Exhibit 99.1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of class | Trading Symbols | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
| N/A | OTLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging
growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
| Item 7.01 | Regulation FD Disclosure. |
On Dec 19, 2022, Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”), announced that the Company presentation at 12th AACR-JCA Joint Conference: Breakthroughs in Cancer Research— Translating Knowledge into Practice. December 10 - 14, 2022, Maui, Hawaii. The presentation is now available at https://www.oncotelic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ONCOTELIC-JCA-Poster-45x45-12-5-2022.pdf.
Key conclusions:
| ● | TGF- β consists of three highly similar isoforms: β1, β2, β3 | |
| ● | Retrospective analysis TCGA database demonstrated that high TGF-β2, but not TGF-β1 nor TGF-β3, is prognostic indicator for worse OS. | |
| ● | Reduced TGF-β2 in Pediatric Brainstem Patients increased OS from 9 mos to 22 mos, N=95 pts, p<0.0001. | |
| ● | Reduced TGF-β2 in Gliomas patients treated with TMZ increased OS from 25 mos to 94 mos, N=230 pts, p<0.0001. | |
| ● | Reduced TGF-β2 in Gliomas patients treated with Radiation increased OS from 25 mos to 94 mos, N=293 pts, p<0.0001. |
The immunosuppressive growth factor, TGF-β, plays a major role in formation of desmoplasia and promoting tumor growth and metastasis. However, the recent failure of bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein immunotherapy combined a TGF-β1 trap with the anti-PD-L1, which GlaxoSmithKline acquired for 4.2B, casted doubt on the field. The new data presented confirmed our commitment to TGF-β2 and explained the spectacular failure of the bintrafusp alfa
Disclaimer.
The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including the information set forth in Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), nor shall Exhibit 99.1 filed herewith be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Forward-Looking Statements.
This Current Report on Form 8-K may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, (i) statements with respect to the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; and (ii) other statements identified by words such as “may”, “could”, “would”, should”, “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “intends”, “plans” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this document include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations regarding the expectation and timing of AL-101’s approval through its proposed 505(b)(2) applications, whether the Company will complete development of AL-101, and the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and may be subject to significant risks and uncertainties; and that no assurances can be given that such expectations shall be fulfilled.
| Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description | Incorporation by reference | ||
| 99.1 | Presentation | Filed herewith | ||
| 99.2 | Press release | Filed herewith | ||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
| -2- |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. | ||
| Date: Dec 20th , 2022 | By: | /s/ Vuong Trieu |
| Vuong Trieu | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
| -3- |
Exhibit 99.1
Exhibit 99.2
Oncotelic Presents Clinical Data of Confirming TGF-β2 as the appropriate target for gliomas at JCA-AACR Meeting 2022
-Reduced TGF-β2, but not TGF-β1 nor TGF-β3, is associated with improved OS.
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Dec. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc (OTCQB:OTLC) (“Oncotelic”, the “Company” or “We”), a clinical stage biotechnology company, today announced today announced it presented new clinical confirming TGF-β2 as the appropriate target for gliomas at the 12th AACR-JCA Joint Conference: Breakthroughs in Cancer Research— Translating Knowledge into Practice
December 10 - 14, 2022, Maui, Hawaii.
| ● | TGF- β consists of three highly similar isoforms: β1, β2, β3 | |
| ● | Retrospective analysis TCGA database demonstrated that high TGF-β2, but not TGF-β1 nor TGF-β3, is prognostic indicator for worse OS. | |
| ● | Reduced TGF-β2 in Pediatric Brainstem Patients increased OS from 9 mos to 22 mos, N=95 pts, p<0.0001. | |
| ● | Reduced TGF-β2 in Gliomas patients treated with TMZ increased OS from 25 mos to 94 mos, N=230 pts, p<0.0001. | |
| ● | Reduced TGF-β2 in Gliomas patients treated with Radiation increased OS from 25 mos to 94 mos, N=293 pts, p<0.0001. |
The presentation is now available on our website (www.oncotelic.com). Abstract # B22. OT-101 for DMG
“The immunosuppressive growth factor, TGF-β, plays a major role in formation of desmoplasia and promoting tumor growth and metastasis. However, the recent failure of bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein immunotherapy combined a TGF-β1 trap with the anti-PD-L1, which GlaxoSmithKline acquired for 4.2B, casted doubt on the field. The new data presented at JCA confirmed our commitment to TGF-β2 and explained the spectacular failure of the bintrafusp alfa” said Dr. Vuong Trieu, CEO and Chairman of Oncotelic.
About Oncotelic
Oncotelic (f/k/a Mateon Therapeutics, Inc.), was formed in the State of New York in 1988 as OXiGENE, Inc., was reincorporated in the State of Delaware in 1992, and changed its name to Mateon Therapeutics, Inc. in 2016, and Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. in November 2020. Oncotelic is seeking to leverage its deep expertise in oncology drug development to improve treatment outcomes and survival of cancer patients with a special emphasis on rare pediatric cancers. Oncotelic has rare pediatric designation for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma “DIPG” (through OT-101) through its 45% joint venture, melanoma (through CA4P), and Acute Myeloid Leukemia “AML” (through OXi 4503). Oncotelic also acquired PointR Data Inc. in November 2019.
Oncotelic acquired AL-101, during the 4th quarter of 2021, for the intranasal delivery of apomorphine. We intend to develop AL-101 for the treatment of Parkinson Disease (“PD”). Over 60,000 new patients are being diagnosed with PD in the United States and currently there are over 1 million patients in the US and expected to increase to over 1.2 million by 2030. In addition, approximately 10 million suffer from this disease globally. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Statistics. AL-101 is also being developed for Erectile Dysfunction (“ED”). ED is the most prevalent male sexual disorder globally. The percentages of men affected by ED are as follows: 14.3-70% of men aged 60 years, 6.7-48% of men aged 70 years, and 38% of men aged 80 years (Geerkens MJM et al. (2019). Eur Urol Focus. pii: S2405-4569(19)30079-3). However, with the increasing administration of PDE5 inhibitors in clinical practice, it was found that approximately 30-35% of ED patients are treatment failures (McMahon CN et al. (2006). BMJ, 332: 589-92). AL-101 is designed to target treatment failure ED patients who do not respond to PDE5 inhibitors. Through similar mechanism of action, AL-101 is being developed for Female Sexual Dysfunction (“FSD”). Female sexual dysfunction is a prevalent problem, afflicting approximately 40% of women and there are few treatment options. FSD is more typical as women age and is a progressive and widespread condition. (Allahdadi, KJ et al. (2009) Cardiovascular & hematological agents in medicinal chemistry, 7(4), 260-269). There is no available drug for the treatment of FSD. In June 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Vyleesi (bremelanotide) to treat acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (“HSDD”) in premenopausal women. This is the only available drug treatment. Vyleesi has essentially replaced the only other drug for HSDD - however, it has a long list of drug-drug interactions, including commonly used antidepressants, such as fluoxetine and sertraline. In addition, it has a black box warning regarding its use with alcohol, a combination that has been associated with hypotension and syncopal episodes. Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective therapy against FSD and HSDD.
About OT-101
Oncotelic jointly owns OT-101 with its joint venture partners Dragon and GMP Bio. OT-101 has completed seven clinical trials including one phase 2 trial in COVID and two phase 2 trials in brain cancer and against pancreatic cancer. It has pediatric designation for a rare form of pediatric brain cancer known as DIPG. There are about 200-300 new cases of DIPG every year in the United States. DIPG most often occurs in children aged 5-10 years old. Treatment options are limited with surgery being contraindicated. Most children do not survive more than 2 years after diagnosis. Currently, the main treatment for DIPG is radiation therapy. Although radiation temporarily improves symptoms in most patients, it is not a cure. Palliative care or quality of life services help patients and families manage pain and other symptoms, promote quality of life, and making difficult decisions including treatment choices and end of life care.
When COVID-19 emerged in China, Oncotelic and GMP entered into a research and services agreement in February 2020 to develop and test COVID-19 antisense therapeutics. In March 2020, Oncotelic reported the anti-viral activity of OT-101. The anti-viral activity of OT-101, in an in vitro antiviral testing performed by an independent laboratory, OT-101 has a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 7.6 µg/mL and is not toxic at the highest dose of 1000 µg/mL giving a safety index (SI) value of >130, which is considered highly active and on par or superior to Remdesivir - a Gilead drug. Unlike Remdesivir, OT-101 targets not only the virus replication but also the virus induced pneumonia and fibrosis. Our Phase 2 trial was completed for OT-101 in South America. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study intended to evaluate the safety and efficacy of OT-101 in adult patients hospitalized with positive SARS-CoV-2 and pneumonia. As reported in November 2021, the top line data was positive for safety and efficacy.
For more information, please visit www.oncotelic.com
Oncotelic’s Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this communication regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Words such as “may”, “expect”, “anticipate” “hope”, “vision”, “optimism”, “design”, “exciting”, “promising”, “will”, “conviction”, “estimate,” “intend,” “believe”, “quest for a cure of cancer”, “innovation-driven”, “paradigm-shift”, “high scientific merit”, “impact potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about future plans related to the operations of the JV, taking the JV into an initial public offering or the success thereof, the progress, timing of clinical development, scope and success of future clinical trials, the reporting of clinical data for the company’s product candidates and the potential use of the company’s product candidates to treat various cancer indications as well as obtaining required regulatory approval to conduct clinical trials and upon granting of approval by the regulatory agencies, the successful marketing of the products. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements or may not occur at all. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected, changes in expected or existing competition, changes in the regulatory environment, failure of collaborators to support or advance collaborations or product candidates and unexpected litigation or other disputes, taking the Company or its affiliates through initial public offerings. These risks are not exhaustive, the company faces known and unknown risks, including the risk factors described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2022 and in the company’s other periodic filings. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Contact Information:
For Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc.:
Investor Relations
ir@oncotelic.com