GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC - Quarter Report: 2020 June (Form 10-Q)

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The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as reported in this Quarterly Report on Form reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2020 and the results of its operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. All adjustments made to the interim financial statements include all those of a normal and recurring nature. Amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 are derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosure. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these financial statements are available to be issued. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company should be read in conjunction with its Annual Report on Form for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The Company has operated at a loss since its inception and has had no revenues. The Company anticipates that losses will continue for the foreseeable future. At June 30, 2020, the Company had $40,768,000 of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents available to fund future operations. The Company believes there is sufficient cash, including availability of the $10 million line of credit (see Note 3), to fund currently planned operations at least through September 30, 2021. We will require more cash to fund our operations after September 30, 2021 and believe we will be able to obtain additional financing. The currently planned operations include costs related to a planned adaptively designed Phase 2b/3 clinical trial. The costs of the trial along with drug manufacturing and other scientific support activities and general overhead during the first stage of the trial are currently estimated to be approximately $90 million. These costs will require additional funding. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining such new financing or, if available, that such financing will be on terms favorable to us. If we are unsuccessful in raising additional capital to fund operations before September 30, 2021, we may be required to cease operations. Accordingly, based on the forecasts and estimates underlying our current operating plan, the financial statements do not currently include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.

The Company was founded in July 2000, was incorporated in the State of Nevada in January 2001 under the name Inc.,” and changed its name to “Galectin Therapeutics Inc.” on May 26, 2011.

Research and development expenses, including personnel costs, allocated facility costs, lab supplies, outside services, contract laboratory costs are charged to research and development expense as incurred. The Company accounts for nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities as expense when the service has been performed or when the goods have been received. Our current clinical trial is being supported by third-party contract research organizations, or CROs, and other vendors. We accrue expenses for clinical trial activities performed by CROs based upon the estimated amount of work completed on each trial. For clinical trial expenses and related expenses associated with the

The fair value of the 500,000 warrants vested at closing in December 2017 was $696,000 at the date of issuance based on the following assumptions: an expected life of 7 years, volatility of 98%, risk free interest rate of 2.05% and zero dividends. The fair value of the vested warrants was recorded in other current assets and other assets as a deferred financing cost and were to be amortized on a straight-line basis from December 19, 2017 through December 31, 2019. The remaining unamortized balance of the deferred financing cost on January 11, 2019 was adjusted to be recorded as expense on a straight-line basis through December 31, 2022. Amortization for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 of $43,000 and $43,000, respectively, was recorded as interest expense. The fair value of warrants that vest in the future based on borrowings will be computed when those borrowings occur and amortized over the remaining period through December 31, 2022 reflecting the second extension.

The following table summarizes the stock option activity in the Company’s equity incentive plans, including grants to Company executives, from December 31, 2019 through June 30, 2020:

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and other potential common shares then outstanding. Potential common shares consist of common shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants and potential common shares related to the conversion of the preferred stock. The computation of diluted net loss per share does not assume the issuance of common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect on net loss per share. Dilutive shares which could exist pursuant to the exercise of outstanding stock instruments and which were not included in the calculation because their affect would have been anti-dilutive are as follows:

11

On May 23, 2019, the Company completed an offering of common stock and warrants to its shareholders of record as of April 29, 2019. In the offering, the Company received approximately $44.9 million for the issuance of 10,488,161 shares of common stock and warrants which may be exercised for 2,622,154 shares of common stock. The warrants may be exercised at $7.00 per share of common stock and expire on May 23, 2026. The warrants were valued at approximately $8.2 million as of the issuance, using the closing price of $4.01, a life of 7 years, a volatility of 101% and a risk-free interest rate of 2.33%. Based upon the Company’s analysis of the criteria contained in ASC Topic “Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity” the Company has determined that warrants issued in connection with this financing transaction were not derivative liabilities and therefore, were recorded as additional capital.

On January 11, 2019, 10X Fund L.P. (“10X Fund”), converted all of its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock of Galectin Therapeutics. Pursuant to the terms of the conversion, as of January 11, 2019, 10X Fund converted 5,508,000 shares of its Series and Convertible Preferred Stock into 3,789,346 shares of Common Stock of Galectin Therapeutics. All special voting rights and protective provisions that previously benefited the Series B Preferred Stock were extinguished by the conversion to Common Stock.

In connection with the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, the Company extended by five years the exercise date of warrants for 3,579,642 shares of Common Stock issued by the Company in connection with sale of the Series and Series Preferred Stock. Before the extension, the warrants had various expiration dates in 2019 and 2020. The warrant amendments give 10X Fund the right to nominate one director to the Company’s board of directors. Previously, under the now extinguished voting rights of the Series B Preferred, 10X Fund had the right to name two directors and nominate an additional three directors.

2020		$	23
2021			48
2022			8
Total			79
Less imputed interest			7
Present value of lease liability		$	72

We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in drug research and development to create new therapies for fibrotic disease, cancer and selected other diseases. Our drug candidates are based on our method of targeting galectin proteins, which are key mediators of biologic and pathologic functions. We use naturally occurring, readily-available plant products as starting material in manufacturing processes to create proprietary, patented complex carbohydrates with specific molecular weights and other pharmaceutical properties. These complex carbohydrate molecules are appropriately formulated into acceptable pharmaceutical formulations. Using these unique carbohydrate-based candidate compounds that largely bind and inhibit galectin proteins, particularly we are undertaking the focused pursuit of therapies for indications where galectins have a demonstrated role in the pathogenesis of a given disease. We focus on diseases with serious, life-threatening consequences to patients and those where current treatment options are limited. Our strategy is to establish and implement clinical development programs that add value to our business in the shortest period of time possible consistent with the natural history of the disease and to seek strategic partners when a program becomes advanced and requires significant additional resources.

Our lead inhibitor is belapectin which has been demonstrated in preclinical models to reverse liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Belapectin has the potential to treat many diseases due to involvement in multiple key biological pathways such as fibrosis, immune cell function and immunity, cell differentiation, cell growth, and apoptosis (cell death). The importance of in the fibrotic process is supported by experimental evidence. Animals with the gene responsible for can no longer develop fibrosis in response to experimental stimuli compared to animals with an intact gene. Galectin Therapeutics Inc. is using its inhibitor to treat advanced liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis in NASH steatohepatitis) patients. We have completed two Phase 1 clinical studies, a Phase 2 clinical study in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis and a second Phase 2B clinical trial in NASH patients with well compensated cirrhosis We announced, in December 2017 top line results from our trial and results of an End of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in May 2018 that provided direction on potentially acceptable end points for a Phase 3 trial. The latter was confirmed in a Type C meeting with FDA in February 2019. Thereafter, the Company with its external NASH consultants designed a Phase 3 study that was sent to various contract research organizations (CROs) for their input on feasibility, timing costs and other important considerations. At the request of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the trial protocol and answers to questions raised by FDA at the February meeting was submitted as a Type C (Written Response Only) request to FDA on July 17, 2019; this response sought FDA feedback and agreement with regards to the proposed clinical program. Further details on results of the trial were published in the journal Gastroenterology (Gastroenterology 2020;158:1334–1345).

Additionally, a study protocol entitled “A Single-dose, Open-label, Pharmacokinetic Study of in Subjects With Normal Hepatic Function and Subjects With Varying Degrees of Hepatic Impairment” has been filed with FDA to examine the effects of the drug in subjects with normal hepatic function and subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment (study details are listed under study NCT04332432 on ); this study is began enrolling patients in

A study protocol was filed with FDA on April 30, 2020 for a seamless adaptively-designed Phase 2b/3 clinical study, the trial, evaluating the safety and efficacy of its inhibitor, belapectin for the prevention of esophageal varices in patients with steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis (Further details are available at under study NCT04365868); this study began enrolling patients in

We endeavor to leverage our scientific and product development expertise as well as established relationships with outside sources to achieve cost-effective and efficient drug development. These outside sources, amongst others, provide us with expertise in preclinical models, pharmaceutical development, toxicology, clinical trial operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, sophisticated physical and chemical characterization, and commercial development. We also have established several collaborative scientific discovery programs with leading experts in carbohydrate chemistry and characterization. These discovery programs are generally aimed at the targeted development of new carbohydrate molecules that bind galectin proteins and offer alternative options to larger market segments in our primary disease indications. We also have established through Galectin Sciences LLC, a discovery program aimed at the targeted development of small molecules (generally, that bind galectin proteins and may afford options for alternative means of drug delivery (e.g., oral) and as a result expand the potential uses of our inhibitor compounds. Initial results of the efforts at Galectin Sciences LLC were presented by Dr. E. Zomer at the AFDD meeting in Boston in Fall, 2019. Three series of composition of matter patents covering discoveries at Galectin Sciences have been filed. We are also pursuing a development pathway to clinical enhancement and commercialization for our lead compounds in immuno-oncology for cancer therapy. However, our clinical development efforts are primarily focused on liver fibrosis and NASH. All of our proposed products are presently in development, including and clinical trials.

Galectins are a class of proteins that are made by many cells in the body, but predominantly in cells of the immune system. As a group, these proteins are able to bind to sugar molecules that are part of other proteins, glycoproteins, in and on the cells of our body. Galectin proteins act as a kind of molecular glue, bringing together molecules that have sugars on them. Galectin proteins, in particular are known to be markedly increased in a number of important diseases including inflammatory diseases, scarring of organs (e.g. liver, lung, kidney, and heart) and cancers of many kinds. The increase in galectin protein promotes the disease and is detrimental to the patient. Published data substantiating the importance of in the fibrotic process arises from gene knockout experiments in animal studies. Mice genetically altered to eliminate the gene, and thus unable to produce are incapable of developing liver fibrosis in response to toxic insult to the liver and in fatty liver disease as well as development of fibrosis in other tissues.

We have one new proprietary chemical entity (NCE) in development, belapectin, which has shown promise in preclinical and early clinical studies in treatment of fibrosis, severe skin disease, and in cancer therapy. Currently we are focusing on development of belapectin intended to be used in the treatment of liver fibrosis associated with fatty liver disease (NASH) and more specifically in NASH cirrhosis. We have also leveraged our relationships with well-known investigators to demonstrate clinical effects of belapectin in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, severe atopic dermatitis, and in cancer therapy in combination with immune-system modifying agent(s). Belapectin is a proprietary, patented compound derived from natural, readily available, plant-based starting materials, which, following chemical processing, exhibits the properties of binding to and inhibiting proteins. A second NCE, is a proprietary, patented compound that is made from a completely different starting source plant material and also binds and inhibits galectin proteins. Previously in clinical development for cancer indications, compound has been explored in limited other preclinical studies.

 Belapectin is our lead product candidate for treatment of fibrotic disease. Our preclinical data show that belapectin has a significant therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis as shown in several relevant animal models. In addition, in NASH animal models, belapectin has been shown to reduce liver fat, inflammation, and ballooning degeneration (death of liver cells). Therefore, we chose belapectin as the lead candidate in a development program targeted initially at fibrotic liver disease associated with steatohepatitis (NASH). In January 2013, an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) was submitted to the FDA with the goal of initiating a Phase 1 study in patients with NASH and advanced liver fibrosis to evaluate the human safety of belapectin and pharmacodynamics biomarkers of disease. On March 1, 2013, the FDA indicated we could proceed with a US Phase 1 clinical trial for belapectin with a development program aimed at obtaining support for a proposed indication of belapectin for treatment of NASH with advanced fibrosis. The Phase 1 trial was completed and demonstrated that belapectin up to 8 mg/kg Lean Body Mass (LBM), i.v. was safe and well tolerated.

Our Phase 2 program in fibrotic disease consisted of two separate human clinical trials. The primary clinical trial was the Phase 2b study for one year for patients with NASH with compensated cirrhosis, which began enrolling in June 2015. This study was the primary focus of our program and is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group Phase 2b trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of belapectin for treatment of liver fibrosis and resultant portal hypertension in NASH patients with compensated cirrhosis. A smaller, exploratory trial was conducted to explore potential use of various imaging techniques in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis but not cirrhosis.

The trial, a Phase 2a pilot trial for patients with NASH and advanced fibrosis, explored use of three imaging technologies, was completed. It was a short, single site, four-month trial in 30 NASH patients with advanced fibrosis (F3), but not cirrhosis (F4), randomized 1:1 to either doses of 8 mg/kg LBM of belapectin or placebo. The trial did not meet its primary biomarker endpoint as measured using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (LiverMultiScan, Perspectum Diagnostics). The trial also did not meet secondary endpoints that measure liver stiffness as a surrogate for fibrosis using, magnetic resonance-elastography and FibroScan score. We, and many experts in the field, now believe that a four-month treatment period may not be sufficient to show efficacy results in established advanced liver fibrosis. This small study was also not adequately powered for the secondary endpoints. In the trial, belapectin was found to be safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse events and evidence of a pharmacodynamic effect. These results provided support for further development in NASH.

The trial was a larger multi-center clinical trial that explored the use of belapectin for the treatment of liver fibrosis and resultant portal hypertension in patients with well-compensated NASH cirrhosis. Enrollment in this trial was completed in September 2016, and a total of 162 patients at 36 sites in the United States were randomized to receive either 2 mg/kg LBM of belapectin, 8 mg/kg LBM of belapectin or placebo, with 54 patients in each group. Approximately 50% of patients at baseline had esophageal varices (a complication of portal hypertension). The primary endpoint was a reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Patients received an infusion of belapectin or placebo every other week for one year, a total of 26 infusions, and were evaluated to determine the change in HVPG as compared with placebo. Secondary or exploratory endpoints included fibrosis on liver biopsy, measurement of liver stiffness (FibroScan) and assessment of liver metabolism ( breath test, Exalenz). Top line data readout was reported in December 2017. The study demonstrated a favorable safety profile and clinically meaningful efficacy results in patients without esophageal varices at baseline demonstrated by a prevention of development of varices when compared to placebo.

In the total patient population, the primary endpoint HVPG showed a trend toward benefit with belapectin treatment, but the difference from placebo was not statistically significant. The mean change in HVPG of placebo from baseline to week 54 was 0.3 mm Hg. The mean change in HVPG from baseline was and for the 2 mg/kg LBM dose and 8 mg/kg LBM dose of belapectin, respectively.

In those NASH cirrhosis patients without varices at baseline (about 50% of the total population), there was a statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg LBM dose of belapectin on the absolute change in HVPG mm Hg, p<0.01). The effect of the 8 mg/Kg LBM dose of belapectin on absolute or percent change in HVPG from baseline to week 54 was not significant.

Over the treatment period, in patients without varices there were statistically significantly fewer new varices that developed in the belapectin treatment groups (0% and 4% in the 2 mg/kg LBM and the 8 mg/kg LBM, respectively) vs placebo (18%). As esophageal varices can lead to hemorrhagic complication, that can be fatal, we believe the prevention of esophageal varices may represent a clinically relevant measure of clinical efficacy in patients with NASH cirrhosis.

The major conclusions from the trial results are that: i) belapectin had a statistically significant and clinically meaningful effect in improving HVPG vs placebo in patients with NASH cirrhosis who did not have esophageal varices at baseline. This effect was seen regardless of the patient’s baseline portal hypertension. ii) There was an important drug effect of belapectin in the total patient population on liver biopsy with a statistically significant improvement in hepatocyte ballooning (ie cell death), (iii) There was a statistically significant reduction (p=0.02) in the development of new esophageal varices in drug-treated patients compared to placebo. We believe that this is a clinically relevant endpoint related to patient outcomes, (iv) While there was a drug effect in both the 2 mg/kg LBM and 8 mg/kg LBM groups on the development of varices and liver biopsy there was a consistently greater and statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg LBM dose of belapectin, (v) belapectin appears to be safe and well tolerated in this one year clinical trial, a feature that is of prime importance for a cirrhotic population and (vi) We believe this is the first large, randomized clinical trial to demonstrate a clinically meaningful improvement in portal hypertension or liver biopsy in patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis who have not yet developed esophageal varices.

Further information and details on the results summarized above is available in public presentations posted to our website and filed with the SEC and in a peer reviewed publication in (Gastroenterology 2020;158:1334–1345).

Building on the experience of the trial, the Trial is a seamless adaptively-designed Phase 2b/3 clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of our inhibitor, belapectin for the prevention of esophageal varices in patient with steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis. The major features of this innovative Phase 2b/3 study design are: i) In patients with NASH cirrhosis and clinical signs of portal hypertension but without esophageal varices at baseline, this trial will assess the effect of belapectin on the incidence of new varices (the primary endpoint) – as well as assessing effect on the incidence of long-term, clinically significant cirrhosis-related outcomes (a key secondary efficacy endpoint), (ii) The study targets NASH patients with a clearly identified unmet medical need: patients with compensated cirrhosis who are at risk of developing esophageal varices, a potentially life-threatening complication of cirrhosis (bleeding varices are a cause of death in about of cirrhotic patients). There is no approved treatment for preventing varices in these patients. In addition, the development of esophageal varices reflects the progression of hepatic cirrhosis and thus portends the development of other cirrhosis complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and liver failure, and (iii) During the first 18 months, two belapectin dose levels (2 mg/kg LBM and 4 mg/kg LBM) will be compared to placebo (phase 2b). Then, at the interim analysis (IA), one belapectin dose will be selected based on efficacy and safety, for continued evaluation (Phase 3). The belapectin dose selected for the phase 2b/3 are based on the analysis of the trial, including a dose response pharmacokinetic analysis of the hepatic venous gradient pressure (HVPG, a reflection of portal hypertension). Prior belapectin clinical studies have also indicated the good tolerance and safety profile of belapectin with doses of up to 8 mg/kg LBM for 52 weeks (Phase 2b Study an important feature of the future risk benefit analysis in patients with NASH cirrhosis.

The study design provides for a interim analysis (IA). The IA of efficacy and safety data will be conducted after all planned subjects in Phase 2b component have completed at least 78 weeks (18 months) of treatment and an esophago-gastro-duodeno endoscopic assessment. The purpose of the IA is to allow potential seamless adaptive modifications of the study, including: (1) the selection of the optimal dose of belapectin for Phase 3, (2) the of the study sample size for Phase 3 portion of the trial, (3) the of the randomization ratio for the Phase 3 portion of the trial, (4) the refinement of the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the Phase 3 portion of the trial, including the cirrhosis status, (5) and/or termination of the study for overwhelming efficacy or for futility.

The trial design also includes a blinded sample size (“SSR”) during the Phase 2b, prior to the IA, to allow for potential sample size readjustment. The SSR will be conducted when 50% of the patients have completed 18 months of therapy. This will allow to confirm the underlying assumption regarding the rate of varices development, currently estimated from our prior Phase 2b trial The study design also minimizes invasive testing requirements, such as the measurement of HVPG or repeated liver biopsies, which we believe will facilitate enrollment and retention of patients. It also provides for a seamless transition of patients from the phase 2b component into the phase 3 stage, including the potential addition of new patients. The trial design preserves the surrogate concepts (development of new varices versus variceal hemorrhage) previously discussed with FDA.

We believe that these adaptations taken together are innovative and optimize conduct of the trial with a relevant primary outcome giving belapectin the best opportunity to show a positive therapeutic effect to address an unmet medical need. If the results of the trial are compelling, there could be the potential for accelerated FDA approval and/or partnership opportunity with a pharmaceutical company.

In the Phase 3 component of this trial, as proposed in the protocol, the primary endpoint remain the development of varices. Secondary endpoints include a composite clinical outcomes endpoint, including varices requiring treatment (development of large varices or varices with a red wale), decompensating events, mortality, MELD score increase, liver transplant. Also, NASH biomarkers will be evaluated. To target a population at risk of developing esophageal varices, patient selection will be based on clinical signs of portal hypertension, including, a low platelet count, an increased spleen size and/or evidence of collaterals circulation.

The focus and goal of the therapeutic program is to stop the progression of and/or reverse portal hypertension and thereby prevent the development of varices, potentially one of the most immediately life-threatening complication of cirrhosis. Based on the results of the trial and subject to confirmation in later stage clinical trials, we believe that this goal is achievable in a significant portion of the NASH cirrhosis patient population i.e. those NASH cirrhosis patients with clinical signs of portal hypertension.

We currently expect enrollment in the Phase 2(b) portion of the trial to be require months and enrollment began in June 2020. This remains subject to potential site delays due to the impact of the global pandemic.

Further details on the trial can be found on under study NCT04365868.

The Company also has commenced a Hepatic Impairment Study, which will run in parallel with the phase 2b/3 trial as part of the Phase 3 development program. The Hepatic Impairment Study will be conducted at up to four sites and will involve approximately 40 patients (divided amongst normal healthy volunteers, and patients with hepatic impairment categorized as Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classes A (mild), B (moderate), and C (severe)). Each subject will receive a single infusion of belapectin (4 mg/kg LBM) and their serum belapectin levels will be monitored for up to approximately two weeks to define the effects of various stages of cirrhosis on serum belapectin levels and safety. Based on the results from this hepatic impairment study, the Company may consider including patients with more advanced cirrhosis in the Phase 3 portion of its trial. Until dosing and safety profile is further informed in CTP Class B and/or Class C patients, the trial will enroll only CTP Class A patients. Further details on this hepatic impairment study can be found on study NCT04332432.

We believe there is potential for galectin inhibition to play a key role in the burgeoning area of cancer immunotherapy. For example, there have been several recent approvals of drugs that enhance a patient’s immune system to fight cancer. It is our goal to use a galectin inhibitor to further enhance the immune system function to fight cancer in a way that complements other approaches to this type of therapy. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that is expressed at high levels in multiple types of tumors, adds to the malignant nature of the tumors, and protects the tumors from immune system attack. Our drug candidates provide a promising new therapeutic approach to enhance the activity of the immune system against cancer cells. Preclinical studies have indicated that belapectin enhances the immune response to cancer cells, increased tumor shrinkage and enhanced survival in immune competent mice with prostate, breast, melanoma and sarcoma cancers when combined with one of the immune checkpoint inhibitors, or or with the immune cell activator anti-OX40. These preclinical data led to the filing of two Investigator-sponsored INDs and the initiation of studies of belapectin in combination with Yervoy (ipilimumab) and KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in Phase 1B studies of patients with metastatic melanoma. The KEYTRUDA trial has also been expanded to include patients with cell lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These studies are being conducted under the sponsorship of Providence Portland Medical Center’s Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (EACRI).

Data on this combination immunotherapy program was initially presented on February 7, 2017 at the 9th GTCBio Immunotherapeutics & Immunomonitoring Conference in San Diego, CA by Dr. William L. Redmond, Providence Cancer Center. Preclinical results in mouse models of multiple types of cancers showed important anti-tumor activity and increased survival effects of combining belapectin with different types of immune modulators, providing a case for progressing studies into human patients with cancer. Seven patients were treated in the belapectin trial in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy), with no safety concerns in these low dose cohorts. Due to changes in the standard of care for metastatic melanoma (i.e., approval of recruitment has been slowed significantly in this trial.

Promising results were reported in the Phase 1b trial combining belapectin with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA). Cohort 1 was completed (n=6, 5 with melanoma, one with head and neck cancer) with one partial response and one mixed response in the melanoma patients. There was a rapid and marked tumor response after 3 doses of combined belapectin and pembrolizumab in the one partial response patient who had failed high-dose and oncolytic virus + ipilimumab. The study is ongoing and progression to further development will be based on response rate as compared to historical response rates to pembrolizumab alone. In September 2018 we announced additional preliminary clinical data from cohort 3 of this investigator-initiated trial. When aggregated with cohorts previously reported, the data shows a 50% objective response rate in advanced melanoma with belapectin in combination with KEYTRUDA, and a significant decrease in the frequency of suppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells following treatment in the responding patients (on day 85 post-treatment). Fourteen advanced melanoma patients across three dose cohorts now have Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Disease Control Rate (DCR) data. Six patients completed in cohort 3 (8 mg/kg) have now been added to the three patients completed in cohort 2 (4 mg/kg) and five patients completed in cohort 1 (2 mg/kg). Cohorts 1 and 3 each had two patients with an objective response. All three patients in cohort 2 had an objective response. In addition to the fourteen advanced melanoma patients, six patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled in this trial with a 33% ORR and 67% DCR. These data, taken together with the observed favorable safety and tolerability of the combination, in the view of the principal investigator, provide compelling rationale to move forward. Given that all three melanoma patients were responders at the 4 mg/kg dose, the investigators plan to continue the trial with the expansion of the 4 mg/Kg cohort to include additional advanced melanoma patients and additional head and neck cancer patients. The expansion cohort will target to include 15 patients and is planned to have continued belapectin dosing as long as pembrolizumab is administered. Currently more than 40% of the patients in the expansion cohort have been enrolled and further information will be reported as it becomes available. Assuming these additional data are positive, the next logical step could be a Phase II trial.

During our Phase 1 NASH fibrosis trial with belapectin, a clinical effect on plaque psoriasis was observed in a NASH patient who also had this disease. This patient had marked improvement in her psoriasis, with improvement beginning after the third infusion. She reported that her psoriasis was “completely gone” and her skin was “normal” after the fourth infusion. Her skin remained normal for 17 months after the final infusion of study drug. The patient is convinced that the improvement in her psoriasis is related to the study drug.

This serendipitous finding, combined with protein being markedly upregulated in the capillary epithelia (small blood vessels) of the psoriatic dermis (plaque lesions), led to a phase 2a trial in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Belapectin inhibition of may attenuate capillary changes in the psoriatic dermis and inflammatory cell recruitment, perhaps explaining the improvements observed in the NASH fibrosis trial patient. In this open-label, unblinded trial (no placebo, all patients knowingly receive active drug), 5 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were administered belapectin every two weeks for 24 weeks. In May 2016, we reported positive results on the first four patients after 12 weeks of therapy. Based on these results, we modified the trial to include 24 weeks of therapy. In August 2016, we reported on four patients after 24 weeks of therapy and one patient after 12 weeks of therapy. The four patients who received 24 weeks of therapy experienced an average of 48% improvement in their plaque

psoriasis. At this time, the average response in all five patients remains at 50% with one patient having an 82% improvement. However, there are existing drugs on the market in this disease that produce 75% and higher improvements in of patients. While we are encouraged that this study has demonstrated clinically meaningful results in a human disease with belapectin, the next steps would entail a controlled, does-ranging clinical trial which we do not expect to conduct absent a strategic partnership.

We believe the mechanism of action for belapectin is based upon interaction with, and inhibition of, galectin proteins, particularly which are expressed at high levels in certain pathological states including inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. While belapectin is capable of binding to multiple galectin proteins, we believe that it has the greatest affinity for the most prominent galectin implicated in pathological processes. Blocking galectin in cancer and liver fibrosis has specific salutary effects on the disease process, as discussed previously.