Latest news with #CLL
Hans India
2 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Exercise best bet for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common adult blood cancer in the western world, and it predominantly affects older adults. Most people are diagnosed after the age of 70, but increasing numbers of younger people, some under 60, are also being affected. CLL starts when a type of immune cell called a B cell – normally responsible for producing antibodies – becomes cancerous. This not only stops it from working properly but also weakens the rest of the immune system. For many people, CLL begins as a slow-moving, low-grade disease that doesn't need immediate treatment. These patients are placed on 'active monitoring,' where they're regularly checked for signs of progression. Others, especially those with more aggressive forms of the disease, will need immediate and targeted treatment to destroy the cancer cells. But regardless of the stage, CLL involves a prolonged and often unpredictable course. It is associated with a higher risk of infections, secondary cancers and a heavy symptom burden that can affect quality of life for years. People on active monitoring often find themselves in a kind of medical limbo: well enough not to need treatment, but not well enough to feel secure. Fatigue, anxiety, social isolation and fear of infection are common. For those receiving treatment, side effects including nausea, bleeding, diarrhoea and extreme tiredness can make everyday life even more challenging. Because CLL weakens the body's ability to fight infection, many people begin avoiding places where germs might spread: busy shops, family gatherings, even the gym. But while this instinct is understandable, it can come at a cost. Over time, isolation and inactivity can chip away at physical fitness, reduce resilience and make it harder to recover from illness or cope with stress. The role of exercise is good for everyone but for people living with CLL, it can be life changing. Our research shows that physical activity is strongly linked to fewer symptoms and a better quality of life. Fatigue, the most common and often most debilitating symptom, was significantly lower in people who stayed active. Many also reported reduced pains and a greater sense of physical wellbeing. Cancer-related fatigue isn't just feeling a bit tired. It's a deep, persistent exhaustion that doesn't improve with sleep or rest. The exact biological reasons behind it aren't fully understood, but one thing is clear: regular movement helps. People who are more active tend to feel better – and live better. The good news is that even gentle activity can make a difference. Low-intensity activities are safe for almost everyone and come with meaningful health benefits. Walking, yoga, swimming – anything that gets you moving – can help ease symptoms. In fact, research shows that just 12 weeks of regular exercise can reduce fatigue and improve day-to-day wellbeing. People with additional health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes or bone conditions, should take extra care. It's always a good idea to speak to a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new routine. The PAR-Q+ (physical activity readiness questionnaire) is a helpful tool to assess whether it's safe to begin exercising. Once cleared, the goal is to work up to the recommended activity levels: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity a week (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity (like jogging or swimming), along with two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week. Start slowly and build gradually. Because people with CLL are immunocompromised, it's important to reduce infection risks while staying active. That might mean exercising outdoors, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, or choosing quieter times at the gym. But, if precautions are taken, the benefits of movement far outweigh the risks. Benefits of keeping active: In one of our pilot studies, people with CLL who had not yet started treatment showed smaller increases in tumour cell counts after 12 weeks of exercise. Their immune systems also appeared more robust, with stronger responses to abnormal cells. This research is still in its early stages, but it's encouraging to see that exercise doesn't appear to accelerate disease progression – and might even help to slow it. The biggest improvements were seen in people who started off with the worst symptoms or poorest physical condition. In other words, those with the most to gain, gained the most. Older adults seemed to benefit from even modest activity. People receiving treatment were generally less active and reported lower quality of life than those who weren't, but their symptom levels were similar. That suggests physical activity might offer especially meaningful benefits for people going through treatment. Exercise is already a well-established part of care for people with solid tumours such as breast or bowel cancer. What's different about CLL is that many people don't receive treatment for years – yet still experience symptoms and lower quality of life. Our study shows that physical activity matters just as much for this group. Whether someone is on active monitoring or undergoing treatment, staying active can help ease symptoms, boost energy and improve daily life. It's a powerful reminder that even small steps can make a big difference and that living well with CLL isn't just about waiting for treatment. It's about reclaiming strength and mobility, one movement at a time. (The writer is from University of Surrey)
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Exercise could ease symptoms for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common adult blood cancer in the western world, and it predominantly affects older adults. Most people are diagnosed after the age of 70, but increasing numbers of younger people, some under 60, are also being affected. CLL starts when a type of immune cell called a B cell – normally responsible for producing antibodies – becomes cancerous. This not only stops it from working properly, but also weakens the rest of the immune system. For many people, CLL begins as a slow-moving, low-grade disease that doesn't need immediate treatment. These patients are placed on 'active monitoring,' where they're regularly checked for signs of progression. Others, especially those with more aggressive forms of the disease, will need immediate and targeted treatment to destroy the cancer cells. But regardless of the stage, CLL involves a prolonged and often unpredictable course. It's associated with a higher risk of infections, secondary cancers and a heavy symptom burden that can affect quality of life for years. People on active monitoring often find themselves in a kind of medical limbo: well enough not to need treatment, but not well enough to feel secure. Fatigue, anxiety, social isolation and fear of infection are common. For those receiving treatment, side effects including nausea, bleeding, diarrhoea and extreme tiredness can make everyday life even more challenging. Because CLL weakens the body's ability to fight infection, many people begin avoiding places where germs might spread: busy shops, family gatherings, even the gym. But while this instinct is understandable, it can come at a cost. Over time, isolation and inactivity can chip away at physical fitness, reduce resilience and make it harder to recover from illness or cope with stress. The role of exercise Exercise is good for everyone but for people living with CLL, it can be life-changing. Our research shows that physical activity is strongly linked to fewer symptoms and a better quality of life. Fatigue, the most common and often most debilitating symptom, was significantly lower in people who stayed active. Many also reported reduced pain and a greater sense of physical wellbeing. Cancer-related fatigue isn't just feeling a bit tired. It's a deep, persistent exhaustion that doesn't improve with sleep or rest. The exact biological reasons behind it aren't fully understood, but one thing is clear: regular movement helps. People who are more active tend to feel better – and live better. The good news is that even gentle activity can make a difference. Low-intensity activities are safe for almost everyone and come with meaningful health benefits. Walking, yoga, swimming – anything that gets you moving – can help ease symptoms. In fact, research shows that just 12 weeks of regular exercise can reduce fatigue and improve day-to-day wellbeing. People with additional health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes or bone conditions, should take extra care. It's always a good idea to speak to a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new routine. The PAR-Q+ (physical activity readiness questionnaire) is a helpful tool to assess whether it's safe to begin exercising. Once cleared, the goal is to work up to the recommended activity levels: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity a week (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity (like jogging or swimming), along with two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week. Start slowly and build gradually. Because people with CLL are immunocompromised, it's important to reduce infection risks while staying active. That might mean exercising outdoors, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, or choosing quieter times at the gym. But, as long as precautions are taken, the benefits of movement far outweigh the risks. Benefits of keeping active In one of our pilot studies, people with CLL who had not yet started treatment showed smaller increases in tumour cell counts after 12 weeks of exercise. Their immune systems also appeared more robust, with stronger responses to abnormal cells. This research is still in its early stages, but it's encouraging to see that exercise doesn't appear to accelerate disease progression – and might even help to slow it. The biggest improvements were seen in people who started off with the worst symptoms or poorest physical condition. In other words, those with the most to gain, gained the most. Older adults, in particular, seemed to benefit from even modest activity. People receiving treatment were generally less active and reported lower quality of life than those who weren't but their symptom levels were similar. That suggests physical activity might offer especially meaningful benefits for people going through treatment. Exercise is already a well-established part of care for people with solid tumours such as breast or bowel cancer. What's different about CLL is that many people don't receive treatment for years – yet still experience symptoms and lower quality of life. Our study shows that physical activity matters just as much for this group. Whether someone is on active monitoring or undergoing treatment, staying active can help ease symptoms, boost energy and improve daily life. It's a powerful reminder that even small steps can make a big difference and that living well with CLL isn't just about waiting for treatment. It's about reclaiming strength, mobility and agency, one movement at a time.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Exercise could ease symptoms for people with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, reveals new study
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is the most common adult blood cancer in the western world, and it predominantly affects older adults. Most people are diagnosed after the age of 70, but increasing numbers of younger people, some under 60, are also being affected. CLL starts when a type of immune cell called a B cell -- normally responsible for producing antibodies -- becomes cancerous. This not only stops it from working properly, but also weakens the rest of the immune system. For many people, CLL begins as a slow-moving, low-grade disease that doesn't need immediate treatment. These patients are placed on active monitoring, where they're regularly checked for signs of progression. Others, especially those with more aggressive forms of the disease, will need immediate and targeted treatment to destroy the cancer cells. But regardless of the stage, CLL involves a prolonged and often unpredictable course. It's associated with a higher risk of infections, secondary cancers and a heavy symptom burden that can affect quality of life for years. People on active monitoring often find themselves in a kind of medical limbo: well enough not to need treatment, but not well enough to feel secure. Fatigue, anxiety, social isolation and fear of infection are common. For those receiving treatment, side effects including nausea, bleeding, diarrhoea and extreme tiredness can make everyday life even more challenging. Because CLL weakens the body's ability to fight infection, many people begin avoiding places where germs might spread: busy shops, family gatherings, even the gym. But while this instinct is understandable, it can come at a cost. Over time, isolation and inactivity can chip away at physical fitness, reduce resilience and make it harder to recover from illness or cope with stress. The role of exercise: Exercise is good for everyone but for people living with CLL, it can be life-changing. Our research shows that physical activity is strongly linked to fewer symptoms and a better quality of life. Fatigue, the most common and often most debilitating symptom, was significantly lower in people who stayed active. Many also reported reduced pain and a greater sense of physical wellbeing. Cancer-related fatigue isn't just feeling a bit tired. It's a deep, persistent exhaustion that doesn't improve with sleep or rest. The exact biological reasons behind it aren't fully understood, but one thing is clear: regular movement helps. People who are more active tend to feel better and live better. The good news is that even gentle activity can make a difference. Low-intensity activities are safe for almost everyone and come with meaningful health benefits. Walking, yoga, swimming -- anything that gets you moving -- can help ease symptoms. In fact, research shows that just 12 weeks of regular exercise can reduce fatigue and improve day-to-day wellbeing. People with additional health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes or bone conditions, should take extra care. It's always a good idea to speak to a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new routine. The PAR-Q+ (physical activity readiness questionnaire) is a helpful tool to assess whether it's safe to begin exercising. Once cleared, the goal is to work up to the recommended activity levels: 150-300 minutes of moderate activity a week (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity (like jogging or swimming), along with two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week. Start slowly and build gradually. Because people with CLL are immunocompromised, it's important to reduce infection risks while staying active. That might mean exercising outdoors, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, or choosing quieter times at the gym. But, as long as precautions are taken, the benefits of movement far outweigh the risks. Benefits of keeping active In one of our pilot studies, people with CLL who had not yet started treatment showed smaller increases in tumour cell counts after 12 weeks of exercise. Their immune systems also appeared more robust, with stronger responses to abnormal cells. This research is still in its early stages, but it's encouraging to see that exercise doesn't appear to accelerate disease progression and might even help to slow it. The biggest improvements were seen in people who started off with the worst symptoms or poorest physical condition. In other words, those with the most to gain, gained the most. Older adults, in particular, seemed to benefit from even modest activity. People receiving treatment were generally less active and reported lower quality of life than those who weren't but their symptom levels were similar. That suggests physical activity might offer especially meaningful benefits for people going through treatment. Exercise is already a well-established part of care for people with solid tumours such as breast or bowel cancer. What's different about CLL is that many people don't receive treatment for years -- yet still experience symptoms and lower quality of life. Our study shows that physical activity matters just as much for this group. Whether someone is on active monitoring or undergoing treatment, staying active can help ease symptoms, boost energy and improve daily life. It's a powerful reminder that even small steps can make a big difference and that living well with CLL isn't just about waiting for treatment. It's about reclaiming strength, mobility and agency, one movement at a time.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cancer experts alarmed over ‘gut-wrenching' Trump plan to cut research spending by billions
More patients may die as a result of plans drawn up by the Trump administration to cut billions of dollars from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), veteran federal government workers and experts have warned. Nearly $2.7bn would be cut from the agency, which is the largest funder of cancer research in the world – a decline of 37.2% from the previous year – under a budget proposal for 2026, in the latest effort to cut staff and funding. 'These cuts are absolutely gut wrenching,' Erin Lavik, former deputy director and chief technology officer at the NCI's division of cancer prevention, told the Guardian. Lavik was fired along with a swath of probationary workers at the institute in February; put on administrative leave in response to a judge's ruling to halt the firings in March; and then terminated again in April. 'We're not making things more efficient or better,' she said. 'What's being left is sort of the non-impactful iterative work, and we're pruning all of the potential for transformative science.' Related: NIH scientists go public to denounce Trump's deep cuts in health research The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network has cautioned that the proposed cuts 'will set this nation back dramatically in our ability to reduce death and suffering' and noted that cancer is expected to kill more than 618,000 Americans this year. Julie Nickson, vice-president of Federal Advocacy and Coalitions, said: 'This wouldn't just be a blow to science, it's a blow to families, communities, and our economy. Every day counts in the fight against cancer and with more than 2 million Americans expected to be diagnosed with this horrible disease in 2025 alone, now is not the time to go backwards.' Jennifer R Brown, secretary of the American Society of Hematology and director of the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Center of the Division of Hematologic Malignancies at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, told the Guardian that cuts under Donald Trump have 'already been devastating', with key research halted that can't easily be restarted. 'What the public needs to know is that the science that may not sound so obvious, or that they may not know that much about, is really what drives our cancer treatments and our cancer cures. And so if we cut that, we're going to lose it,' said Brown. Cancer research historically funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which houses the NCI, 'is the basic science that figures out what to target in the cancer cell', she said. 'Then a drug may be developed that may be from an academic, it may be from a pharma company, but the trials are then also run by academics and pharma in collaboration, and academics who are funded by NIH, who do the legwork to figure out how the drug is working in patients. 'Pharma companies take the drug to the finish line. And so if we don't have this basic research, we're not going to be able to identify new targets, and that means we're not going to have new therapies, and ultimately more patients may die.' Brown sees a direct link between NIH-funded academic research and cancer drugs for chronic lymphocytic leukemia that helped patients live longer. 'People who would have died in a few months, lived for years with the first version of this drug,' she said. Hundreds of staff have been terminated from the NCI in recent months, including dozens of communications workers. 'Our website, is used worldwide and is the ground truth for cancer information,' said one fired communications employee at the institute, who requested to remain anonymous. 'Science isn't finished until it's communicated.' Between 28 February and 8 April, more than $180m in NCI grants were cancelled by the Trump administration. NIH declined to comment, deferring to comments on the budget proposal cuts to the office of management and budget, which did not respond to requests for comment. NIH did not comment on how many employees at the agency remain after several rounds of cuts and layoffs. Related: Trump's safety research cuts heighten workplace risks, federal workers warn Lavik said the cuts are likely to threaten large-scale research programs, such as the National Community Oncology Research program, which covers community hospitals all over the US and ensures patients have access to clinical trials, cutting edge cancer care, prevention and screenings. 'I am deeply concerned about the future of these really important clinical trials programs that are really hard to rebuild if you stop them,' she said. 'In the prevention program, there are large scale screening trials, and they have large data sets. We were working really hard on policies to make those data sets more accessible and available to the research community. And we're all gone.' Drastic cuts across federal science funding is causing scientists to consider leaving science and eliminating opportunities for younger scientists to enter training pipelines as undergraduate researchers, graduate researchers and postdocs, according to Lavik. 'The things that are transformative are fundamentally high-risk, high-reward research,' she said. 'We start to move into the clinic, and that's what leads to the new kinds of treatments that don't just help a little bit, but really change the face of how we treat patients, how we prevent cancers, how we treat other conditions. 'You have to be willing to do lots and lots of things that don't work. There are so many ways we should be more efficient about what we do. But to do that, you really need those young scientists, those new people in the field; you need the people who've come into the NIH and the NCI, who are thinking differently about doing things and willing to take those big swings.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ascentage Pharma Announces Its Novel Bcl-2 Inhibitor Lisaftoclax Approved by China NMPA, Ushering in a New Era for the Treatment of CLL/SLL
ROCKVILLE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascentage Pharma (NASDAQ: AAPG; HKEX: 6855), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in cancers, announced that its proprietary novel Bcl-2 selective inhibitor lisaftoclax (APG-2575) has been approved by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have previously received at least one systemic therapy including Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, which makes lisaftoclax the first Bcl-2 inhibitor receiving conditional approval and marketing authorization for the treatment of patients with CLL/SLL in China, and the second Bcl-2 inhibitor approved globally. Lisaftoclax is a proprietary, novel orally administered small-molecule Bcl-2 selective inhibitor developed by Ascentage Pharma to treat patients with malignancies by selectively blocking the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and hence restoring the normal apoptosis process in cancer cells. In the clinical trials, lisaftoclax has shown broad therapeutic potential in multiple hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, particularly in CLL/SLL, both as a monotherapy and in combinations. Furthermore, lisaftoclax is Ascentage Pharma's second commercialized novel drug following olverembatinib. This approval for lisaftoclax underscores Ascentage Pharma's outstanding capabilities in global clinical development and innovation, marking another major milestone in the Company's successful development of its deep pipeline. This approval is based on the results from a pivotal registrational Phase II study (APG2575CC201) that was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lisaftoclax monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL, with the overall response rate (ORR) as the primary endpoint. Lisaftoclax demonstrated compelling efficacy and an ORR that met the prespecified endpoint in patients who were previously treated with BTK inhibitors and/or immunochemotherapy. Moreover, lisaftoclax showed a favorable safety profile with no tumor-lysis syndrome (TLS) occurring during the study, a low incidence of hematologic toxicities which were manageable, and a low incidence of non-hematologic toxicities which were mostly grade 1-2. CLL/SLL is a hematologic malignancy caused by mature B-cell neoplasms. It primarily affects older populations with over 100,000 new diagnoses reported globally each year1. In China, where the incidence rate of CLL/SLL is lower than that of the western countries, the disease is occurring at a rapidly rising rate, with a younger age of onset and higher aggressiveness2. As the current primary option for the first-line treatment of CLL/SLL, BTK inhibitors have significantly improved treatment outcome for patients. However, BTK inhibitors still face a range of issues such as limited ability to induce deep responses, high risk of relapse in mid-and long-term treatment, toxicities and intolerability associated with prolonged treatment; thus, the need for safer and more effective treatment options for the patients with CLL/SLL. The introduction of Bcl-2 inhibitors has further revolutionized the treatment of CLL/SLL. The apoptosis suppressor factor Bcl-2, commonly overexpressed in a variety of hematologic malignancies, particularly CLL/SLL, is a key mechanism by which tumor cells evade apoptosis. However, the discovery of Bcl-2 inhibitor as a therapeutic target is highly challenging mainly because its mechanism of action is based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI). The binding interface of Bcl-2 is relatively large, making it difficult for small-molecule inhibitors to exert blocking effects. Additionally, the Bcl-2 protein, located on mitochondria with double-membrane structure, is among the most complex and challenging cellular components as it requires drugs to first penetrate the cell membrane before they can further act on the mitochondrial membrane. Prior to this, no Bcl-2 inhibitor had been approved for the treatment of CLL/SLL in China. This approval for lisaftoclax fills a treatment gap in CLL/SLL, bringing renewed hope to many patients in the country. Prof. Jianyong Li, Principal Investigator of the study from the Lymphoma Center at Jiangsu Province Hospital, noted, 'CLL/SLL is a common hematologic malignancy in aging societies, and its prevalence has been steadily rising in China. Despite advancements in treatment, patients with CLL/SLL still face a range of challenges such as drug resistance, long-term medical treatment that is difficult to manage, and disappointing response rates. In recent years, drugs targeting pro-apoptotic proteins have received widespread interest in the oncology field while Bcl-2 inhibitors have emerged as a new treatment strategy for patients with CLL/SLL. Globally, Bcl-2 inhibitors have already become a key part of the treatment of CLL/SLL, but no Bcl-2 inhibitor has been approved in China up till now. This approval for the next-generation Bcl-2 inhibitor lisaftoclax represents a timely response to the urgent unmet medical need of this patient population, effectively fulfilling the void for Bcl-2 inhibitors in CLL/SLL in China. As the first China-developed Bcl-2 inhibitor, lisaftoclax has demonstrated favorable efficacy and a unique safety profile, thus providing clinicians a new treatment option that can meaningfully improve the survival of patients with CLL/SLL. In April 2025, supported by its groundbreaking efficacy and safety data in Chinese patients with CLL/SLL, lisaftoclax was included in the 2025 Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphoid Malignancies. The approval and guideline recommendations for lisaftoclax, the only Bcl-2 inhibitor approved in China for the treatment of CLL/SLL, validated the drug as a safe and efficacious new treatment option, underscoring a major advancement in precision therapy for hematologic malignancies in China.' Dr. Yifan Zhai, Chief Medical Officer of Ascentage Pharma, commented, 'We are encouraged by the Chinese drug regulators' recognition of lisaftoclax's efficacy and safety, and would like to thank our investigators and their teams, and the patients for participating in the clinical study, for their efforts and trust. This approval for lisaftoclax is a milestone achieved through over a decade of committed research and clinical development by Ascentage Pharma. Lisaftoclax addresses an urgent unmet clinical need and brings a safe and effective new treatment option to patients with CLL/SLL. This represents another big step forward in our patient-centric global innovation. Lisaftoclax has broad therapeutic potential in multiple hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. We will accelerate the global development of this drug in various indications and bring it to more patients as soon as possible.' Dr. Dajun Yang, Chairman & CEO of Ascentage Pharma, said, 'Our founding team has over 20 years of research experience in the field of apoptosis and accumulated deep expertise on the Bcl-2 target. This approval for lisaftoclax is a culmination of their dedicated research and a major milestone in our never-ending journey of innovation, further solidifying our leadership in the hematology field. As a proprietary novel drug developed through global innovation, lisaftoclax is a testament to our strength in drug development, bringing much needed change to the global landscape for Bcl-2 inhibitors. Moving forward, Ascentage Pharma will remain steadfastly committed to its mission of addressing unmet clinical needs in China and around the world and aspire to bring more innovative therapeutics to more patients globally.' Ascentage Pharma is currently conducting 4 global registrational Phase III trials of lisaftoclax: GLORA, an FDA-cleared study of lisaftoclax in combination with BTK inhibitors for patients with CLL/SLL previously treated with BTK inhibitors for more than 12 months with suboptimal response, as well as for the patients with newly diagnosed CLL/SLL in the GLORA-2 study, with newly diagnosed, elderly and unfit acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the GLORA-3 study, and newly diagnosed higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in the GLORA-4 study. *In the United States, lisaftoclax (APG-2575) is an investigational compound and has not been approved by the US FDA. References Yao, Y., Lin, X., Li, F., et al. The global burden and attributable risk factors of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019: analysis based on the global burden of disease study 2019. Biomed Eng Online. 2022 Jan 11;21(1):4. DOI: 10.1186/s12938-021-00973-6 Liu Peng. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (v1.2018). [J]. Chin J Clin Med, 2018, 25(1): 157-160. DOI 10.12015/j. issn. 1008-6358. 2018. 20180 About Ascentage Pharma Ascentage Pharma (NASDAQ: AAPG; HKEX: 6855) is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in cancers. The company has built a rich pipeline of innovative drug candidates that includes inhibitors targeting key proteins in the apoptotic pathway, such as Bcl-2 and MDM2-p53 and next-generation kinase inhibitors. The lead asset, olverembatinib, is the first novel third-generation BCR-ABL1 inhibitor approved in China for the treatment of patients with CML in chronic phase (CML-CP) with T315I mutations, CML in accelerated phase (CML-AP) with T315I mutations, and CML-CP that is resistant or intolerant to first and second-generation TKIs. It is covered by the China National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). The Company is currently conducting an FDA-cleared, global registrational Phase III trial, or POLARIS-2, of olverembatinib for CML, as well as global registrational Phase III trials for patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL and SDH-deficient GIST patients. The second lead asset, lisaftoclax, is a novel Bcl-2 inhibitor for the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. The NDA for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory CLL and SLL just received approval by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The Company is currently conducting 4 global registrational Phase III trials: the GLORA study of lisaftoclax in combination with BTK inhibitors in patients with CLL/SLL previously treated with BTK inhibitors for more than 12 months with suboptimal response; the GLORA-2 study in patients with newly diagnosed CLL/SLL; the GLORA-3 study in newly diagnosed, elderly and unfit patients with AML; and the GLORA-4 study in patients with newly diagnosed higher risk MDS. Leveraging its robust R&D capabilities, Ascentage Pharma has built a portfolio of global intellectual property rights and entered into global partnerships and other relationships with numerous leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, such as Takeda, AstraZeneca, Merck, Pfizer, and Innovent, in addition to research and development relationships with leading research institutions, such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, National Cancer Institute and the University of Michigan. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements, including statements that express Ascentage Pharma's opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results of operations or financial condition. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties as discussed in Ascentage Pharma's filings with the SEC, including those set forth in the sections titled 'Risk factors' and 'Special note regarding forward-looking statements and industry data' in its Registration Statement on Form F-1, as amended, filed with the SEC on January 21, 2025, and the Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 16, 2025, the sections headed 'Forward-looking Statements' and 'Risk Factors' in the prospectus of the Company for its Hong Kong initial public offering dated October 16, 2019, and other filings with the SEC and/or The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited we made or make from time to time that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this presentation do not constitute profit forecast by the Company's management. As a result of these factors, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on Ascentage Pharma's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects and speak only as of the date of such statements. Ascentage Pharma does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ContactsInvestor Relations:Hogan Wan, Head of IR and StrategyAscentage 512 85557777 Stephanie CarringtonICR (646) 277-1282 Media Relations:Sean LeousICR HealthcareAscentagePR@ (646) 866-4012Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
