Market Newsdesk

April 25, 2025 2:28 pm

RC Deadline: RC Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead Ready Capital Corporation Securities Fraud Lawsuit

PR Newswire

NEW YORK
, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Ready Capital Corporation (NYSE: RC) between November 7, 2024 and March 2, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important May 5, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

So what: If you purchased Ready Capital securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Ready Capital class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=36512 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 5, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) significant non-performing loans in its commercial real estate (“CRE”) portfolio were not likely to be collectible; (2) Ready Capital would fully reserve these problem loans in order to “stabilize” its CRE portfolio; (3) this was not accurately reflected in Ready Capital’s current expected credit loss or valuation allowances; (4) as a result, Ready Capital’s financial results would be adversely affected; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, Ready Capital’s positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

To join the Ready Capital class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=36512 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

      Laurence Rosen, Esq.
      Phillip Kim, Esq.
      The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
      275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
      New York, NY 10016
      Tel: (212) 686-1060
      Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
      Fax: (212) 202-3827
      [email protected]
      www.rosenlegal.com

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SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

April 25, 2025 2:20 pm

MRVI Deadline: MRVI Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead Maravai Lifesciences Holdings, Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit

PR Newswire

NEW YORK
, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds of purchasers of securities of Maravai Lifesciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRVI) between August 7, 2024 and February 24, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important May 5, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

So what: If you purchased Maravai securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Maravai class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=36259 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 5, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Maravai lacked adequate internal controls over financial reporting related to revenue recognition; (2) as a result, Maravai inaccurately recognized revenue on certain transactions during fiscal 2024; (3) its goodwill was overstated; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants’ positive statements about Maravai’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

To join the Maravai class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=36259 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

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SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

April 25, 2025 2:15 pm

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Declares Cash Dividend on Common Stock

KANSAS CITY, Mo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.275 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on June 24, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 6, 2025.

With $32.4 billion in assets¹, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH) is a regional bank holding company offering a full line of banking services through its subsidiaries, including payment solutions, investment management and securities brokerage. One of its subsidiaries, Commerce Bank, leverages 160 years of proven strength and experience to help individuals and businesses solve financial challenges. In addition to offering payment solutions across the U.S., Commerce Bank currently operates full-service banking facilities across the Midwest including the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas, Springfield, Central Missouri, Central Illinois, Wichita, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Denver. Beyond the Midwest, Commerce also maintains commercial offices in Dallas, Houston, Cincinnati, Nashville, Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Grand Rapids and wealth offices in Dallas, Houston and Naples. Commerce delivers high-touch service and sophisticated financial solutions at regional branches, commercial and wealth offices, ATMs, online, mobile and through a 24/7 customer service line. Learn more at www.commercebank.com.

¹As of March 31, 2025

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250425618916/en/

For more information, please contact:

Matt Burkemper (314) 746-7485

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Missouri

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

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April 25, 2025 1:35 pm

Meridian Corporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Results and Announces a Quarterly Dividend of $0.125 per Common Share

MALVERN, Pa., April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Meridian Corporation (Nasdaq: MRBK) today reported:

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)((Unaudited)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		March 31, 2024
Income:
Net income	$	2,399	$	5,600	$	2,676
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.21	$	0.49	$	0.24
Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) ⁽¹⁾	$	8,357	$	11,167	$	6,419
(1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix

Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $2.4 million, or $0.21 per diluted share.
Pre-provision net revenue¹ for the quarter was $8.4 million, up $1.9 million or 30.2% from 1Q 2024.
Net interest margin was 3.46% for the first quarter of 2025, with a loan yield of 7.19%.
Return on average assets and return on average equity for the first quarter of 2025 were 0.40% and 5.57%, respectively.
Total assets at March 31, 2025 were $2.5 billion, compared to $2.4 billion at December 31, 2024 and $2.3 billion at March 31, 2024.
Commercial loans, excluding leases, increased $49.5 million, or 3% for the quarter.
First quarter deposit growth was $123.4 million, or 6%.
Non-interest-bearing deposits were up $82.6 million or 34%, quarter over quarter.
On April 24, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per common share, payable May 19, 2025 to shareholders of record as of May 12, 2025.

Christopher J. Annas, Chairman and CEO commented:

Meridian’s first quarter 2025 earnings of $2.4 million were slightly below the first quarter 2024 net income of $2.7 million however PPNR was up 30%, reflecting overall healthy growth in our business units and good expense control. Our earnings were negatively affected by higher provisioning resulting mainly from distressed SBA loans, which have been impacted by the dramatic rate rise. The remediation process for SBA loans is lengthy due to procedural requirements, which we follow diligently to assure the government guaranty, but we are making progress. On a positive note, our net interest margin was 3.46% and has shown consistent improvement over the last four quarters.

Loan growth in the first quarter was 12% annualized (minus expected lease paydowns) and all commercial groups contributed. The Delaware Valley region is plagued by a lack of homes for sale, so construction and other residential building is in demand. Our commercial/industrial lending has benefited from disruption in a recent local bank combination, from where we hired a senior lender with a deep list of contacts throughout the region. We expect many opportunities from this individual and his future hires.

Meridian Wealth Partners continued its strong performance with pre-tax income of $726 thousand for the quarter. A slight increase in assets under management combined with overall better fee percentages contributed to the gain. We are poised for better growth in this segment as our expanded loan customer base provides referral business, and with the recent hiring of a senior wealth professional to help focus on other opportunities.

The mortgage group had a larger pre-tax loss in 1Q25 vs 1Q24, mainly due to lower volume and a lesser loan officer count. The first quarter is seasonally weaker, but we are encouraged by the forecast for greater home inventory in both our Delaware Valley and Maryland markets. That has been a much bigger factor for loan originations than mortgage rates.

Our solid growth in PPNR has enabled us to manage the spike in non-performing loans, as we work intensely to remediate these credits. The growth in first quarter loan volume and expansion in net interest margin should continue to help drive further improvement in profitability.

Select Condensed Financial Information

	As of or for the three months ended (Unaudited)
	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Income:
Net income	$	2,399		$	5,600		$	4,743		$	3,326		$	2,676
Basic earnings per common share		0.21			0.50			0.43			0.30			0.24
Diluted earnings per common share		0.21			0.49			0.42			0.30			0.24
Net interest income		19,776			19,299			18,242			16,846			16,609

Balance Sheet:
Total assets	$	2,528,586		$	2,385,867		$	2,387,721		$	2,351,584		$	2,292,923
Loans, net of fees and costs		2,071,675			2,030,437			2,008,396			1,988,535			1,956,315
Total deposits		2,128,742			2,005,368			1,978,927			1,915,436			1,900,696
Non-interest bearing deposits		323,485			240,858			237,207			224,040			220,581
Stockholders’ equity		173,266			171,522			167,450			162,382			159,936

Balance Sheet Average Balances:
Total assets	$	2,420,571		$	2,434,270		$	2,373,261		$	2,319,295		$	2,269,047
Total interest earning assets		2,330,224			2,342,651			2,277,523			2,222,177			2,173,212
Loans, net of fees and costs		2,039,676			2,029,739			1,997,574			1,972,740			1,944,187
Total deposits		2,036,208			2,043,505			1,960,145			1,919,954			1,823,523
Non-interest bearing deposits		244,161			259,118			246,310			229,040			233,255
Stockholders’ equity		174,734			171,214			165,309			162,119			159,822

Performance Ratios (Annualized):
Return on average assets		0.40	%		0.92	%		0.80	%		0.58	%		0.47	%
Return on average equity		5.57	%		13.01	%		11.41	%		8.25	%		6.73	%

Income Statement –
First
Quarter
2025
Compared to
Fourth
Quarter
2024

First quarter net income decreased $3.2 million, or 57.2%, to $2.4 million due to decreased non-interest income as the prior quarter included a $4.0 million gain on sale of MSR’s and a $317 thousand gain on sale of OREO, partially offset by a $1.0 million charge for early lease termination. The first quarter provision for credit losses increased over the prior quarter by $1.6 million. Net interest income increased $477 thousand and non-interest expenses decreased $2.7 million. Detailed explanations of the major categories of income and expense follow below.

Net Interest income

Interest income decreased $869 thousand quarter-over-quarter on a tax equivalent basis, driven by both two less days in the period as well as a lower level of average earning assets, which decreased by $12.4 million. On a rate basis, the yield on earnings assets increased 2 basis points.

Average total loans, excluding residential loans for sale, increased $10.0 million. The largest drivers of this increase were commercial, commercial real estate, and small business loans which on a combined basis increased $21.2 million on average, partially offset by a decrease in average leases of $10.6 million. Home equity, residential real estate, consumer and other loans held in portfolio decreased on a combined basis $602 thousand on average.

Total interest expense decreased $1.3 million, quarter-over-quarter, also driven by two fewer days in the period and a lower volume of time deposits and borrowings. On a rate basis, all deposit types experienced a decrease in the cost, with the overall cost of deposits dropping 21 basis points. Interest expense on total deposits decreased $1.5 million and interest expense on borrowings decreased $139 thousand. During the period, interest-bearing checking accounts and money market accounts increased $9.9 million and $37.9 million on average, respectively, while time deposits decreased $40.2 million on average. Borrowings decreased $6.7 million on average.

Overall the net interest margin increased 17 basis points to 3.46% as the cost of funds declined and the yield on earning assets increased slightly.

Provision for Credit Losses

The overall provision for credit losses for the first quarter increased $1.6 million to $5.2 million, from $3.6 million in the fourth quarter. The first quarter provision increased due to an increase of $7.1 million in non-performing loans which led to an increase of $2.3 million in specific reserves on such loans. SBA loans make up $6.9 million of these additional non-performing loans, of which $3.8 million are guaranteed by the SBA. The increase in provision was also partially impacted by unfavorable changes in certain macro-economic factors used in the model due to current economic and market uncertainty.

Non-interest income

The following table presents the components of non-interest income for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			$ Change			% Change
Mortgage banking income	$	3,393		$	5,516		$	(2,123	)	(38.5)%
Wealth management income		1,535			1,527			8		0.5	%
SBA loan income		748			1,143			(395	)	(34.6)%
Earnings on investment in life insurance		222			224			(2	)	(0.9)%
Net (loss) gain on sale of MSRs		(52	)		3,992			(4,044	)	(101.3)%
Gain on sale of OREO		—			317			(317	)	(100.0)%
Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments		149			(146	)		295		(202.1)%
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale		102			(163	)		265		(162.6)%
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment		170			(552	)		722		(130.8)%
Net (loss) gain on hedging activity		21			192			(171	)	(89.1)%
Other		1,036			1,229			(193	)	(15.7)%
Total non-interest income	$	7,324		$	13,279		$	(5,955	)	(44.8)%

Total non-interest income decreased $6.0 million, or 44.8%, quarter-over-quarter largely due to recognizing a gain on sale of MSRs of $4.0 million in the prior quarter, combined with a $2.1 million decline in mortgage banking income, and a change in gains of $171 thousand in hedging activity. These declines in income were partially offset by favorable derivative and loan related fair value changes. Mortgage loan sales decreased $68.1 million or 31.5% quarter over quarter driving lower gain on sale income in addition to a lower overall margin, leading to the lower level of mortgage banking income.

SBA loan income decreased $395 thousand due to a lower level of SBA loan sales. SBA loans sold for the quarter-ended March 31, 2025 totaled $12.1 million, down $7.8 million, or 39.1%, compared to the quarter-ended December 31, 2024. The gross margin on SBA sales was 8.7% for the quarter, up from 7.5% for the previous quarter.

Non-interest expense

The following table presents the components of non-interest expense for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		$ Change			% Change
Salaries and employee benefits	$	11,385	$	12,429	$	(1,044	)	(8.4)%
Occupancy and equipment		1,338		2,270		(932	)	(41.1)%
Professional fees		763		1,134		(371	)	(32.7)%
Data processing and software		1,479		1,553		(74	)	(4.8)%
Advertising and promotion		779		839		(60	)	(7.2)%
Pennsylvania bank shares tax		269		243		26		10.7	%
Other		2,730		2,943		(213	)	(7.2)%
Total non-interest expense	$	18,743	$	21,411	$	(2,668	)	(12.5)%

Overall salaries and benefits decreased $1.0 million. Bank and wealth segments combined decreased $245 thousand, while the mortgage segment decreased $799 thousand. Mortgage segment salaries, commissions, and employee benefits expense are impacted by volume and decreased commensurate with the lower levels of originations, which were down $63.5 million from the prior quarter. Occupancy and equipment expense decreased $932 thousand, net, due to fees, credits and other disposal costs for the early termination of the Blue Bell lease that occurred in the prior quarter. Professional fees decreased $371 thousand over the prior period mainly due to the results of cost control efforts on certain internal audit fees, legal fees and consulting fees, while other non-interest expense decreased $213 thousand due to a decline in certain business development costs, other loan related fees, and OREO related expenses.

Balance Sheet –
March 31, 2025
Compared to
December 31, 2024

Total assets increased $142.7 million, or 6.0%, to $2.5 billion as of March 31, 2025 from $2.4 billion at December 31, 2024. Interest-earning cash increased $91.8 million, or 419.7%, to $113.6 million as of March 31, 2025 from December 31, 2024, as a temporary deposit of $103 million from a long standing customer was on hand for several weeks. In addition, loan growth contributed to the overall increase in total assets over this period.

Portfolio loan growth was $42.0 million, or 2.1% quarter-over-quarter. The portfolio growth was generated from commercial mortgage loans which increased $21.2 million, or 2.6%, construction loans which increased $18.3 million, or 7.1%, small business loans which increased $5.3 million, or 3.4%, and commercial & industrial loans which increased $4.6 million, or 1.3%. Lease financings decreased $9.2 million, or 12.1% from December 31, 2024, partially offsetting the above noted loan growth, but this decline was expected as we continue to refocus away from lease originations.

Total deposits increased $123.4 million, or 6.2% quarter-over-quarter, led by non-interest bearing deposit growth of $82.6 million. Non-interest bearing deposits benefited from a late quarter deposit of $103 million from a long standing customer that sold a business. This deposit was on hand for several weeks. Money market accounts and savings accounts also increased a combined $34.3 million, while interest bearing demand deposits increased $19.6 million, and time deposits decreased $13.1 million from largely wholesale efforts. Overall borrowings increased $15.1 million, or 12.1% quarter-over-quarter.

Total stockholders’ equity increased by $1.7 million from December 31, 2024, to $173.3 million as of March 31, 2025. Changes to equity for the current quarter included net income of $2.4 million, less dividends paid of $1.4 million, offset by a decrease of $529 thousand in other comprehensive income. The Community Bank Leverage Ratio for the Bank was 9.30% at March 31, 2025.

Asset Quality Summary

Non-performing loans increased $7.1 million to $52.2 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $45.1 million at December 31, 2024. Included in non-performing loans are $19.1 million of SBA loans of which $9.9 million, or 53%, are guaranteed by the SBA. The SBA portfolio was subject to the Fed’s rapid rate increase and $15.0 million, or 80% of these non-performing loans originated in 2020-2021 where their rates rose over 500 basis points.

The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased 30 bps to 2.49% as of March 31, 2025, from 2.19% as of December 31, 2024. The increase in non-performing loans was led by a $6.9 million increase in non-performing SBA loans, and $881 thousand in leases.

Net charge-offs as a % of total average loans of 0.14% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, decreased from 0.34% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Net charge-offs decreased to $2.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to net charge-offs of $7.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. First quarter charge-offs consisted of $851 thousand on a protracted commercial advertising loan relationship, $738 thousand related to construction loans, $553 thousand of small ticket equipment leases which are charged-off after becoming more than 120 days past due, and $277 thousand in SBA loans. Overall there were recoveries of $175 thousand, largely related to leases and SBA loans.

The ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment was 1.01% as of March 31, 2025, an increase from the coverage ratio of 0.91% as of December 31, 2024 due largely to the increase in specific reserves on non-performing loans in the quarter discussed above. As of March 31, 2025 there were specific reserves of $5.0 million against individually evaluated loans, an increase of $2.3 million from $2.7 million in specific reserves as of December 31, 2024. The specific reserve increase over the prior quarter was led by a $1.6 million increase in specific reserves on SBA loans, as well as increases of $535 thousand in commercial real estate loan specifics reserves and a $174 thousand increase in commercial loan specific reserves.

About Meridian Corporation

Meridian Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Meridian Corporation, is an innovative community bank serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Through its 17 offices, including banking branches and mortgage locations, Meridian offers a full suite of financial products and services. Meridian specializes in business and industrial lending, retail and commercial real estate lending, electronic payments, and wealth management solutions through Meridian Wealth Partners. Meridian also offers a broad menu of high-yield depository products supported by robust online and mobile access. For additional information, visit our website at www.meridianbanker.com. Member FDIC.

“Safe Harbor” Statement

In addition to historical information, this press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Meridian Corporation’s strategies, goals, beliefs, expectations, estimates, intentions, capital raising efforts, financial condition and results of operations, future performance and business. Statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “pro forma,” “looking forward,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” or similar expressions generally indicate a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which, in whole or in part, are beyond Meridian Corporation’s control). Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, credit losses and the credit risk of our commercial and consumer loan products; changes in the level of charge-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, or ACL; cyber-security concerns; rapid technological developments and changes; increased competitive pressures; changes in spreads on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; changes in general economic conditions and conditions within the securities markets; escalating tariff and other trade policies and the resulting impacts on market volatility and global trade; unanticipated changes in our liquidity position; unanticipated changes in regulatory and governmental policies impacting interest rates and financial markets; legislation affecting the financial services industry as a whole, and Meridian Corporation, in particular; changes in accounting policies, practices or guidance; developments affecting the industry and the soundness of financial institutions and further disruption to the economy and U.S. banking system; among others, could cause Meridian Corporation’s financial performance to differ materially from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. Meridian Corporation cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and neither such factors nor any such forward-looking statement takes into account the impact of any future events. All forward-looking statements and information set forth herein are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions as of the date hereof and speak only as of the date they are made. For a more complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business, you are encouraged to review Meridian Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that update or provide information in addition to the information included in the Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings, if any. Meridian Corporation does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Meridian Corporation or by or on behalf of Meridian Bank.

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL RATIOS (Unaudited) (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024
Earnings and Per Share Data:
Net income	$	2,399		$	5,600		$	4,743		$	3,326		$	2,676
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.21		$	0.50		$	0.43		$	0.30		$	0.24
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.21		$	0.49		$	0.42		$	0.30		$	0.24
Common shares outstanding		11,285			11,240			11,229			11,191			11,186

Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets⁽²⁾		0.40	%		0.92	%		0.80	%		0.58	%		0.47	%
Return on average equity ⁽²⁾		5.57			13.01			11.41			8.25			6.73
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent) ⁽²⁾		3.46			3.29			3.20			3.06			3.09
Yield on earning assets (tax-equivalent) ⁽²⁾		6.83			6.81			7.06			6.98			6.90
Cost of funds ⁽²⁾		3.56			3.71			4.05			4.10			4.00
Efficiency ratio		69.16	%		65.72	%		70.67	%		72.89	%		73.90	%

Asset Quality Ratios:
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans		0.14	%		0.34	%		0.11	%		0.20	%		0.12	%
Non-performing loans to total loans		2.49			2.19			2.20			1.84			1.93
Non-performing assets to total assets		2.07			1.90			1.97			1.68			1.74
Allowance for credit losses to:
Total loans and other finance receivables		1.01			0.91			1.09			1.09			1.18
Total loans and other finance receivables (excluding loans at fair value) ⁽¹⁾		1.01			0.91			1.10			1.10			1.19
Non-performing loans		39.90	%		40.86	%		48.66	%		57.66	%		60.59	%

Capital Ratios:
Book value per common share	$	15.35		$	15.26		$	14.91		$	14.51		$	14.30
Tangible book value per common share	$	15.03		$	14.93		$	14.58		$	14.17		$	13.96
Total equity/Total assets		6.85	%		7.19	%		7.01	%		6.91	%		6.98	%
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets – Corporation ⁽¹⁾		6.72			7.05			6.87			6.76			6.82
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets – Bank ⁽¹⁾		8.61			9.06			8.95			8.85			8.93
Tier 1 leverage ratio – Bank		9.30			9.21			9.32			9.33			9.42
Common tier 1 risk-based capital ratio – Bank		10.15			10.33			10.17			9.84			9.87
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio – Bank		10.15			10.33			10.17			9.84			9.87
Total risk-based capital ratio – Bank		11.14	%		11.20	%		11.22	%		10.84	%		10.95	%
(1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix
(2) Annualized

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024
Interest income:
Loans and other finance receivables, including fees	$	36,549		$	37,229		$	35,339
Securities – taxable		1,693			1,684			1,251
Securities – tax-exempt		313			314			325
Cash and cash equivalents		613			801			300
Total interest income		39,168			40,028			37,215
Interest expense:
Deposits		16,868			18,341			17,392
Borrowings and subordinated debentures		2,524			2,388			3,214
Total interest expense		19,392			20,729			20,606
Net interest income		19,776			19,299			16,609
Provision for credit losses		5,212			3,572			2,866
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		14,564			15,727			13,743
Non-interest income:
Mortgage banking income		3,393			5,516			3,634
Wealth management income		1,535			1,527			1,317
SBA loan income		748			1,143			986
Earnings on investment in life insurance		222			224			207
Net (loss) gain on sale of MSRs		(52	)		3,992			—
Gain on sale of OREO		—			317			—
Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments		149			(146	)		75
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale		102			(163	)		(2	)
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment		170			(552	)		(175	)
Net (loss) gain on hedging activity		21			192			(19	)
Other		1,036			1,229			1,961
Total non-interest income		7,324			13,279			7,984
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		11,385			12,429			10,573
Occupancy and equipment		1,338			2,270			1,233
Professional fees		763			1,134			1,498
Data processing and software		1,479			1,553			1,532
Advertising and promotion		779			839			748
Pennsylvania bank shares tax		269			243			274
Other		2,730			2,943			2,316
Total non-interest expense		18,743			21,411			18,174
Income before income taxes		3,145			7,595			3,553
Income tax expense		746			1,995			877
Net income	$	2,399		$	5,600		$	2,676

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.21		$	0.50		$	0.24
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.21		$	0.49		$	0.24

Basic weighted average shares outstanding		11,205			11,158			11,088
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		11,446			11,375			11,201

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (Unaudited) (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024
Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	16,976		$	5,598		$	12,542		$	8,457		$	8,935
Interest-bearing deposits at other banks		113,620			21,864			19,805			15,601			14,092
Federal funds sold		629			—			—			—			—
Cash and cash equivalents		131,225			27,462			32,347			24,058			23,027
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value		185,221			174,304			171,568			159,141			150,996
Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost		32,720			33,771			33,833			35,089			35,157
Equity investments		2,126			2,086			2,166			2,088			2,092
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value		28,047			32,413			46,602			54,278			29,124
Loans and other finance receivables, net of fees and costs		2,071,675			2,030,437			2,008,396			1,988,535			1,956,315
Allowance for credit losses		(20,827	)		(18,438	)		(21,965	)		(21,703	)		(23,171	)
Loans and other finance receivables, net of the allowance for credit losses		2,050,848			2,011,999			1,986,431			1,966,832			1,933,144
Restricted investment in bank stock		8,369			7,753			8,542			10,044			8,560
Bank premises and equipment, net		12,028			12,151			12,807			13,114			13,451
Bank owned life insurance		29,935			29,712			29,489			29,267			29,051
Accrued interest receivable		10,345			9,958			10,012			9,973			9,864
Other real estate owned		159			159			1,862			1,862			1,703
Deferred income taxes		5,136			4,669			3,537			3,950			4,339
Servicing assets		4,284			4,382			4,364			11,341			11,573
Servicing assets held for sale		—			—			6,609			—			—
Goodwill		899			899			899			899			899
Intangible assets		2,716			2,767			2,818			2,869			2,920
Other assets		24,528			31,382			33,835			26,779			37,023
Total assets	$	2,528,586		$	2,385,867		$	2,387,721		$	2,351,584		$	2,292,923

Liabilities:
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing	$	323,485		$	240,858		$	237,207		$	224,040		$	220,581
Interest bearing
Interest checking		161,055			141,439			133,429			130,062			121,204
Money market and savings deposits		947,795			913,536			822,837			787,479			797,525
Time deposits		696,407			709,535			785,454			773,855			761,386
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,805,257			1,764,510			1,741,720			1,691,396			1,680,115
Total deposits		2,128,742			2,005,368			1,978,927			1,915,436			1,900,696
Borrowings		139,590			124,471			144,880			187,260			145,803
Subordinated debentures		49,761			49,743			49,928			49,897			49,867
Accrued interest payable		7,404			6,860			7,017			7,709			8,350
Other liabilities		29,823			27,903			39,519			28,900			28,271
Total liabilities		2,355,320			2,214,345			2,220,271			2,189,202			2,132,987

Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		13,288			13,243			13,232			13,194			13,189
Surplus		81,724			81,545			81,002			80,639			80,487
Treasury stock		(26,079	)		(26,079	)		(26,079	)		(26,079	)		(26,079	)
Unearned common stock held by employee stock ownership plan		(1,006	)		(1,006	)		(1,204	)		(1,204	)		(1,204	)
Retained earnings		112,952			111,961			107,765			104,420			102,492
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(7,613	)		(8,142	)		(7,266	)		(8,588	)		(8,949	)
Total stockholders’ equity		173,266			171,522			167,450			162,382			159,936
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,528,586		$	2,385,867		$	2,387,721		$	2,351,584		$	2,292,923

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024
Interest income	$	39,168	$	40,028	$	40,319	$	38,465	$	37,215
Interest expense		19,392		20,729		22,077		21,619		20,606
Net interest income		19,776		19,299		18,242		16,846		16,609
Provision for credit losses		5,212		3,572		2,282		2,680		2,866
Non-interest income		7,324		13,279		10,831		9,244		7,984
Non-interest expense		18,743		21,411		20,546		19,018		18,174
Income before income tax expense		3,145		7,595		6,245		4,392		3,553
Income tax expense		746		1,995		1,502		1,066		877
Net Income	$	2,399	$	5,600	$	4,743	$	3,326	$	2,676

Basic weighted average shares outstanding		11,205		11,158		11,110		11,096		11,088
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.21	$	0.50	$	0.43	$	0.30	$	0.24

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		11,446		11,375		11,234		11,150		11,201
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.21	$	0.49	$	0.42	$	0.30	$	0.24

	Segment Information
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2025												Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	Bank			Wealth			Mortgage			Total			Bank			Wealth			Mortgage			Total
Net interest income	$	19,706		$	9		$	61		$	19,776		$	16,592		$	(6	)	$	23		$	16,609
Provision for credit losses		5,212			—			—			5,212			2,866			—			—			2,866
Net interest income after provision		14,494			9			61			14,564			13,726			(6	)		23			13,743
Non-interest income		1,912			1,535			3,877			7,324			1,874			1,317			4,793			7,984
Non-interest expense		12,758			818			5,167			18,743			12,060			833			5,281			18,174
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	3,648		$	726		$	(1,229	)	$	3,145		$	3,540		$	478		$	(465	)	$	3,553
Efficiency ratio		59	%		53	%		131	%		69	%		65	%		64	%		110	%		74	%

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

APPENDIX: NON-GAAP MEASURES (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Meridian believes that non-GAAP measures are meaningful because they reflect adjustments commonly made by management, investors, regulators and analysts. The non-GAAP disclosure have limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for performance and financial condition measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of Meridian’s results as reported under GAAP, nor is it necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

	Pre-provision Net Revenue Reconciliation
	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data, Unaudited)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		March 31, 2024
Income before income tax expense	$	3,145	$	7,595	$	3,553
Provision for credit losses		5,212		3,572		2,866
Pre-provision net revenue	$	8,357	$	11,167	$	6,419

	Pre-Provision Net Revenue Reconciliation
	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data, Unaudited)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024		March 31, 2024
Bank	$	8,860		$	8,205	$	6,406
Wealth		726			571		478
Mortgage		(1,229	)		2,391		(465	)
Pre-provision net revenue	$	8,357		$	11,167	$	6,419

	Allowance For Credit Losses (ACL) to Loans and Other Finance Receivables, Excluding and Loans at Fair Value
	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024
Allowance for credit losses (GAAP)	$	20,827		$	18,438		$	21,965		$	21,703		$	23,171

Loans and other finance receivables (GAAP)		2,071,675			2,030,437			2,008,396			1,988,535			1,956,315
Less: Loans at fair value		(14,182	)		(14,501	)		(13,965	)		(12,900	)		(13,139	)
Loans and other finance receivables, excluding loans at fair value (non-GAAP)	$	2,057,493		$	2,015,936		$	1,994,431		$	1,975,635		$	1,943,176

ACL to loans and other finance receivables (GAAP)		1.01	%		0.91	%		1.09	%		1.09	%		1.18	%
ACL to loans and other finance receivables, excluding loans at fair value (non-GAAP)		1.01	%		0.91	%		1.10	%		1.10	%		1.19	%

	Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation – Corporation
	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024
Total stockholders’ equity (GAAP)	$	173,266		$	171,522		$	167,450		$	162,382		$	159,936
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,615	)		(3,666	)		(3,717	)		(3,768	)		(3,819	)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		169,651			167,856			163,733			158,614			156,117

Total assets (GAAP)		2,528,586			2,385,867			2,387,721			2,351,584			2,292,923
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,615	)		(3,666	)		(3,717	)		(3,768	)		(3,819	)
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	2,524,971		$	2,382,201		$	2,384,004		$	2,347,816		$	2,289,104
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio – Corporation (non-GAAP)		6.72	%		7.05	%		6.87	%		6.76	%		6.82	%

	Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation – Bank
	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024
Total stockholders’ equity (GAAP)	$	220,768		$	219,119		$	217,028		$	211,308		$	208,319
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,615	)		(3,666	)		(3,717	)		(3,768	)		(3,819	)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		217,153			215,453			213,311			207,540			204,500

Total assets (GAAP)		2,525,029			2,382,014			2,385,994			2,349,600			2,292,894
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,615	)		(3,666	)		(3,717	)		(3,768	)		(3,819	)
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	2,521,414		$	2,378,348		$	2,382,277		$	2,345,832		$	2,289,075
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio – Bank (non-GAAP)		8.61	%		9.06	%		8.95	%		8.85	%		8.93	%

	Tangible Book Value Reconciliation
	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024
Book value per common share	$	15.35		$	15.26		$	14.91		$	14.51		$	14.30
Less: Impact of goodwill /intangible assets		0.32			0.33			0.33			0.34			0.34
Tangible book value per common share	$	15.03		$	14.93		$	14.58		$	14.17		$	13.96

April 25, 2025 1:33 pm

Bragg Gaming Group To Settle USD 5 Million of Secured Promissory Note; Short-term Extension Agreement Reached for Remaining USD 2 Million

Bragg Gaming Group To Settle USD 5 Million of Secured Promissory Note; Short-term Extension Agreement Reached for Remaining USD 2 Million

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Bragg Gaming Group (NASDAQ: BRAG, TSX: BRAG) (“Bragg” or the “Company”), a leading global B2B iGaming content and technology provider, today announced it has reached an agreement with its lenders, certain entities controlled by Doug Fallon, to repay USD 5 million of its outstanding USD 7 million secured promissory note and to extend the maturity of the remaining USD 2 million until June 6, 2025 (the “Note”).

The company is in the process of securing a new revolving credit facility from a third-party lender. This facility is expected to offer more favourable terms than the existing Note, including lower borrowing costs and improved drawdown flexibility.

“This partial repayment and extension will further strengthen our balance sheet and reflects our confidence in the business,” said Robbie Bressler, CFO of Bragg. “With a reduced need for working capital support, we’re focused on finalizing a new facility to secure standby credit, allowing for greater financial flexibility and enabling us to pursue strategic growth opportunities.”

All other terms of the original Note remain unchanged. Bragg intends to repay the remaining USD 2 million balance on or before the amended June 6, 2025 maturity date.

MI 61-101 Disclosure

Doug Fallon is a related party to the Company as he is a senior officer of the Company. The extension of the Note is considered to be a “related party transaction” for purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61- 101”). The Company is relying on the exemption from the formal valuation requirement in section 5.4 of MI 61-101, and the minority shareholder approval requirement in section 5.6 of MI 61-101, in reliance on section 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as at the time the extension of the Note was agreed to, neither the fair market value of the Note, nor the fair market value of the consideration payable to the lenders under the Note exceeds 25% of the market capitalization of the Company.

The Company notes that the extension of the Note is occurring concurrently with this announcement and that it will not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the extension of the Note. The Company deems this circumstance reasonable in order to complete the extension of the Note in an expeditious manner. The extension of the Note has been unanimously approved by the Company’s board of directors.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”), including, without limitation, statements with respect to: the Company entering into a new debt facility and repayment of the Note; and the impact on the Company’s strategic growth initiatives and corporate vision and strategy. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of presenting information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future and allowing readers to get a better understanding of the Company’s anticipated financial position, results of operations, and operating environment. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or describes a “goal”, or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

All forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect the Company’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those predicted in these forward-looking statements. All of the Company’s forward-looking statements are qualified by the assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking statements, including the assumptions listed below. Although the Company believes that these assumptions are reasonable, this list is not exhaustive of factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements. The key assumptions that have been made in connection with the forward-looking statements include the Company’s financial resources and liquidity, the regulatory regime governing the business of the Company; the operations of the Company; the products and services of the Company; the Company’s customers; the growth of the Company’s business, meeting minimum listing requirements of the stock exchanges on which the Company’s shares trade; the integration of technology; and the anticipated size and/or revenue associated with the gaming market globally. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following: risks related to the Company’s business and financial position; that the Company may not be able to execute a new debt facility with a third party lender; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments; the inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; the inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; realization of growth estimates, income tax and regulatory matters; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; economic and financial conditions, including volatility in interest and exchange rates, commodity and equity prices; changes in customer demand; disruptions to our technology network including computer systems and software; natural events such as severe weather, fires, floods and earthquakes; any disruptions to operations as a result of the strategic alternatives review process; and risks related to health pandemics and the outbreak of communicable diseases.^{Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.}

The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

About Bragg Gaming Group

Bragg Gaming Group (NASDAQ: BRAG, TSX: BRAG) is an iGaming content and platform technology solutions provider serving online and land-based gaming operators with its proprietary and exclusive content, and cutting-edge player account management (“PAM”) technology. Bragg Studios offer high-performing and passionately crafted casino game titles using the latest in data-driven insights from in-house brands including Wild Streak Gaming, Atomic Slot Lab and Indigo Magic. Its proprietary content portfolio is complemented by a selection of exclusive titles from carefully selected studio partners under the Powered By Bragg program. Games built on Bragg’s remote games server (“RGS”) technology are distributed via the Bragg HUB content delivery platform and are available exclusively to Bragg customers. Bragg’s powerful, modular PAM technology powers multiple leading iCasino and sportsbook brands and is supported by expert in-house managed, operational, and marketing services. Content delivered via the Bragg HUB either exclusively or from the Bragg aggregated games portfolio is managed from a single back-office which is supported by a cutting-edge data platform, and Bragg’s award-winning Fuze™ player engagement toolset. Bragg is licensed, certified, or otherwise approved and operational in over 30 regulated iCasino markets globally, including in the U.S, Canada, LatAm and Europe.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423178093/en/

For media enquiries or interview requests, please contact:

Robert Simmons, Head of Communications, Bragg Gaming Group

[email protected]

Investors:

Robbie Bressler, Chief Financial Officer, Bragg Gaming Group

[email protected]

James Carbonara, Hayden IR

(646)-755-7412

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Canada Nevada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Entertainment Technology Online Software Electronic Games Casino/Gaming

MEDIA:

April 25, 2025 1:20 pm

Pyxis Oncology Presents Promising Preclinical Results Providing Proof of Mechanism of Micvotabart Pelidotin, the First-in-Concept Extracellular-Targeting ADC

Gene signatures associated with increased efficacy of micvotabart pelidotin (MICVO) due to greater linker cleavage were identified based on differential gene expression analysis of PDX responders/non-responders

Mouse analog of MICVO in a syngeneic model indicated strong activity of the cytotoxic Auristatin0101 payload and potential for MICVO monotherapy to drive immunogenic cell death, a key hypothesis for MICVO’s mechanism

Combination of a mouse analog of MICVO and anti-PD-1 therapy in a syngeneic model resulted in enhanced tumor clearance and longer immunological memory compared to either treatment alone

Totality of pre-clinical data presented at AACR 2025 strongly support MICVO’s unique, three-pronged mechanism of action of driving anti-tumor activity via direct tumor killing, bystander effect and immunogenic cell death, further reinforcing the potential patient benefit for MICVO as a monotherapy and in combination with an anti-PD-1 therapy

BOSTON, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pyxis Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PYXS), a clinical-stage company developing next-generation ADC therapeutics for difficult-to-treat cancers, announced today robust preclinical data supporting the unique extracellular linker payload cleaving mechanism of action of micvotabart pelidotin (MICVO, formerly referred to as PYX-201) and validating MICVO’s ongoing clinical development. MICVO is a first-in-concept antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that targets Extradomain-B Fibronectin (EDB+FN), a non-cellular structural component of the tumor extracellular matrix. This is a compelling target for cancer therapeutics as the physiological expression of EDB+FN is very low in healthy adult tissues while found to be highly expressed in a variety of solid tumor tissues. Data will be presented in two poster sessions on Monday, April 28 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM CT at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

“Our lead therapeutic candidate micvotabart pelidotin has shown remarkably sustained efficacy in tumor clearance and immune activation across multiple models in preclinical studies, supporting our hypothesis that by targeting EDB+FN and releasing a potent payload in the tumor extracellular matrix, MICVO can potentially destabilize the barrier protecting and feeding the tumor structure while killing other tumor cells,” said Lara S. Sullivan, M.D., President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Pyxis Oncology. “These data that deepen our understanding of MICVO’s unique three-pronged mechanism, coupled with clinical findings from our Phase 1 dose escalation study that confirmed strong tumor regression response with MICVO, build on the clear scientific rationale to advance this novel ADC as a monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and other advanced solid tumors.”

Key findings from preclinical studies of MICVO are as follows:

Evaluation of PYX-201, an EDB+FN-targeting ADC, in a comprehensive PDX mini-trial study enables identification of gene signatures associated with anti-tumor activity
(Poster Board Number: 5; Published Abstract Number: 3120)

MICVO demonstrated broad anti-tumor activity across ten solid tumor indications in PDX models, attributed to EDB+FN target expression, proteolytic activity for MICVO linker cleavage and tumor responsiveness to the cytotoxic Auristatin0101 payload:
- 45% of models demonstrated strong to very strong tumor growth inhibition (TGI%) activity (70%<TGI<90% or TGI>90% respectively), with only 25% of models showing no response (TGI<25%).
- PDX models with very strong activity (TGI>90%) were found across nine out of ten solid tumor indications.
- Complete responses to MICVO (tumor volume reached 0mm³ for at least two consecutive measurements) were found across several tumor indications, consistent with previous analysis.
- MICVO was well-tolerated (3mg/kg, Q4Dx4).
Differential gene expression analysis enabled identification of gene signatures associated with anti-tumor activity.
- Enzyme and tumor stroma gene signatures were the gene sets with the greatest number of differentially expressed genes, deepening understanding around MOA and potential patient response.
Upregulation of certain proteases may contribute to increased linker cleavage and subsequent increased MICVO activity, supporting hypothesis for extracellular mechanism.

The combination of anti-PD1 and a mouse analog of PYX-201, an antibody-
drug conjugate targeting the extra-domain B splice variant of fibronectin (EDB+FN), shows greater anti-tumor efficacy than either treatment alone
(Poster Board Number: 4; Published Abstract Number: 3137)

Combining a mouse analog of MICVO with anti-PD-1 therapy inhibited EMT6 tumor growth and improved survival:
- Monotherapy of mouse analog of MICVO inhibited dose-dependent tumor outgrowth of EDB+FN expressing EMT6 tumors and was well-tolerated at 6mg/kg.
- The mouse analog of MICVO boosted the immune response by activating dendritic cells and increasing CD45+ immune cell infiltration, including PD1+ T cells, into tumors, transforming EMT6 tumors into immune-infiltrated, “hot” tumors.
- Significant TGI observed with mouse analog of MICVO (TGI=94%) and anti-PD-1 therapy (TGI=54%) as monotherapies.
- The combination of the mouse analog of MICVO and anti-PD-1 therapy resulted in TGI of 91% and complete response was seen in 9/15 animals – greater tumor regression and clearance than either treatment alone.
- Mouse analog of MICVO in combination with anti-PD1 therapy induced lasting immunological memory, enhancing tumor clearance and protecting against tumor recurrence in rechallenged mice.

Both posters will be presented during the Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics session on Monday, April 28 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM CT.

The poster presentations are also available on the Pyxis Oncology website on the Scientific publications page.

MICVO is currently being evaluated in Phase1 studies as a monotherapy in advanced solid tumors (NCT05720117) and in combination with KEYTRUDA^® (pembrolizumab) in advanced solid tumors (NCT06795412).

About Pyxis Oncology, Inc.

Pyxis Oncology, Inc. is a clinical stage company focused on defeating difficult-to-treat cancers. The Company is efficiently building next generation therapeutics that hold the potential for monotherapy and combination indications. Its lead candidate, micvotabart pelidotin (MICVO, formerly PYX-201), has been evaluated in ongoing Phase 1 clinical studies in multiple types of solid tumors with a go-forward development focus on treating patients with recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) based on the strength of the HNSCC signal that emerged. Additionally, the Company initiated a Phase 1/2 combination study of MICVO and Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA^® (pembrolizumab), in patients with R/M HNSCC and other advanced solid tumors.

To learn more, visit www.pyxisoncology.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Micvotabart Pelidotin (MICVO)

Micvotabart pelidotin (MICVO, formerly PYX-201), is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that uniquely targets extradomain-B fibronectin (EDB+FN), a non-cellular structural component of the tumor extracellular matrix. MICVO is designed to generate a multi-pronged attack on difficult-to-treat cancers by directly killing cancer cells, reducing extra-cellular matrix density, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and mobilizing an anti-tumor immune response.

MICVO received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult patients with R/M HNSCC whose disease has progressed following treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy and an anti-PD-(L)1 therapy.

KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “to be,” “will,” “would,” or the negative or plural of these words, or similar expressions or variations, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. We cannot assure you that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified herein, and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” set forth in Part II, Item 1A. of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with SEC on March 18, 2025, and our other filings, each of which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date hereof and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Pyxis Oncology Contact

Pamela Connealy
CFO and COO
[email protected]

April 25, 2025 1:18 pm

CoreWeave Announces Date of First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

PR Newswire

LIVINGSTON, N.J.
, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —- CoreWeave, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRWV), the AI Hyperscaler™, announced that it will release first quarter 2025 financial results, after the market closes on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

CoreWeave will also host a conference call to discuss its results at 2:00 pm Pacific Time / 5:00 pm Eastern Time. The live webcast of the earnings conference call can be accessed at the CoreWeave Investor Relations website at investors.coreweave.com. A replay of the webcast will be available at the same website.

About CoreWeave, Inc.

CoreWeave, the AI Hyperscaler™, delivers a cloud platform of cutting-edge software powering the next wave of AI. The company’s technology provides enterprises and leading AI labs with cloud solutions for accelerated computing. Since 2017, CoreWeave has operated a growing footprint of data centers across the US and Europe. CoreWeave was ranked as one of the TIME100 most influential companies and featured on Forbes Cloud 100 ranking in 2024. Learn more at www.coreweave.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/coreweave-announces-date-of-first-quarter-2025-financial-results-302438585.html

SOURCE CoreWeave

April 25, 2025 1:15 pm

Zai Lab Presents Data Highlighting Potential of Internally Developed, Next-Generation Oncology Therapies at AACR 2025

Zai Lab Presents Data Highlighting Potential of Internally Developed, Next-Generation Oncology Therapies at AACR 2025

– Findings support advancement of ZL-6201 into Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies in 2025 as a potential first-in-class and best-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) treatment for patients with leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 15 (LRRC15)-positive solid tumors

– Data from preclinical studies suggest ZL-1222, a novel anti-PD-1/interleukin-12 (IL-12) immunocytokine, induces potent anti-tumor activity through cis-activation of T cells in the tumor microenvironment and efficiently blocks PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway with improved systemic safety

SHANGHAI & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) will present new data from studies evaluating two of its internally developed, next-generation, investigational oncology therapies that it has global rights to, ZL-6201, a novel leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 15 (LRRC15) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting multiple solid tumors, and ZL-1222, an innovative anti-PD-1/ interleukin-12 (IL-12) immunocytokine for cancer immunotherapy, during poster sessions at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago, Illinois this week. The data provide strong evidence supporting continued evaluation of both investigational therapies.

“The latest findings that will be presented at AACR 2025 demonstrate impressive potential for the continued advancement of these next-generation oncology therapies,” said Linda Liu, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab. “We look forward to continuing our evaluation of these therapies that may provide the opportunity to broaden treatment options for patients who have been unresponsive or resistant to current treatments across a broad range of cancer types.”

ZL-6201 is a potential first- and best-in-class ADC with high affinity and specificity for LRRC15, an appealing target for cancer therapy due to its overexpression in multiple solid tumor types such as sarcoma, glioblastoma and melanoma. The compound was designed with a novel ADC technology platform called TMALIN®, which leverages the tumor microenvironment to overcome challenges associated with first-generation ADC therapies, including off-target payload toxicity.

Findings to be presented at AACR 2025 on Tuesday, April 29, demonstrate that ZL-6201 efficiently internalizes within and kills tumor cells, while also exhibiting a strong bystander killing effect in the tumor microenvironment where the target is often expressed. In multiple in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical studies, treatment with ZL-6201 effectively suppressed the growth of established tumors. Based on these findings, Zai Lab plans to initiate Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies of ZL-6201 as a potential treatment for patients with sarcoma and other LRRC15-positive solid tumors, such as breast cancer and other malignancies, in 2025.

ZL-1222 is a PD-1 targeted, next-generation IL-12 immunocytokine designed to leverage the anti-tumor potential of IL-12 while lowering the associated systemic toxicity. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated that IL-12 can have dramatic anti-tumor activity. However, in clinical investigations, systemic administration of IL-12 has been associated with a narrow therapeutic index with severe adverse events.

Findings from preclinical studies to be presented Monday, April 28, at AACR 2025 suggest that ZL-1222, through precisely tailored IL-12 activity and PD-1 targeting, demonstrate potent anti-tumor activity in both anti-PD-1 sensitive and resistant tumor models, with improved systemic safety. These results indicate its potential to benefit patients who are unresponsive or resistant to the current immuno-oncology therapies.

“At Zai Lab we are building a robust portfolio of potential first- and best-in-class oncology therapies to expand treatment options for patients around the world,” said Rafael G. Amado, M.D., President, Head of Global Research and Development, Zai Lab. “Findings from our preclinical studies of ZL-6201 and ZL-1222 demonstrate our commitment to identifying innovative approaches that address limitations associated with first-generation therapies. These include the ability to deliver higher concentrations of cytotoxic agents and limit off-target toxicity, in order to deliver meaningful treatment options for patients with a range of cancer types.”

Details regarding the Zai Lab poster presentations at AACR 2025 are as follows:

Title:Discovery and characterization of a novel LRRC15-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for the treatment of solid tumors

Presenter: Bing Wan, Ph.D., Executive Director, Biology, Zai Lab

Session Title: New and Emerging Cancer Drug Targets

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT

Location: McCormick Place Convention Center, Poster Section 17

Poster Board Number: 23

Published Abstract Number: 4266

Title: Cis-delivery of a potency-reduced IL-12 via an anti-PD-1 single-chain antibody exhibits potentanti-tumor activity

Presenter: Linda Liu, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab

Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Clinical Research 1

Date/Time: Monday, April 28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT

Location: McCormick Place Convention Center, Poster Section 53

Poster Board Number: 1

Published Abstract Number: LB204

About Zai Lab

Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) is an innovative, research-based, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company based in China and the United States. We are focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative products that address medical conditions with significant unmet needs in the areas of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. Our goal is to leverage our competencies and resources to positively impact human health worldwide.

For additional information about Zai Lab, please visit www.zailaboratory.com or follow us at https://x.com/ZaiLab_Global.

Zai Lab Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to our future expectations, plans, and prospects, for Zai Lab, including, without limitation, statements relating to our prospects and plans for developing and commercializing ZL-6201 and ZL-1222, the potential benefits of ZL-6201 and ZL-1222, and the potential treatment of solid tumors. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release are forward-looking statements, and can be identified by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” and other similar expressions. Such statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to (1) our ability to successfully commercialize and generate revenue from our approved products, (2) our ability to obtain funding for our operations and business initiatives, (3) the results of our clinical and pre-clinical development of our product candidates, (4) the content and timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities regarding regulatory approvals of our product candidates, (5) risks related to doing business in China, and (6) other factors identified in our most recent annual and quarterly reports and in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our expectations and assumptions to change, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Our SEC filings can be found on our website at www.zailaboratory.com and on the SEC’s website at www.SEC.gov.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424710413/en/

Investor Relations:

Christine Chiou / Lina Zhang

+1 (917) 886-6929 / +86 136 8257 6943

[email protected] / [email protected]

Media:

Shaun Maccoun / Xiaoyu Chen

+1 (857) 270-8854 / +86 185 0015 5011

[email protected] / [email protected]

KEYWORDS: China United States North America Asia Pacific Illinois Massachusetts

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology General Health Health Pharmaceutical Oncology

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Posted on April 25, 2025 1:13 pm
ALX Oncology Announces Encouraging Final Results from Phase 1 Trial Evaluating Evorpacept in Combination with Standard-of-Care Treatment in Patients with B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

– Data to be presented at AACR 2025 Annual Meeting suggest the combination of ALX Oncology’s investigational CD47-blocker, evorpacept, plus rituximab and lenalidomide (R
²
) was well-tolerated and demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity

– Combination generated complete responses (CR) in 83% of patients with indolent relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) comparing favorably to 34% historical CR rate with R
²
alone

– Phase 2 portion of trial in patients with previously untreated indolent NHL (iNHL) is ongoing and has completed enrollment

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ALX Oncology Holdings Inc., (“ALX Oncology” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: ALXO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of novel therapies designed to treat cancer and extend patients’ lives, today announced encouraging data from an ongoing Phase 1/2 investigator-sponsored trial (IST) of the company’s lead clinical candidate, evorpacept, in combination with standard-of-care rituximab and lenalidomide (R²) in patients with indolent and aggressive relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R B-NHL). Final results from the Phase 1 portion of the trial will be presented Tuesday, April 29, during a poster presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

“In patients with indolent B-NHL, increases in certain pro-tumoral macrophages can promote resistance to important frontline standard-of-care treatments, including R²,” said Paolo Strati, M.D., the trial’s lead investigator and Associate Professor of Lymphoma-Myeloma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Evorpacept is uniquely designed to activate the innate immune system and engage macrophages to enhance the therapeutic benefits of and deepen responses to anti-cancer antibodies such as rituximab. This trial suggests evorpacept has a synergistic effect with R² that may help improve outcomes and overcome resistance to R²in this patient population.”

The clinical trial conducted by Dr. Strati and colleagues at MD Anderson enrolled a total of 20 patients with indolent (n=18) and aggressive (n=2) R/R B-NHL; all 20 had previously received an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab), 72% had received prior chemoimmunotherapy and 80% had progressed within 24 months from frontline therapy. Patients with indolent NHL had received at least one prior line of systemic therapy. Investigators administered the CD47-blocker evorpacept at two dose levels: 30 mg/kg Q2W (n=3) or 60 mg/kg Q4W (n=17) in combination with standard R² treatment. The regimen was well- tolerated, and there were no dose-limiting toxicities.

After a median follow-up of 28 months (95% CI, 18-28 months) the two-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 69% and two-year overall survival (OS) rate was 84%. Sixteen patients (80%) achieved complete responses and the best overall response rate (ORR) was 90%. As previously reported at the AACR 2024 Annual Meeting, the CR rate among the 18 patients with iNHL was 83%. This complete response rate achieved by evorpacept + R² in this trial compares favorably to the 34% historical CR rate for R²alone. During treatment, a significant increase in T cells and anti-tumoral macrophages was observed.

“The final results from this Phase 1 study reinforce evorpacept’s potential to meaningfully deepen and enhance responses to many of the most important cancer therapies available today, including anti-cancer antibodies such as rituximab, and to thereby help address significant, unmet needs in cancer treatment,” said Jason Lettmann, Chief Executive Officer of ALX Oncology. “We look forward to the continued evaluation of evorpacept in patients with previously untreated and high tumor-burden indolent NHL in the Phase 2 portion of this study.”

The Phase 2 portion of this IST in patients with previously untreated iNHL is ongoing and has completed enrollment.

Details of the poster to be presented at AACR 2025 are as follows:

Title: Final results of a phase I trial of evorpacept (ALX148), lenalidomide, and rituximab for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Presenter: Paolo Strati, M.D., Associate Professor of Lymphoma-Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Clinical Research 3
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT
Location: McCormick Place Convention Center, Poster Section 53
Poster Board Number: 13
Published Abstract Number: LB369

A copy of the AACR 2025 IST presentation will be available in the “Publications” section of the ALX Oncology website following the presentation.

About ALX Oncology

ALX Oncology (Nasdaq: ALXO) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of novel therapies designed to treat cancer and extend patients’ lives. ALX Oncology’s lead therapeutic candidate, evorpacept, has demonstrated potential to serve as a cornerstone therapy upon which the future of immuno-oncology can be built. Evorpacept is currently being evaluated across multiple ongoing clinical trials in a wide range of cancer indications. More information is available at www.alxoncology.com and on LinkedIn @ALX Oncology.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, product candidates, planned preclinical studies and clinical trials, results of clinical trials, research and development costs, regulatory approvals, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements regarding industry trends. Such forward-looking statements are based on ALX Oncology’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to it on the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause ALX Oncology’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described more fully in ALX Oncology’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including ALX Oncology’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents ALX Oncology files with the SEC from time to time. Except to the extent required by law, ALX Oncology undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Investor Relations Contact:

Elhan Webb, CFA, IR Consultant
[email protected]

Media Contact:

Audra Friis, Sam Brown, Inc.
[email protected]
(917) 519-9577

Posted on April 25, 2025 1:08 pm
Agenus’ BOT/BAL Data in Pretreated Liver Cancer Presented at AACR 2025

Agenus’ BOT/BAL Data in Pretreated Liver Cancer Presented at AACR 2025

Durable responses observed in heavily pretreated HCC patients who progressed on approved immunotherapies

LEXINGTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Agenus Inc. (Nasdaq: AGEN), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, today announced updated data from the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cohort of its ongoing Phase 1 study evaluating botensilimab (BOT) in combination with balstilimab (BAL). These findings are being presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The HCC cohort comprised patients with difficult-to-treat disease who had progressed following standard treatments, including approved immunotherapies.

“The treatment of patients with advanced HCC who progressed on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in first line is an area of unmet need. There is limited prospective data in this setting, mostly evaluating tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In this cohort, botensilimab and balstilimab resulted in durable responses and a clinically meaningful disease control rate in heavily pretreated HCC patients, including those who had progressed on atezolizumab/bevacizumab,” said Anthony El-Khoueiry, MD, Associate Director for Clinical Research and Chief of Section of Developmental Therapeutics at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC. “The preliminary activity seen in this cohort and the prospective nature of the data highlight the potential of this combination in patients with HCC, including those who have progressed on other immunotherapies. Further evaluation is warranted.”

Phase 1 Study Overview: BOT/BAL in Treatment-Refractory Hepatocellular Carcinoma (NCT03860272)

The HCC cohort enrolled 19 patients (18 evaluable for efficacy) with treatment-refractory metastatic HCC. Patients received a median of two prior therapies, and progressed on or following anti-PD(L)-1. Patients were administered BOT (1 or 2 mg/kg) in combination with BAL (3 mg/kg).

Key Results:

Overall response rate: 17%

Stable disease rate: 56%

Disease control rate: 72%

Median progression-free survival: 4.4 months

Median overall survival: 12.3 months

The safety profile of the BOT/BAL combination remained consistent with previous cohorts and was manageable.

“These results further support the potential of botensilimab and balstilimab to provide durable responses across multiple advanced, treatment-refractory cancers,” said Steven O’Day, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Agenus. “The consistency of these responses across various challenging tumor types underscores the potential clinical utility of this combination therapy.”

Presentation Details:

Title: Results from a phase 1 study of botensilimab and balstilimab in treatment refractory hepatocellular carcinoma (NCT03860272)

Presenter: Anthony El-Khoueiry, MD, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Session: Late-Breaking Research: Clinical Research 3

Date and Time: April 29, 2025; 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CT

Location: Poster Section 53

Poster Board Number: 9

Abstract Number: LB365

The presentation will be available on Agenus’ website at https://agenusbio.com/publications/ following the conference session.

About Botensilimab (BOT)

Botensilimab is a human Fc enhanced CTLA-4 blocking antibody designed to boost both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Its novel design leverages mechanisms of action to extend immunotherapy benefits to “cold” tumors which generally respond poorly to standard of care or are refractory to conventional PD-1/CTLA-4 therapies and investigational therapies. Botensilimab augments immune responses across a wide range of tumor types by priming and activating T cells, downregulating intratumoral regulatory T cells, activating myeloid cells and inducing long-term memory responses.

Botensilimab alone, or in combination with Agenus’ investigational PD-1 antibody, balstilimab, has shown clinical responses across nine metastatic, late-line cancers. Approximately 1,100 patients have been treated across the botensilimab/balstilimab program in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials. For more information about botensilimab trials, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Balstilimab (BAL)

Balstilimab is a novel, fully human monoclonal immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) designed to block PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) from interacting with its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. It has been evaluated in >900 patients to date and has demonstrated clinical activity and a favorable tolerability profile in several tumor types.

About Agenus

Agenus is a leading immuno-oncology company targeting cancer with a comprehensive pipeline of immunological agents. The company was founded in 1994 with a mission to expand patient populations benefiting from cancer immunotherapy through combination approaches, using a broad repertoire of antibody therapeutics, adoptive cell therapies (through MiNK Therapeutics) and adjuvants (through SaponiQx). Agenus has robust end-to-end development capabilities, across commercial and clinical cGMP manufacturing facilities, research and discovery, and a global clinical operations footprint. Agenus is headquartered in Lexington, MA. For more information, visit www.agenusbio.com or @agenus_bio. Information that may be important to investors will be routinely posted on our website and social media channels.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding its botensilimab and balstilimab programs, expected regulatory timelines and filings, and any other statements containing the words “may,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “hopes,” “intends,” “plans,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” “will,” “establish,” “potential,” “superiority,” “best in class,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the factors described under the Risk Factors section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2024, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Agenus cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Agenus undertakes no obligation to update or revise the statements, other than to the extent required by law. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250425819815/en/

Investors

917-362-1370

[email protected]

Media

510-323-5188

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Illinois Massachusetts

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology Health Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials Oncology

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