Han Ying, Ph.D., CEO of Gyre Therapeutics. “Pending regulatory approval in China, Hydronidone may become the first therapy specifically indicated for reversing liver fibrosis in CHB patients and the foundation for broader expansion into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (“MASH”)-related fibrosis in the United States. We are deeply grateful to the patients and investigators who participated in this pivotal trial and made this important milestone possible.”
“The fibrosis regression in our trial marks a breakthrough in the treatment of CHB fibrosis,” said Prof. Lungen Lu, M.D., Dean of the Department of Gastroenterology at Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, and lead principal investigator. “With no approved anti-fibrotic therapies for this liver disease currently available, Hydronidone has the potential to transform the treatment landscape and offer new hope to patients facing the serious risks of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma.”
Hydronidone Week 52 Results
The efficacy analysis followed the intent-to-treat (“ITT”) principle. The ITT population comprised all randomized subjects who received at least one dose of study drug. One randomized subject who did not receive any treatment was excluded. All biopsies were independently reviewed by three blinded central pathologists to ensure consistency and objectivity of fibrosis and inflammation assessments.
Efficacy Results
In the ITT population, Hydronidone demonstrated statistically significant regression in liver fibrosis compared to placebo.
Primary Endpoint
Hydronidone 270mg N=123
Placebo N=124
P-value
≥1-stage fibrosis regression (Ishak)
52.85%
29.84%
P=0.0002
Key Secondary Endpoints
≥1-Grade inflammation improvement (Scheuer score) without progression of fibrosis
49.57%
34.82%
P=0.0246
Safety Results
Hydronidone was well tolerated, with a comparable incidence of serious adverse events (4.88% vs. 6.45% in the placebo group) and no discontinuations due to adverse events in either group. Most adverse events were mild or moderate and unrelated to Hydronidone, while a small number of severe adverse events occurred, none of which were considered related to the trial drug.
Our Path Forward
Gyre plans to submit primary results for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and present full trial results at a future medical congress.
Based on these positive results, Gyre plans to file an NDA with China’s NMPA in the third quarter of 2025. In parallel, the Company is actively preparing to file an investigational new drug (“IND”) application in the third quarter of 2025 and, subject to IND clearance, plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial in the U.S. evaluating Hydronidone for the treatment of MASH-associated fibrosis in the second half of 2025. A prior U.S. Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers confirmed Hydronidone’s tolerability and demonstrated a pharmacokinetic profile consistent with the Chinese population.
About the Phase 3 Trial
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter Phase 3 trial (NCT05115942) enrolled 248 patients with CHB fibrosis (Ishak fibrosis stage ≥3) across 39 hospitals in China. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either 270 mg Hydronidone or placebo daily, in combination with entecavir. The primary endpoint of the trial was the efficacy of fibrosis regression, defined as a decrease in the Ishak stage score of liver fibrosis ≥ 1 after 52 weeks of treatment compared to baseline. A key secondary endpoint was a ≥1-grade reduction in liver inflammation, as assessed by the Scheuer scoring system, after 52 weeks of treatment compared to baseline, without progression of fibrosis.
Patient Population for CHB-Associated Liver Fibrosis
According to national serological surveys, approximately 75 million people in China are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus. A significant subset develops CHB with progressive fibrosis. Based on internal modeling of epidemiologic and staging data, Gyre estimates that approximately 2.6 million patients in China have been diagnosed with compensated F2-F4 CHB fibrosis, representing the initial addressable market for Hydronidone. CHB remains the leading cause of liver fibrosis in China, and currently no approved anti-fibrotic therapies exist for this population.
Hydronidone is uniquely positioned to address this significant and urgent unmet medical need. Gyre was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation in 2021 by the NMPA.
About Hydronidone (F351)
Hydronidone (F351) is a structural analogue of Pirfenidone, for which Gyre received first-in-class approval in China in 2011 for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Hydronidone exhibits enhanced potency in inhibiting p38γ kinase activity and TGF-β1-induced collagen synthesis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), key drivers of liver fibrosis. It also demonstrates anti-proliferative activity in HSCs through upregulation of Smad7, which downregulates TGF-βRI, thereby suppressing both the p38γ and Smad2/3 fibrogenic pathways.
Hydronidone has shown robust anti-fibrotic activity in multiple preclinical models, including the CCl₄-induced mouse model, DMN- and HSA-induced rat models, and a MASH model combining CCl₄ with a Western high-fat diet. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial, Hydronidone 270 mg/day significantly reduced liver fibrosis in CHB patients after 52 weeks of treatment. Compared to Pirfenidone, Hydronidone’s unique Phase II conjugation metabolism may contribute to an improved hepatic safety profile.
About Gyre Therapeutics
Gyre Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, CA, primarily focused on the development and commercialization of Hydronidone for liver fibrosis including MASH in the U.S. Gyre’s strategy builds on its experience in mechanistic studies using MASH rodent models and clinical studies in CHB-induced liver fibrosis. In the PRC, Gyre is advancing a broad pipeline through its indirect controlling interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals, including therapeutic expansions of ETUARY, and development programs for F573, F528, and F230.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties and are based on estimates and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, are forward-looking statements, including statements concerning: the expectations regarding Gyre’s research and development efforts and timing of expected clinical trials, including timing of a U.S. Phase 2 clinical trial initiation in the second half of 2025 and NDA submission to NMPA for F351. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our plans, estimates, and expectations, as of the date of this press release. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: Gyre’s ability to execute on its clinical development strategies; positive results from a clinical trial may not necessarily be predictive of the results of future or ongoing clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; competition from competing products; the impact of general economic, health, industrial or political conditions in the United States or internationally; the sufficiency of Gyre’s capital resources and its ability to raise additional capital. Additional risks and factors are identified under “Risk Factors” in Gyre’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed on March 17, 2025 and in other filings the Company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Gyre expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Key Points: – Sanofi to acquire Vigil Neuroscience for $470 million, expanding its neurology focus. – Deal includes $8 per share and a $2 contingent value right tied to an Alzheimer’s candidate. – The acquisition strengthens Sanofi’s long-term R&D pipeline without impacting 2025 guidance.
In a strategic move to deepen its commitment to neuroscience and neurodegenerative disorders, French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi (SASY.PA) announced it will acquire Vigil Neuroscience (VIGL.O), a U.S.-based clinical-stage biotech company, in a deal valued at $470 million. The transaction includes an upfront cash payment of $8 per share, along with a $2 per share contingent value right (CVR) tied to the progress of Vigil’s Alzheimer’s drug candidate, VG-3927.
The acquisition signals Sanofi’s growing ambition in the neurology space, particularly in the high-stakes race to develop effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, a market expected to grow dramatically as global populations age. VG-3927, an oral drug currently in clinical development, is the centerpiece of the deal and could offer a differentiated approach to treating Alzheimer’s by targeting the TREM2 receptor, which plays a role in immune responses in the brain.
This deal is part of a broader, aggressive push by Sanofi into neuroscience and U.S.-based innovation. Earlier this month, the company announced it would invest $20 billion in the U.S. through 2030, a capital injection aimed at bolstering research, development, and domestic manufacturing capabilities. The acquisition of Vigil aligns with this strategic direction, expanding Sanofi’s U.S. biotech footprint and pipeline in tandem.
The CVR component of the deal is particularly notable. CVRs are often used in biotech mergers to tie additional shareholder value to the success of specific development milestones. In this case, the extra $2 per share is dependent on the advancement of VG-3927, which could become a valuable addition to Sanofi’s neurology portfolio if it clears clinical and regulatory hurdles.
Sanofi already had a vested interest in Vigil before this announcement. In June 2024, the French firm made a $40 million equity investment in Vigil, securing exclusive negotiation rights to VG-3927. This prior relationship helped pave the way for the full acquisition, giving Sanofi a head start in due diligence and integration planning.
Interestingly, Vigil’s other key asset, VGL101, a monoclonal antibody program, is excluded from the acquisition and will be returned to its original licensor, Amgen (AMGN). This indicates Sanofi’s laser focus on VG-3927 and its potential as an oral therapy—a more scalable and patient-friendly alternative to injectable biologics currently used in Alzheimer’s treatment.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending customary regulatory approvals. Sanofi confirmed that the acquisition would not impact its 2025 financial guidance, suggesting it is being funded through existing capital reserves or allocated R&D spending.
As big pharma continues to chase the next blockbuster treatment in neurology, Sanofi’s acquisition of Vigil could position the company as a stronger contender in the evolving Alzheimer’s market—provided VG-3927 delivers on its clinical promise.
Investigator-initiated Phase 2 trial to evaluate TNX-102 SL’s potential to reduce severity of acute stress reaction (ASR) and frequency of acute stress disorder (ASD)
Trial is sponsored by the University of North Carolina (UNC) and supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense
Topline results from the trial are expected in the second half of 2026
CHATHAM, N.J., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a fully-integrated biotechnology company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2, investigator-initiated OASIS trial to evaluate TNX-102 SL in reducing the severity of acute stress reaction (ASR) and the frequency of acute stress disorder (ASD). The trial is sponsored by the University of North Carolina (UNC) Institute for Trauma Recovery and supported by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
“TNX-102 SL has been shown to improve sleep quality in PTSD, and previous trials of TNX-102 SL suggested activity on sleep and stress-related symptoms in the first several weeks of treatment,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “Addressing sleep disturbances is crucial in managing ASR, as poor sleep can exacerbate other symptoms and hinder recovery. There is a significant unmet need for treating ASR after traumatic events, such as civilian motor vehicle collisions or warfighter experiences in forward bases or in theater. We are encouraged by the support of TNX-102 SL’s prior data improving PTSD symptomatology in the first several weeks of treatment, which may be crucial to reducing ASR symptoms and their sequalae. We look forward to topline results in the second half of 2026.”
The Optimizing Acute Stress Reaction Interventions with TNX-102 SL (OASIS) trial will examine the safety and efficacy of TNX-102 SL to reduce adverse posttraumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) after a motor vehicle collision (MVC). The trial plans to enroll approximately 180 MVC-trauma survivors at ED study sites around the U.S. Participants will be randomized in the ED to receive a two-week course of either TNX-102 SL 5.6 mg or placebo.
The OASIS trial will build upon a foundation of knowledge and infrastructure developed through the UNC-led, $40 million AURORA initiative. AURORA is a major national research initiative to improve the understanding, prevention and recovery of individuals who experience a traumatic event. AURORA is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leading brain health nonprofit One Mind, private foundations, and partnerships with leading tech companies, such as Mindstrong Health and Verily Life Sciences, the healthcare arm of Alphabet, the parent company of Google.
Acute and chronic stress disorders can affect both civilian and military populations. According to the National Center for PTSD, in the U.S. about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one trauma in their lives In the U.S. alone, one-third of ED visits (40-50 million patients per year) involve evaluation after trauma exposures, and in a 2014 study involving 3,157 US veterans, 87% reported exposure to at least one potentially traumatic event during their service. Moreover, as many as 500,000 U.S. troops who served in wars between 2001 and 2015 were diagnosed with PTSD. Currently, no medication is available in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events to treat the initial reaction and support long term health via a post-trauma clinical trajectory that prevents development or worsening of ASD, thereby also preventing PTSD.
For more information, see ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06636786
About TNX-102 SL
TNX-102 SL is a centrally acting, non-opioid investigational drug, designed for chronic use. The tablet is a patented sublingual formulation of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride developed for bedtime dosing for the management of fibromyalgia. Cyclobenzaprine potently binds and acts as an antagonist at four different post-synaptic neuroreceptor subtypes: serotonergic-5-HT2A, adrenergic-α1, histaminergic-H1, and muscarinic-M1-cholinergic receptors. Together, these interactions are believed to target the non-restorative sleep characteristic of fibromyalgia identified by Professor Harvey Moldofsky in 1975. Cyclobenzaprine is not associated with risk of addiction or dependence. The TNX-102 SL tablet is based on a eutectic formulation of cyclobenzaprine HCl and mannitol that provides a stable product which dissolves rapidly and delivers cyclobenzaprine by the transmucosal route efficiently into the bloodstream. The eutectic protects cyclobenzaprine HCl from interacting with the basifying agent that is also part of the formulation and required for efficient transmucosal absorption. Patents based on TNX-102 SL’s eutectic composition and its properties have issued in the U.S., E.U., Japan, China and many other jurisdictions around the world and provide market protection into 2034. The European Patent Office’s Opposition Division maintained Tonix’s European Patent EP 2 968 992 in unamended form after an Opposition was filed against it by a Sandoz subsidiary, Hexal AG. Hexal AG did not appeal that decision. The formulation of TNX-102 SL was designed specifically for sublingual administration and transmucosal absorption for bedtime dosing to target disturbed sleep, while reducing the risk of daytime somnolence. Clinical pharmacokinetic studies indicated that relative to oral cyclobenzaprine, TNX-102 SL results in higher levels of exposure during the first 2 hours after dosing and in deceased levels of the long-lived active metabolite, norcyclobenzaprine in both single dose and multiple dose studies, consistent with bypassing first pass hepatic metabolism. At steady state after 20 days of dosing TNX-102 SL, the dynamic peak level of cyclobenzaprine is higher than the background level of norcyclobenzaprine. In contrast, after 20 days of dosing oral cyclobenzaprine, the simulated peak level of cyclobenzaprine is lower than the simulated background level of norcyclobenzaprine.
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*
Tonix is a fully integrated biotech company focused on transforming therapies for pain management and vaccines for public health challenges. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix’s priority is to advance TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for the management of fibromyalgia, for which an NDA was submitted based on two statistically significant Phase 3 studies for the management of fibromyalgia and for which a PDUFA (Prescription Drug User Fee act) goal date of August 15, 2025 has been assigned for a decision on marketing authorization. The FDA has also granted Fast Track designation to TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction and acute stress disorder under a Physician-Initiated IND at the University of North Carolina in the OASIS study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is an Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix’s infectious disease portfolio includes TNX-801, a vaccine in development for mpox and smallpox, as well as TNX-4200 for which Tonix has a contract with the U.S. DoD’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for up to $34 million over five years. TNX-4200 is a small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agent targeting CD45 for the prevention or treatment of infections to improve the medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat environments. Tonix owns and operates a state-of-the art infectious disease research facility in Frederick, Md. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.
* Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics; their efficacy and safety have not been established and have not been approved for any indication.
Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of their respective owners.
This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 18, 2025, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.
Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan succinate) injection (Zembrace) and Tosymra® (sumatriptan) nasal spray are prescription medicines used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults who have been diagnosed with migraine.
Zembrace and Tosymra are not used to prevent migraines. It is not known if Zembrace or Tosymra are safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
Important Safety Information
Zembrace and Tosymra can cause serious side effects, including heart attack and other heart problems, which may lead to death. Stop use and get emergency help if you have any signs of a heart attack:
discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
breaking out in a cold sweat
nausea or vomiting
feeling lightheaded
Zembrace and Tosymra are not for people with risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, overweight, diabetes, family history of heart disease) unless a heart exam shows no problem.
Do not use Zembrace or Tosymra if you have:
history of heart problems
narrowing of blood vessels to your legs, arms, stomach, or kidney (peripheral vascular disease)
uncontrolled high blood pressure
hemiplegic or basilar migraines. If you are not sure if you have these, ask your provider.
had a stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or problems with blood circulation
severe liver problems
taken any of the following medicines in the last 24 hours: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, ergotamines, or dihydroergotamine. Ask your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
are taking certain antidepressants, known as monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors or it has been 2 weeks or less since you stopped taking a MAO-A inhibitor. Ask your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
an allergy to sumatriptan or any of the components of Zembrace or Tosymra
Tell your provider about all of your medical conditions and medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Zembrace and Tosymra can cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness. If so, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything where you need to be alert.
Zembrace and Tosymra may cause serious side effects including:
changes in color or sensation in your fingers and toes
sudden or severe stomach pain, stomach pain after meals, weight loss, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever
cramping and pain in your legs or hips; feeling of heaviness or tightness in your leg muscles; burning or aching pain in your feet or toes while resting; numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs; cold feeling or color changes in one or both legs or feet
increased blood pressure including a sudden severe increase even if you have no history of high blood pressure
medication overuse headaches from using migraine medicine for 10 or more days each month. If your headaches get worse, call your provider.
serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious problem that can happen in people using Zembrace or Tosymra, especially when used with anti-depressant medicines called SSRIs or SNRIs. Call your provider right away if you have: mental changes such as seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), agitation, or coma; fast heartbeat; changes in blood pressure; high body temperature; tight muscles; or trouble walking.
hives (itchy bumps); swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
seizures even in people who have never had seizures before
The most common side effects of Zembrace and Tosymra include: pain and redness at injection site (Zembrace only); tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes; dizziness; warm, hot, burning feeling to your face (flushing); discomfort or stiffness in your neck; feeling weak, drowsy, or tired; application site (nasal) reactions (Tosymra only) and throat irritation (Tosymra only).
Tell your provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Zembrace and Tosymra. For more information, ask your provider.
This is the most important information to know about Zembrace and Tosymra but is not comprehensive. For more information, talk to your provider and read the Patient Information and Instructions for Use. You can also visit https://www.tonixpharma.com or call 1-888-869-7633.
You are encouraged to report adverse effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
LOS ALTOS, Calif., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNCY) (“Unicycive” or the “Company”), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapies for patients with kidney disease, today announced a change in the time of the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). The previously announced date of the meeting (June 9, 2025) and location of the meeting (4300 El Camino Real, Suite 210, Los Altos, CA 94022) will not change, but the meeting will be held at 7:00 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time, on that date. Stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 30, 2025, the record date, can find additional details regarding participation in the Annual Meeting at https://annualgeneralmeetings.com/uncy2025.
About Unicycive Therapeutics
Unicycive Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for kidney diseases. Unicycive’s lead investigational treatment is oxylanthanum carbonate, a novel phosphate binding agent currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. Unicycive’s second investigational treatment UNI-494 is intended for the treatment of conditions related to acute kidney injury. It has been granted orphan drug designation (ODD) by the FDA for the prevention of Delayed Graft Function (DGF) in kidney transplant patients and has completed a Phase 1 dose-ranging safety study in healthy volunteers. For more information about Unicycive, visit Unicycive.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.
GEO-CM04S1 Demonstrates Superior Protection in Immunocompromised Populations; Fully Aligned with HHS Priorities for Durable, Broad-Spectrum Immunization
ATLANTA, GA, May 20, 2025 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancer, today issued a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) anticipated changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
According to recent reports, HHS is preparing to limit blanket vaccine guidance in favor of a risk-based approach focused on older adults and those with chronic health problems. This pivot away from one-size-fits-all vaccine recommendations underscores the urgent need for next-generation immunization strategies—precisely the role that GeoVax’s multi-antigen COVID-19 vaccine, GEO-CM04S1, is designed to fulfill.
“As public health strategy shifts toward protecting those most vulnerable, the demand increases for vaccines that work where others fall short,” said David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax. “GEO-CM04S1 delivers broad, durable immunity even in immunocompromised patients—a population estimated at over 40 million adults in the U.S. that are inadequately served by the current authorized, single-antigen mRNA vaccines.”
GEO-CM04S1: Purpose-Built for the New Vaccine Paradigm
GEO-CM04S1 is based on the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) platform and expresses both Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N) proteins—offering multi-antigen protection against SARS-CoV-2. This broader design induces both antibody and T cell responses, essential for robust, durable protection against continually evolving COVID-19 variants and is especially critical in populations with weakened immune systems.
Recent interim results from a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) demonstrated a superior T cell response rate versus a leading mRNA vaccine. The trial’s independent Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended and implemented continuing enrollment in the GEO-CM04S1 arm while halting the underperforming mRNA comparator arm.
Aligned with the New HHS Biosecurity Vision
GEO-CM04S1 is fully aligned with the new strategic direction from HHS Secretary Kennedy, who has called for a focus toward multi-antigen vaccine technologies that can deliver durable, variant-adaptive immunity while prioritizing safety and domestic production.
GeoVax’s MVA vaccines offer:
Multi-antigen breadth: Including both S and N antigens for protection across variants.
Durability: Sustained antibody and T cell immunity—even in immunocompromised individuals.
Safety: MVA is non-replicating and approved for use in vulnerable groups such as transplant patients, pregnant women, and children.
Domestic advanced manufacturing: Using an avian continuous cell line platform that eliminates reliance on specialized pathogen-free eggs and a slow vaccine manufacturing process, enabling scalable U.S.-based vaccine production aligned with President Trump’s recent Executive Order on pharmaceutical onshoring.
“The HHS call for broader, more resilient vaccine solutions is well-founded,” Dodd added. “GEO-CM04S1 is not only scientifically advanced but strategically aligned with our nation’s public health and biosecurity goals.”
Multiple Trials Support Path to Licensure
GEO-CM04S1 is currently in three active Phase 2 trials, evaluating its use among:
Immunocompromised blood cancer patients in preparation for stem cell transplantation or CAR-T therapy (in comparison to mRNA-based vaccine),
Immunocompromised patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (in comparison to mRNA vaccine), and
Healthy adults, previously vaccinated with a mRNA vaccine as a more robust, more durable booster following mRNA vaccination.
About GeoVax
GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel vaccines against infectious diseases and therapies for solid tumor cancers. The Company’s lead clinical program is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, being evaluated as (1) a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, (2) a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and (3) a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. In oncology the lead clinical program is evaluating a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, having recently completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. The Company is also developing GEO-MVA, a vaccine targeting Mpox and smallpox. GeoVax has a strong IP portfolio in support of its technologies and product candidates, holding worldwide rights for its technologies and products. For more information about the current status of our clinical trials and other updates, visit our website: www.geovax.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.
Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Key Points: – Regeneron to acquire 23andMe’s assets, including its vast genetic data bank, for $256 million. – The deal raises significant privacy concerns among customers and regulators. – Despite bankruptcy, 23andMe’s consumer services will continue under Regeneron’s oversight.
In a major move with wide-reaching implications for healthcare, privacy, and small-cap investors, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced its acquisition of embattled DNA-testing company 23andMe for $256 million. The deal comes as 23andMe, once valued at over $6 billion following its 2021 public debut, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year after prolonged profitability issues.
The acquisition includes 23andMe’s flagship Personal Genome Service, its Total Health and Research Services businesses, and a massive biobank of consumer genetic data collected over the years. While this trove of genetic information presents an invaluable asset for advancing personalized medicine, it also ignites fresh concerns about consumer privacy, data protection, and ethical oversight.
Regeneron, a major player in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, has committed to maintaining 23andMe’s existing privacy protections and compliance with applicable laws. A court-appointed ombudsman will oversee the company’s plans for handling consumer data, and Regeneron has pledged transparency and high standards in its management of the sensitive dataset.
“We assure 23andMe customers that we are committed to protecting the 23andMe dataset with our high standards of data privacy, security and ethical oversight and will advance its full potential to improve human health,” said Aris Baras, a senior vice president at Regeneron.
The transaction, expected to close in Q3 2025, ensures that 23andMe’s genome services will continue without interruption. However, many former customers remain uneasy. When the company filed for bankruptcy, California Attorney General Rob Bonta advised users to request deletion of their genetic data and destruction of any physical samples stored by the company.
Despite reassurances from both Regeneron and 23andMe that existing privacy policies—designed to prevent data sharing with employers, insurers, law enforcement, and public databases—will remain in effect, skepticism lingers. This is particularly relevant in an age where genetic data is increasingly valuable for drug development, disease prediction, and targeted therapies.
For small-cap investors, this deal is noteworthy for several reasons. First, it reflects a growing trend of larger pharmaceutical firms acquiring innovative—but financially struggling—startups to bolster their pipelines and data assets. Second, it highlights the inherent volatility and risks associated with investing in biotech startups, especially those that go public with limited monetization strategies.
23andMe’s rise and fall underscore the importance of business sustainability in data-centric healthcare models. Meanwhile, Regeneron’s acquisition offers a potential long-term payoff through access to a highly unique, large-scale genomic dataset that could fuel years of research and development.
Investors will be watching closely how Regeneron integrates 23andMe’s assets and navigates the complex ethical landscape surrounding personal genetic data.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
1Q25 Had Lower Expenses Than We Projected. Eledon reported a loss of $6.5 million or $(0.08) per share, including a gain of $10.1 million related to fair value of warrant liabilities. Without this one-time item, the loss would have been $16.6 million or $(0.21) per share, as Research and Development expense increased less from the previous quarters than we anticipated. We expect R&D to be relatively steady as the Phase 1b and Phase 2 BESTOW trials conclude later in FY2025. Cash on March 31, 2025, was $124.9 million.
Phase 1b Trial Data Expected Mid-Year. The Phase 1b open-label trial is testing an anti-rejection regimen using tegoprubart in kidney transplantation. We see this as important data, since the Phase 2 BESTOW trial is testing this regimen against the standard regimen with tacrolimus. Since historical data for the tacrolimus regimen has been published, we believe the Phase 1b data has some predictive value for the Phase 2 BESTROW trial.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Fourth Quarter Included New Data On Norovirus Variants. Cocrystal reported a 1Q25 loss of $2.3 million or $(0.23) per share. During the quarter the company announced Phase 1 results from its CDI-988 study in norovirus. Importantly, preclinical data showed efficacy against new norovirus variants. We believe this provides additional support to Cocrystal’s method of targeting highly-conserved viral replication enzymes to make effective drugs against both current and future variants. Cash on March 31, 2025 was $6.9 million.
CDI-988 Activity Includes New Variant Strains. CDI-988 is a protease inhibitor in development for norovirus and corona virus. CDI-988 has shown activity against multiple strains, with new preclinical data in April 2025 showing efficacy against the GII.17 and GII.4 strains that have recently been most prevalent. Results from the Phase 1 high-dose cohort in healthy subjects is expected to be announced in 2Q2025. A human challenge trial is planned for later in FY2025 to evaluate CDI-988 for treatment and prophylaxis against norovirus.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
