Latest news with #CPRIT
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Plus Therapeutics reports Q1 EPS ($1.19) vs. (75c) last year
The company recognized $1.1M in grant revenue in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $1.7M in in the first quarter of 2024, which represents CPRIT's share of the costs incurred for the REYOBIQ platform advancement for the treatment of patients with LM. 'We improved our cash position in the first quarter as a result of both a financing and grant support,' said Marc Hedrick, M.D., Plus Therapeutics (PSTV) President and Chief Executive Officer. 'With the additional cash and further anticipated grant support in 2025, we are well positioned to make solid progress in our 2 key business goals: enrollment in our REYOBIQ CNS cancer radiotherapeutic clinical trials and the planned launch of the CNSide cerebral spinal fluid assay platform.' Confident Investing Starts Here:
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Creating DPRIT in Texas would revolutionize dementia care. UT is ready to help
Imagine a Texas where Alzheimer's disease can be treated like diabetes. It might look like a series of preventative shots a person gets in their 40s, or a pill they take in their 60s to mitigate and control symptoms, just like one might with a host of conditions. This is the future as envisioned by University of Texas researchers like Dr. Marc Diamond at UT Southwestern, whose work is dedicated to ending what he calls the 'neurological nightmare' of dementia. Thanks to a new effort at the Texas Capitol, we may be closer to ending this nightmare than ever before. Senate Bill 5 — sponsored by state Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, and designated a legislative priority by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — would give Texans the chance to vote on the creation of a $3 billion-backed Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). The companion HB 5, authored by state Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, has 119 co-sponsors. DPRIT could revolutionize Alzheimer's care and research in Texas. Already immersed in leading research and clinical efforts in dementia prevention, UT stands ready to do its part. Nearly 7 million Americans over 65 are living with Alzheimer's. Here in the Lone Star State, nearly half a million Texans live with Alzheimer's, and a million more provide them with unpaid care, often at great personal cost. Nationally we spend $360 billion per year on dementia care. The promise of DPRIT is that the discoveries, innovations and technologies it will catalyze can revolutionize the lives of those who live with Alzheimer's and those who care for them. But how do we know DPRIT can deliver? Thankfully, the concept has been tried and tested in Texas over the last decade. In 2007, Texans voted to establish the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). Since then, the state has invested more than $3.7 billion in cancer prevention and research. The impact has been incredible. More than 300 researchers and their labs have relocated to Texas, more than 80 facilities are supported financially, and more than $8 billion in outside funds have followed. At the University of Texas, CPRIT funds have recruited scholars from all over the world to our campuses across the state. From imaging to immuno-oncology, new therapies are being conceived, trialed and rolled out. Whole new research and care hubs have been launched. MD Anderson — ranked No. 1 in the nation for cancer care — has seen 20 separate projects supported by CPRIT this year alone. Because dementia prevention and care are already priorities at the UT System, DPRIT promises to deliver the same level of investment, impact and collaboration that we've seen with CPRIT. In fact, CPRIT has been so successful, voters chose in 2019 to invest another $3 billion in the initiative. Take for example, the Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio, where researchers are pioneering retinal scans to detect Alzheimer's early — in the future, a trip to the eye doctor could detect dementia symptoms early. There are many other examples across UT institutions — at the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences at UT Austin's Dell Medical School — where we could turbo-charge such efforts with DPRIT's support. On the first Tuesday of each month, a support group for caregivers of family members with Alzheimer's meets at the Dementia, Geriatric & Brain Health Clinic at the UT Education and Research Center at Laredo. When I think of the fight against dementia, I think of those caregivers. Like CPRIT, DPRIT-funded research and care has the potential to preserve life to the fullest for millions of Texans. I'm grateful to live in a state where lawmakers are dedicated to fighting cruel diseases. Together, we're working to prevent, treat and cure cancer. Now, let's do the same to defeat dementia. James B. Milliken is chancellor of the University of Texas System. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: DPRIT would revolutionize dementia care. UT is ready to help | Opinion
Associated Press
31-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Marker Therapeutics Reports Year-End 2024 Corporate and Financial Results
Lead program investigating MT-601 in patients with refractory lymphomas, including anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, demonstrated safety and efficacy in 9 patients with 78% having objective responses, including durable complete responses Secured over $13 million in non-dilutive funding from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) to support pancreatic and lymphoma clinical programs Approval from United States Adopted Name (USAN) council and International Nonproprietary Names (INN) expert committee for 'neldaleucel' as nonproprietary name for MT-601 Strategic financing to support clinical advancements to investigate MT-601 in patients with lymphoma HOUSTON, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marker Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRKR), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focusing on developing next-generation T cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, today announced corporate updates and financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024. 'In 2024, we made substantial progress advancing MT-601, our lead multi antigen recognizing (MAR)-T cell therapy, and laid the groundwork for continued momentum in 2025,' said Juan Vera, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Marker Therapeutics. 'Preliminary data from our Phase 1 APOLLO study showed encouraging safety and efficacy results in lymphoma patients who relapsed after anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy. With a 78% objective response rate and favorable safety profile, we believe MT-601 has the potential to provide a transformative treatment option for this patient population. We look forward to sharing additional insights during a webinar in the second quarter of 2025.' 'We also strengthened our financial position through a strategic private placement and additional non-dilutive funding from the NIH and CPRIT. As we move further into 2025, our focus remains on cash preservation and disciplined execution to maximize the impact of our clinical programs,' concluded Dr. Vera. 2024 PROGRAM UPDATES & OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS MT-601 (Lymphoma) MT-601, Marker's lead MAR-T cell therapy, is being evaluated in the nationwide multicenter Phase 1 APOLLO study ( identifier: NCT05798897) in patients with anti-CD19 CAR-T relapsed lymphoma or where CAR-T cells are not an option. The Company provided an update on the APOLLO study ( Press Release, December 19, 2024). Key findings from the study include: Safety: MT-601 was well tolerated across all study participants. No immune-effector cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) and one case of Grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) were observed. No dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) have been reported to date. Efficacy: In the first dose cohort, 7 out of 9 patients achieved objective responses (78%) at first response assessment, with 4 patients demonstrating complete response (CR; 44.4%). Time in Follow-Up: Three patients have been followed for 6 to 12 months, with ongoing follow-up underway. All study participants are monitored closely to ensure comprehensive data collection and patient safety. The Company is enrolling additional study participants in the Phase 1 APOLLO trial and expects to report further data in the second half of 2025. MT-601 (Pancreatic) Marker received $2 million from NIH SBIR and $9.5 million from CPRIT to support the development of MT-601 in metastatic pancreatic cancer. Clinical program launch is anticipated in the second half of 2025. MT-401-OTS (Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome) The Company previously secured non-dilutive funding to support the clinical investigation of MT-401 as an 'Off-the-Shelf' (MT-401-OTS) product in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). MT-401-OTS is manufactured from healthy donors and a cellular inventory has been established with ongoing efforts to expand. The Company anticipates clinical program initiation during the second half of 2025. 2024 CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS Announced clinical pipeline prioritization in January 2024 to strategically focus on MT-601 in patients with lymphoma. This announcement also included program updates that highlighted the potential of the Company's MT-401-OTS program for patients with AML ( Press Release, January 8, 2024). The United States Adopted Names (USAN) and International Nonproprietary Names (INN) committees approved ' neldaleucel ' as the nonproprietary (generic) name for MT-601. On December 23, 2024, the Company announced a $16.1 million private placement to support the clinical advancements of the Phase 1 APOLLO study. The financing involved participation from new and existing investors, including esteemed firms such as Blue Owl, New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and Aisling Capital. FISCAL YEAR 2024 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Cash Position and Guidance: At December 31, 2024, Marker had cash and cash equivalents of $19.2 million. The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents will fund its operating expenses into the first quarter of 2026, assuming no additional grant funds are received. We anticipate receiving additional grant funding, which we expect could extend our runway beyond Q1 2026. R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $13.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $7.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net Loss: Marker reported a net loss of $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. About MAR-T cells The multi-antigen recognizing (MAR) T cell platform (formerly known as multiTAA-specific T cells) is a novel, non-genetically modified cell therapy approach that selectively expands tumor-specific T cells from a patient's/donor's blood capable of recognizing a broad range of tumor antigens. Unlike other T cell therapies, MAR-T cells allow the recognition of hundreds of different epitopes within up to six tumor-specific antigens, thereby reducing the possibility of tumor escape. Since MAR-T cells are not genetically engineered, Marker believes that its product candidates will be easier and less expensive to manufacture, with an improved safety profile compared to current engineered T cell approaches, and may provide patients with meaningful clinical benefits. About Marker Therapeutics, Inc. Marker Therapeutics, Inc. is a Houston, TX-based clinical-stage immuno-oncology company specializing in the development of next-generation T cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The Company was founded at Baylor College of Medicine, and clinical trials that enrolled more than 200 patients across various hematological and solid tumor indications showed that the Company's autologous and allogeneic MAR-T cell products were well tolerated and demonstrated durable clinical responses. Marker's goal is to introduce novel T cell therapies to the market and improve patient outcomes. To achieve these objectives, the Company prioritizes the preservation of financial resources and focuses on operational excellence. Marker's unique T cell platform is strengthened by non-dilutive funding from U.S. state and federal agencies supporting cancer research. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this news release concerning the Company's expectations, plans, business outlook or future performance, and any other statements concerning assumptions made or expectations as to any future events, conditions, performance or other matters, are 'forward-looking statements.' Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: our research, development and regulatory activities and expectations relating to our non-engineered multi-tumor antigen specific T cell therapies; the effectiveness of these programs or the possible range of application and potential curative effects and safety in the treatment of diseases; the timing, conduct, interim results announcements and outcomes of our clinical trials of our product candidates, including MT 601 for the treatment of patients with lymphoma. Forward-looking statements are by their nature subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to the risks set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-K, 10-Q and other SEC filings which are available through EDGAR at The Company assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release except as may be required by law. Marker Therapeutics, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (Audited) December 31, December 31, 2024 2023 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,192,440 $ 15,111,450 Prepaid expenses and deposits 483,717 988,126 Other receivables 2,346,703 1,027,815 Total current assets 22,022,860 17,127,391 Total assets $ 22,022,860 $ 17,127,391 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,753,954 $ 1,745,193 Related party payable 1,710,500 1,329,655 Total current liabilities 3,464,454 3,074,848 Total liabilities 3,464,454 3,074,848 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5 million shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively - - Common stock, $0.001 par value, 30 million shares authorized, 10.7 million and 8.9 million shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (see Note 8) 10,708 8,891 Additional paid-in capital 465,564,876 450,329,515 Accumulated deficit (447,017,178) (436,285,863) Total stockholders' equity 18,558,406 14,052,543 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 22,022,860 $ 17,127,391 Marker Therapeutics, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Audited) For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Revenues: Grant income $ 6,591,080 $ 3,311,133 Total revenues 6,591,080 3,311,133 Operating expenses: Research and development 13,467,845 10,416,789 General and administrative 4,241,607 7,475,722 Total operating expenses 17,709,452 17,892,511 Loss from operations (11,118,372) (14,581,378) Other income (expenses): Interest income 437,010 539,158 Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (10,681,362) (14,042,220) Income tax expense 49,953 3,675 Net loss from continuing operations (10,731,315) (14,045,895) Discontinued operations: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax - (2,922,406) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations - 8,731,487 Income from discontinued operations - 5,809,081 Net loss $ (10,731,315) $ (8,236,814) Net loss per share: Loss from continuing operations, basic and diluted $ (1.19) $ (1.59) Income from discontinued operations, basic and diluted $ - $ 0.66 Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (1.19) $ (0.94) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 8,980,207 8,809,382 Diluted 8,980,207 8,809,382 Marker Therapeutics, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Audited) For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net loss $ (10,731,315) $ (8,236,814) Less: gain from discontinued operations, net of tax - 5,809,081 Net loss from continuing operations (10,731,315) (14,045,895) Reconciliation of net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Stock-based compensation 245,864 858,269 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Prepaid expenses and deposits 504,409 861,113 Other receivables (1,318,888) 1,374,189 Related party payable 380,845 1,329,655 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 8,761 (718,393) Net cash used in operating activities - continuing operations (10,910,324) (10,341,062) Net cash used in operating activities - discontinued operations - (6,098,899) Net cash used in operating activities (10,910,324) (16,439,961) Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations - 18,664,122 Net cash provided by investing activities - 18,664,122 Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 14,929,155 1,014,640 Proceeds from stock options exercise 62,159 90,477 Net cash provided by financing activities 14,991,314 1,105,117 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 4,080,990 3,329,278 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 15,111,450 11,782,172 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $ 19,192,440 $ 15,111,450 Media and Investor Contact Marker Therapeutics, Inc.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Future of dementia research up for a vote in Texas Senate
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Senators will convene in the high chamber on Wednesday morning to debate and vote on the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), an initiative that will infuse $3 billion of state money over the next 10 years to find a cure for one of the most cruel diseases impacting Texans. The initiative has bipartisan support in the Senate and is a top priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, is carrying the bill and points out the elderly population in the United States is expected to double to 70 million by 2030. 'Senate Bill 5 is a game-changer — it's about innovation, collaboration, and a fierce commitment to the health of our state,' Huffman said in a news release. 'I'm proud to champion this effort to give Texas the tools to lead the charge against this devastating disease.' If approved by the Senate and House, Texas voters would have to approve the creation of DPRIT at the polls. DPRIT is modeled after the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which lawmakers passed and voters later approved in 2007. Huffman even said during a Senate Finance Committee hearing she copied the revised bill that was used to create CPRIT. Secretary of State Jane Nelson was a lawmaker in 2007 and carried the bill that created CPRIT. She spoke in a public hearing last week about her work 18 years ago. 'It was one of, if not the most important piece of legislation I ever created,' Nelson told the Senate Finance Committee. 'Even though we had universal agreement that we needed to step up the fight against cancer it was one of the toughest bills that I carried.' The bill faced questions about the funding mechanism and whether research was a core function of the state government. Voters and lawmakers eventually approved the initiative and have dedicated $6 billion of state money to CPRIT since then. Nelson said it was a great investment and made Texas one of the leaders in cancer research in the world. She believes the state should repeat history when it comes to dementia. She shared her personal story about the cognitive disease. Her mother was diagnosed with dementia. 'It's the cruelest disease, and then we lost her,' Nelson said. She said it is especially hard for families to watch their loved ones slowly lose themselves. The National Institutes of Health reported in 2024 that Alzheimer's and related dementia research has advanced in recent years but stressed more needs to be funded to keep finding new answers to a cure and prevention. 'This progress helps move us closer to developing effective prevention and treatment options that benefit all Americans,' the NIH report reads. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
