Latest news with #FaronPharmaceuticals
Entrepreneur
3 days ago
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Paradigm Shift in MDS Treatment: Faron Pharmaceuticals Unveils Landmark Phase II Trial Data at ASCO 2025
The ability to not only extend life but also improve quality of life by reducing transfusion needs and infection rates is what sets this treatment apart You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a field long hindered by stagnation, Faron Pharmaceuticals may have just turned a critical corner in the fight against high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS). The Finnish clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company unveiled highly promising results from its Phase II BEXMAB trial at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago. The updated data, presented during a Rapid Oral Abstract Session by Dr. Naval Daver of MD Anderson Cancer Center, revealed that Faron's investigational immunotherapy, bexmarilimab (bex), when combined with the standard-of-care drug azacitidine, achieved a median overall survival (mOS) of 13.4 months in patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) MDS, which is more than double the typical 5-6 months expected under current treatments. "These are patients who historically have had virtually no effective options after standard HMA therapies fail," said Dr. Juho Jalkanen, CEO of Faron Pharmaceuticals. "To see such meaningful survival and response rates gives us real hope that we're on the path to a true therapeutic breakthrough." The study reported an objective response rate (ORR) of 63% in r/r MDS patients (n=32) and an even higher ORR of 72% in treatment-naïve, frontline HR-MDS patients (n=18). Moreover, 56% experienced a complete (100%) reduction. Under the recently updated 2023 International Working Group (IWG) criteria, the composite complete response (cCR) rate was 56%, more than double the typical 25% response seen with azacitidine alone. Bex is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting the Clever-1 receptor, a key mediator in immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment. By blocking Clever-1, the drug reprograms macrophages in the bone marrow, enabling them to mount a more effective anti-tumor immune response. "The ability to not only extend life but also improve quality of life by reducing transfusion needs and infection rates is what sets this treatment apart," confirmed Dr. Juho. "This is especially critical for a patient population that is often elderly and frail." Indeed, the therapy has demonstrated a favorable safety profile. No new safety concerns were reported, and the treatment was well-tolerated even among patients with severe anemia and recurrent infections. The impressive data from the BEXMAB study supports Faron's plan to move forward with a registrational Phase III trial comparing bex + azacitidine versus placebo + azacitidine in frontline HR-MDS. Discussions with the FDA are scheduled for an upcoming end-of-Phase II meeting. "Given the strong correlation between cCR and survival under the new IWG 2023 guidelines, we believe this could form the basis for accelerated approval," Dr. Juho stated. As the oncology community digests the implications of this data, one thing is clear: Faron Pharmaceuticals has taken a bold step forward in its mission to reshape cancer treatment through immune reprogramming.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
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Faron's Bexmarilimab Demonstrates Immune-Activating and Drug-Sensitizing Potential in Myeloid Malignancies
TURKU, FI / / May 27, 2025 / Faron Pharmaceuticals (HEL:FARON)(LSE:FARN) - New preclinical data published in Scientific Reports confirms CLEVER-1 inhibition by Bexmarilimab increases antigen presentation and overcoming resistance to standard-of-care drugs Study highlights: Ex vivo treatment of AML and MDS bone marrow samples with bexmarilimab led to increased antigen-presenting human leukocyte antigen DR isotype (HLA-DR) expression, indicating improved antigen presentation capacity. Bexmarilimab , when combined with azacitidine or venetoclax, enhanced HLA-DR expression and in many samples, reduced the viability of leukemic blasts, particularly in venetoclax-resistant samples. The triple combination of bexmarilimab + azacitidine + venetoclax showed greater anti-leukemic effect in resistant AML cell lines than standard treatments alone. Turku, Finland - Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel immunotherapies, today announced the publication of a new peer-reviewed preclinical study in Scientific Reports , validating the immune-reprogramming and anti-leukemic potential of its investigational macrophage CLEVER-1 inhibitor, bexmarilimab , in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The study, conducted in collaboration with leading Finnish and Danish academic research centers, examined AML cell lines and bone marrow samples from patients with AML (n = 34) and MDS (n = 4) and showed that CLEVER-1 is highly expressed on malignant myeloid cells, especially in AML with monocytic differentiation. Immunotherapy treatments have revolutionized the treatment of many cancers but remain largely ineffective in AML and MDS due to immune resistance. Bexmarilimab addresses these challenges by reactivating the immune environment at its source (i.e. macrophages) and targeting CLEVER-1 directly on leukemic blasts. This approach represents a novel therapeutic avenue in myeloid malignancies where effective treatments are urgently needed. CLEVER-1, a scavenger receptor involved in immunosuppression, was found to be highly expressed on immature myeloid cells and their monocytic derivatives, particularly in AML cases with M4-M5 FAB subtypes and in Fms Related Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 3 (FLT3) and/or Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutations. "Our results show that CLEVER-1 is not only a macrophage checkpoint but also expressed on malignant myeloid cells and targeting it with bexmarilimab can enhance antigen presentation and sensitize these cells to standard therapies. These findings highlight a compelling opportunity to integrate bexmarilimab into standard treatment regimens for AML and MDS," said Dr. Maija Hollmén, Chief Scientific Officer of Faron and senior author of the study, MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. Using ex vivo models, the team evaluated the effects of bexmarilimab , alone and in combination with standard-of-care therapies azacitidine and venetoclax, on immune activation and cell viability. Bexmarilimab monotherapy increased the expression of antigen-presenting HLA-DR by 1.2- to 2-fold in up to 66% of patient samples, especially in those with low baseline expression and high CLEVER-1 levels, without any cytotoxic effects on the blast cells, via potentially inducing interferon gamma (IFNg). Addition of bexmarilimab helped overcome venetoclax-resistance in 33-40% of ex vivo AML samples, without adding to lymphocyte toxicity. Moreover, the triplet of bexmarilimab, azacitidine, and venetoclax showed enhanced cytotoxicity in ex vivo models of treatment-resistant AML; suggesting that bexmarilimab increases the susceptibility to venetoclax and/or azacitidine induced cell death. "This is an important milestone in our mission to bring the benefits of macrophage checkpoint inhibition to patients with hematological cancers like AML and MDS, especially after disease relapse," said Dr. Juho Jalkanen, CEO of Faron Pharmaceuticals. "The results strongly support the clinical rationale for combining bexmarilimab with standard therapies and also offer compelling evidence that our approach is both scientifically robust and clinically relevant, guiding the continued advancement of our BEXMAB trial." The ongoing BEXMAB clinical study is currently evaluating bexmarilimab in combination with azacitidine in relapsed/refractory AML and MDS patients. The trial's most recent phase II data, to be presented at ASCO and EHA 2025, showed promising response rates in pretreated populations. Faron will be hosting a virtual webinar to discuss the full analysis of r/r MDS as well as new frontline HR MDS patient data on Monday, 2 June 2025. To register for the event visit: BEXMAB Phase II study results For more information, please contact: IR Partners, Finland(Media)Riina TuominenKare Laukkanen +358 44 313 50 553 9535 / +44 7 469 766 FINN Partners, US(Media) Alyssa Paldo +1 847 791-8085 Cairn Financial Advisers LLP(Nominated Adviser and Broker)Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner +44 (0) 207 213 0880 Sisu Partners Oy(Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North)Juha KarttunenJukka Järvelä +358 (0)40 555 4727+358 (0)50 553 8990 About BEXMABThe BEXMAB study is an open-label Phase I/II clinical trial investigating bexmarilimab in combination with standard of care (SoC) in the aggressive hematological malignancies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The primary objective is to determine the safety and tolerability of bexmarilimab in combination with SoC (azacitidine) treatment. Directly targeting Clever-1 could limit the replication capacity of cancer cells, increase antigen presentation, ignite an immune response, and allow current treatments to be more effective. Clever-1 is highly expressed in both AML and MDS and associated with therapy resistance, limited T cell activation and poor outcomes. About bexmarilimabBexmarilimab is Faron's wholly owned, investigational immunotherapy designed to overcome resistance to existing treatments and optimize clinical outcomes, by targeting myeloid cell function and igniting the immune system. Bexmarilimab binds to Clever-1, an immunosuppressive receptor found on macrophages leading to tumor growth and metastases (i.e. helps cancer evade the immune system). By targeting the Clever-1 receptor on macrophages, bexmarilimab alters the tumor microenvironment, reprogramming macrophages from an immunosuppressive (M2) state to an immunostimulatory (M1) one, upregulating interferon production and priming the immune system to attack tumors and sensitizing cancer cells to standard of care. About Faron Pharmaceuticals LtdFaron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a global, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on tackling cancers via novel immunotherapies. Its mission is to bring the promise of immunotherapy to a broader population by uncovering novel ways to control and harness the power of the immune system. The Company's lead asset is bexmarilimab , a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, with the potential to remove immunosuppression of cancers through reprogramming myeloid cell function. Bexmarilimab is being investigated in Phase I/II clinical trials as a potential therapy for patients with hematological cancers in combination with other standard treatments. Further information is available at SOURCE: Faron Pharmaceuticals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
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Faron Announces New Data that Highlight Patient Populations with Cancer that are Most Likely to Benefit from First-in-class Immunotherapy Bexmarilimab
TURKU, FI / / May 23, 2025 / Faron Pharmaceuticals (HEL:FARON)(LSE:FARN) - New data published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancerreveals how tumor microenvironment shapes response to bexmarilimab along with a gene signature that can predict sensitivity to treatment Study highlights: Tissuemicroenvironments showed three distinct response patterns to bexmarilimab , driven by the level of inflammation, macrophage type, and their location within the tissue. Bexmarilimab stimulated response in immunologically-cold tumors and inhibited inflammation in treatment resistant tumors. New patent filed around gene signature validated to predict bexmarilimab sensitivity, offering a tool for patient selection. Cancer-free adjacent tissues also responded to bexmarilimab , primarily through B cell activation, hinting towards long lasting systemic beneficial affects against cancer. Turku, Finland - Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced the publication of a new study in the peer-reviewed Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer , shedding new light on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) influences the response to bexmarilimab , the company's investigational macrophage-targeting immunotherapy. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, used advanced patient-derived explant culture (PDEC) models and cutting-edge transcriptomic profiling to map the immunological landscape surrounding tumors and their adjacent tissues. It identified critical molecular and cellular factors that determine how patients respond to bexmarilimab therapy. Dr. Maija Hollmén, Chief Scientific Officer of Faron Pharmaceuticals and senior author of the study from MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Finland, said, "This work gives us a mechanistic framework for understanding why some patients respond remarkably well to bexmarilimab while others do not in solid tumors. By recognizing that macrophage response is governed by the tissue's immunological state, we open new possibilities for tailored therapy. This could help guide both clinical trial design and eventual treatment decisions, ensuring patients are matched with the right therapy to have a better chance at survival." Tumor-associated macrophages, or TAMs, are specific immune cells found within and around solid tumors. Depending on their type, they can either help the body fight cancer (immunostimulatory) or protect the tumor (immunosuppressive) and help it grow. Hence, it is important to study them in the tumor microenvironment (TME or the area around the tumor where these cells are present). By understanding how TAMs behave in different tumors, researchers can find better ways to treat cancer with medicines that reprogram these cells to attack the tumor instead of helping it. Bexmarilimab is a first-in-class humanized anti-Clever-1 antibody designed to reprogram TAMs from an immunosuppressive to an immunostimulatory phenotype. By inhibiting the scavenger receptor Clever-1, bexmarilimab enhances antigen presentation and promotes anti-tumor immunity. This study addresses the heterogeneity of TAMs by showing how their type, origin, and the tumor environment influence response to therapy. Researchers analyzed samples of tumor and adjacent cancer-free tissue from patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy (PDEC model). They also applied a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and cytokine profiling to identify the genes associated with bexmarilimab's response. Bexmarilimab stimulated response in immunologically "cold" tumors (low inflammation) and reduced inflammation in TMEs with strong IFN signaling and advanced TAM activity. The analysis validated five genes (including CXCL9, FCGR1A, GBP5, SLAMF7, and SERPING1) that accurately predicted sensitivity to bexmarilimab . This allows for a potential biomarker-based strategy to enrich patient populations in clinical trials in solid tumors and optimize therapeutic outcomes. A new patent application has been filed for using this method for patient selection. Dr. Petri Bono, Chief Medical Officer, Faron Pharmaceuticals, said, "As the immunotherapy landscape evolves, understanding the TME's influence on treatment response is becoming increasingly critical. These findings lay a scientific foundation for advancing macrophage-targeting therapies beyond trial-and-error toward a more predictive treatment. It can potentially impact the design of future trials for bexmarilimab in solid tumors, including potential companion diagnostics based on the identified gene signature." Moreover, despite that macrophage are known to be crucial for innate immune responses cancer-free adjacent tissues consistently showed B cell activation regardless of the corresponding tumor's response, hinting at systemic immune benefits as a part of adaptive immunity, i.e. the memory side of the immune system. These findings underscore the context-dependent nature of macrophage reprogramming and the need for precise patient selection in clinical development. The study also highlighted that bexmarilimab may complement existing immune checkpoint therapies. Bexmarilimab targeted tumor environments that are immunologically opposite to those responsive to anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. While each associated differently with baseline IFN signaling, both triggered IFN responses when effective. For the latest findings in Finnish, see the University of Turku press release . Bexmarilimab is currently under investigation for both hematological cancers and advanced solid tumors. The ongoing BEXMAB clinical study is evaluating bexmarilimab in combination with azacitidine in relapsed/refractory AML and MDS patients. The trial's most recent phase II data, to be presented at ASCO and EHA 2025, showed promising response rates in pretreated populations. Faron will be hosting a virtual webinar to discuss the full analysis of r/r MDS as well as new frontline HR MDS patient data on Monday, 2 June 2025. To register for the event visit: BEXMAB Phase II study results For more information, please contact: IR Partners, Finland(Media)Riina TuominenKare Laukkanen +358 44 313 50 553 9535 / +44 7 469 766 FINN Partners, US(Media) Alyssa Paldo +1 847 791-8085 Cairn Financial Advisers LLP(Nominated Adviser and Broker)Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner +44 (0) 207 213 0880 Sisu Partners Oy(Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North)Juha KarttunenJukka Järvelä +358 (0)40 555 4727+358 (0)50 553 8990 About BEXMABThe BEXMAB study is an open-label Phase I/II clinical trial investigating bexmarilimab in combination with standard of care (SoC) in the aggressive hematological malignancies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The primary objective is to determine the safety and tolerability of bexmarilimab in combination with SoC (azacitidine) treatment. Directly targeting Clever-1 could limit the replication capacity of cancer cells, increase antigen presentation, ignite an immune response, and allow current treatments to be more effective. Clever-1 is highly expressed in both AML and MDS and associated with therapy resistance, limited T cell activation and poor outcomes. About bexmarilimabBexmarilimab is Faron's wholly owned, investigational immunotherapy designed to overcome resistance to existing treatments and optimize clinical outcomes, by targeting myeloid cell function and igniting the immune system. Bexmarilimab binds to Clever-1, an immunosuppressive receptor found on macrophages leading to tumor growth and metastases (i.e. helps cancer evade the immune system). By targeting the Clever-1 receptor on macrophages, bexmarilimab alters the tumor microenvironment, reprogramming macrophages from an immunosuppressive (M2) state to an immunostimulatory (M1) one, upregulating interferon production and priming the immune system to attack tumors and sensitizing cancer cells to standard of care. About Faron Pharmaceuticals LtdFaron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a global, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on tackling cancers via novel immunotherapies. Its mission is to bring the promise of immunotherapy to a broader population by uncovering novel ways to control and harness the power of the immune system. The Company's lead asset is bexmarilimab , a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, with the potential to remove immunosuppression of cancers through reprogramming myeloid cell function. Bexmarilimab is being investigated in Phase I/II clinical trials as a potential therapy for patients with hematological cancers in combination with other standard treatments. Further information is available at SOURCE: Faron Pharmaceuticals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error 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
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
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Faron Appoints Ralph Hughes as Chief Business Officer (CBO)
Ralph Hughes joins Faron to strengthen Commercial Strategy, Business Development and Market Assessment function TURKU, FI / / May 21, 2025 / Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (AIM:FARN)(First North:FARON), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing next-generation immunotherapies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ralph Hughes as the new Chief Business Officer, starting on the 28 May 2025. Mr. Hughes will be part of the Management Team and Business Development Committee. Prior to joining Faron, Mr. Hughes worked as Senior Vice President at PharmaVentures, serving multiple clients with expertise in Commercial Strategy, Business Development and Market Access. Mr. Hughes has extensive experience in commercial due diligence, market access and business development processes through his various roles in the pharmaceutical industry. At Mundipharma, he was responsible for the commercial launch strategy for pipeline assets and commercial assessment of new assets. At Pfizer, he developed global commercial, market access and pricing strategies across multiple disease areas for early-stage and in-market assets. Mr. Hughes holds an MSc in Public Health and Health Economics from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from Newcastle. Throughout his career, Mr. Hughes has developed a strong understanding of what it takes to overcome access hurdles and commercialize novel therapeutics. "I am honoured to step into this role at such a critical time for Faron", says Mr. Hughes the in-coming CBO of Faron . "I look forward to putting my experience to good use and fostering partnerships that will further the Company's mission and fulfil our promise of bringing this exciting immunotherapy closer to patients" "We are delighted to have such an experienced pharmaceutical market access and strategic commercial development expert to join us as the new CBO", says Dr. Juho Jalkanen, CEO of Faron. "Ralphs's proven track record in biopharma leadership and his experience aligns perfectly with our corporate development efforts and strategic growth initiatives." For more information, please contact: IR Partners, Finland(Media)Riina TuominenKare Laukkanen +358 44 313 50 553 9535 / +44 7 469 766 FINN Partners, US(Media) Alyssa Paldo +1 847 791-8085 Cairn Financial Advisers LLP(Nominated Adviser and Broker)Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner +44 (0) 207 213 0880 Sisu Partners Oy(Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North)Juha KarttunenJukka Järvelä +358 (0)40 555 4727+358 (0)50 553 8990 About BEXMAB The BEXMAB study is an open-label Phase I/II clinical trial investigating bexmarilimab in combination with standard of care (SoC) in the aggressive hematological malignancies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The primary objective is to determine the safety and tolerability of bexmarilimab in combination with SoC (azacitidine) treatment. Directly targeting Clever-1 could limit the replication capacity of cancer cells, increase antigen presentation, ignite an immune response, and allow current treatments to be more effective. Clever-1 is highly expressed in both AML and MDS and associated with therapy resistance, limited T cell activation and poor outcomes. About bexmarilimabBexmarilimab is Faron's wholly owned, investigational immunotherapy designed to overcome resistance to existing treatments and optimize clinical outcomes, by targeting myeloid cell function and igniting the immune system. Bexmarilimab binds to Clever-1, an immunosuppressive receptor found on macrophages leading to tumor growth and metastases (i.e. helps cancer evade the immune system). By targeting the Clever-1 receptor on macrophages, bexmarilimab alters the tumor microenvironment, reprogramming macrophages from an immunosuppressive (M2) state to an immunostimulatory (M1) one, upregulating interferon production and priming the immune system to attack tumors and sensitizing cancer cells to standard of care. About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a global, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on tackling cancers via novel immunotherapies. Its mission is to bring the promise of immunotherapy to a broader population by uncovering novel ways to control and harness the power of the immune system. The Company's lead asset is bexmarilimab , a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, with the potential to remove immunosuppression of cancers through reprogramming myeloid cell function. Bexmarilimab is being investigated in Phase I/II clinical trials as a potential therapy for patients with hematological cancers in combination with other standard treatments. Further information is available at . SOURCE: Faron Pharmaceuticals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error 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
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
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Faron Announces Acceptance of Bexmarilimab Data for Oral Presentation at EHA 2025 Congress
TURKU, FI / / May 15, 2025 / Faron Pharmaceuticals (HEL:FARON)(LSE:FARN) - Overcoming immune resistance in HR-MDS: Detailed safety and efficacy Phase II data on bexmarilimab to be presented at EHA 2025 TURKU, FINLAND - Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (AIM:FARN)(First North:FARON), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel immunotherapies, today announced that data from its ongoing BEXMAB study evaluating bexmarilimab in patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) have been accepted for an oral presentation at the 30th European Hematology Association's (EHA 2025) Congress, taking place in Milan from June 12-15, 2025. The oral presentation will feature detailed efficacy and safety results from the study of bexmarilimab in combination with standard-of-care (azacitidine) in frontline with HR-MDS and those with refractory or relapsed HR-MDS who have failed hypomethylating agent (HMA) therapies (r/r MDS). This follows the recent positive findings of the Phase II data f rom the BEXMAB study, and reaffirms bexmarilimab's mechanism of action and its potential in improving outcomes for patients with MDS. Dr. Juho Jalkanen, CEO of Faron Pharmaceuticals, said:"We are thrilled to see bexmarilimab's data receive acceptance for oral presentation at EHA, following similar recognition at MDS and ASCO. This continued momentum reinforces our belief that bexmarilimab holds real promise as a much-needed therapeutic option for patients with higher-risk MDS, a rare and challenging condition with few effective treatments. We remain deeply committed to advancing its development and bringing meaningful innovation to those who need it most." The details of the oral presentation are as follows: Presentation title: Efficacy of Macrophage Checkpoint Clever-1 Inhibition with bexmarilimab plus Azacitidine in Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Results from the Ph1/2 BEXMAB Study Session: Oral presentation Presenter: Dr. Mika Kontro, MD, PhD Date and Time: 15 June 2025 11:00 - 12:15 CEST Location: Milan, Italy Abstract no: S178 Further details will be shared closer to the conference dates. For more information, please contact: IR Partners, Finland(Media)Riina TuominenKare Laukkanen +358 44 313 50 553 9535 / +44 7 469 766 FINN Partners, US(Media) Alyssa Paldo +1 847 791-8085 Cairn Financial Advisers LLP(Nominated Adviser and Broker)Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner +44 (0) 207 213 0880 Sisu Partners Oy(Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North)Juha KarttunenJukka Järvelä +358 (0)40 555 4727+358 (0)50 553 8990 About BEXMABThe BEXMAB study is an open-label Phase I/II clinical trial investigating bexmarilimab in combination with standard of care (SoC) in the aggressive hematological malignancies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The primary objective is to determine the safety and tolerability of bexmarilimab in combination with SoC (azacitidine) treatment. Directly targeting Clever-1 could limit the replication capacity of cancer cells, increase antigen presentation, ignite an immune response, and allow current treatments to be more effective. Clever-1 is highly expressed in both AML and MDS and associated with therapy resistance, limited T cell activation and poor outcomes. About bexmarilimabBexmarilimab is Faron's wholly owned, investigational immunotherapy designed to overcome resistance to existing treatments and optimize clinical outcomes, by targeting myeloid cell function and igniting the immune system. Bexmarilimab binds to Clever-1, an immunosuppressive receptor found on macrophages leading to tumor growth and metastases (i.e. helps cancer evade the immune system). By targeting the Clever-1 receptor on macrophages, bexmarilimab alters the tumor microenvironment, reprogramming macrophages from an immunosuppressive (M2) state to an immunostimulatory (M1) one, upregulating interferon production and priming the immune system to attack tumors and sensitizing cancer cells to standard of care. About Faron Pharmaceuticals LtdFaron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a global, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on tackling cancers via novel immunotherapies. Its mission is to bring the promise of immunotherapy to a broader population by uncovering novel ways to control and harness the power of the immune system. The Company's lead asset is bexmarilimab , a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, with the potential to remove immunosuppression of cancers through reprogramming myeloid cell function. Bexmarilimab is being investigated in Phase I/II clinical trials as a potential therapy for patients with hematological cancers in combination with other standard treatments. Further information is available at SOURCE: Faron Pharmaceuticals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
