Scientific Reports Publishes INFORAAA Results

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

(“Faron”)

Scientific Reports Publishes INFORAAA Results Showing Traumakine-Induced Up-Regulation of CD73

Prevents Death After Emergency Open Aortic Surgery

  • Induction of CD73 molecule prevents death after emergency open aortic surgery
  • Up-regulation of CD73 was associated with 100% survival compared to expected mortality between 30-40%

Company announcement, February 3, 2022 at 05:40 AM (EST) / 10:40 AM (GMT) / 12:40 PM (EET)

TURKU, FINLAND / BOSTON, MA – Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, today announces that the multidisciplinary journal Scientific Reports from the Nature Publishing Group published research highlighting results from Faron’s Phase II INFORAAA clinical trial. The paper, titled “Induction of CD73 prevents death after emergency open aortic surgery for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study” (6bc2c5da-75ff-4538-9bf8-ab69f809318c) is available online at: www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-05771-1.

The INFORAAA study examined the effect of Traumakine (Intravenous Interferon beta-1a; IFN beta-1a) on mortality of surgically operated ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm (RAAA) patients. These patients are at high risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is tissue damage caused when blood supply returns to tissue after a period of oxygen depletion. Ischemia-reperfusion injury leads to systemic inflammation and multi-organ failure, which is the main cause of death for operated RAAA patients with expected mortality between 30-40%. Traumakine works by up-regulating CD73, a key organ protective endothelial enzyme that reduces inflammation and prevents vascular leakage.  

Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in the treatment arm of the INFORAAA study and 11 were enrolled in the control (placebo) arm. Patients in the treatment arm received Traumakine once a day for six days following surgery. Mortality was compared to the placebo arm for a period of 30 days after surgery. Analysis showed that up-regulation of CD73 was associated with 100% survival. As previously reported, approximately one-third of patients in the treatment arm were treated concomitantly with corticosteroids, which abolished a CD73 response in these patients.

“The study clearly showed that intravenous interferon beta-1a can induce CD73 when not used with steroids or in the presence of IFN beta neutralizing antibodies, and that patients who had high levels of CD73 survived this complicated and invasive surgery,” said Professor Maarit Venermo, M.D., Ph.D., Head of Vascular Surgery at Helsinki University Hospital, Secretary General of the European Society of Vascular Surgery, and one of the coordinating investigators of the INFORAAA trial. “In the absence of any drugs approved for this condition, as well as complications seen in major surgery, these exciting clinical findings warrant further research to test this drug for the prevention of acute organ injuries.”

Traumakine is an investigational therapy developed by Faron for the potential treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute kidney injury, cardiac protection, ischemia reperfusion injury and other systemic inflammatory conditions. It is currently being investigated in the Phase II/III HIBISCUS trial as a first-line treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Additionally, investigations at the Wake Forest Institution of Regenerative Medicine by Professor Vijay S. Gorantla in association with the US Department of Defense, and ongoing work by Academician Sirpa Jalkanen, founder of Faron Pharmaceuticals, at the University of Turku continue to highlight the potential benefit of intravenous Interferon beta 1-a’s mode of action. Their research is focussed on the multiple applications of Interferon for systemic inflammatory conditions and translating this into the clinic.

“I continue to be excited by the potential of IV Interferon beta-1a for the induction of CD73,” said Professor Vijay S. Gorontla, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Surgery at Wake Forest University and President of the International Society of Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (a complicated transplant where multiple tissue types are transplanted at the same time, including bones, skin, vessels, and/or tendons). “CD73 is critical in removal of proinflammatory cytokines in the inflammatory process and I see it having great potential in transplantation and other conditions involving significant cytokine release, such as major operations and polytrauma.”

“These results highlight, once again, the importance of CD73 in organ protection and the ability it has to benefit patients undergoing major surgery,” said Juho Jalkanen, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer of Faron. “We are pleased that the data was published and remain excited by the potential of Traumakine across multiple indications where there continues to be significant unmet medical need and no approved drug treatments.”

For more information please contact:

Media Contact

Faron Pharmaceuticals

Eric Van Zanten

Head of Communications

eric.vanzanten@faron.com

Investor.relations@faron.com

+1 (610) 529-6219

Investor Contact

Stern Investor Relations

Julie Seidel

julie.seidel@sternir.com

Phone: +1 (212) 362-1200

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad

Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner, Mark Rogers

Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880

Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North

Juha Karttunen

Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727

Jukka Järvelä

Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990

Peel Hunt LLP, Broker

Christopher Golden, James Steel

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

E-mail: faron@consilium-comms.com

About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with untreatable solid tumors, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated in global trials as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and with the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma. Faron is headquartered in Turku, Finland with additional offices in Zürich, Switzerland and US operations in Boston, Massachusetts. Further information is available at www.faron.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ”believe”, ”could”, “should”, “expect”, “hope”, “seek”, ”envisage”, ”estimate”, ”intend”, ”may”, ”plan”, ”potentially”, ”will” or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors.

A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results and expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In particular, the early data from initial patients in the MATINS trial may not be replicated in larger patient numbers and the outcome of clinical trials may not be favourable or clinical trials over and above those currently planned may be required before the Company is able to apply for marketing approval for a product.  In addition,  other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include the ability of the Company to successfully licence its programmes within the anticipated timeframe or at all, risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets or other sources of funding, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors.  Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant AIM Rule requirements, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Holdings in Company

TR-1: Standard form for notification of major holdings

NOTIFICATION OF MAJOR HOLDINGS (to be sent to the relevant issuer and to the FCA in Microsoft Word format if possible)i
1a. Identity of the issuer or the underlying issuer of existing shares to which voting rights are attachedii: Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd
1b. Please indicate if the issuer is a non-UK issuer  (please mark with an “X” if appropriate)
Non-UK issuer X
2. Reason for the notification (please mark the appropriate box or boxes with an “X”)
An acquisition or disposal of voting rights x
An acquisition or disposal of financial instruments x
An event changing the breakdown of voting rights
Other (please specify)iii: (Decrease of holding due to issuance of new shares)
3. Details of person subject to the notification obligationiv
Name Timo Syrjälä
City and country of registered office (if applicable)
4. Full name of shareholder(s) (if different from 3.)v
Name
City and country of registered office (if applicable)
5. Date on which the threshold was crossed or reachedvi: 28.01.2022
6. Date on which issuer notified (DD/MM/YYYY): 31.01.2022
7. Total positions of person(s) subject to the notification obligation
% of voting rights attached to shares (total of 8. A) % of voting rights through financial instruments
(total of 8.B 1 + 8.B 2)
Total of both in % (8.A + 8.B) Total number of voting rights of issuervii
Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached 17.27% 17.27%  53.232.032
Position of previous notification (if applicable) 16.67% 16.67%
8. Notified details of the resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was crossed or reachedviii
A: Voting rights attached to shares
Class/type of
shares
ISIN code (if possible)
Number of voting rightsix % of voting rights
Direct(Art 9 of Directive 2004/109/EC) (DTR5.1) Indirect(Art 10 of Directive 2004/109/EC) (DTR5.2.1) Direct(Art 9 of Directive 2004/109/EC) (DTR5.1) Indirect(Art 10 of Directive 2004/109/EC) (DTR5.2.1)
FI4000153309 2.663.573 6.528.926 5.00% 12.27%
SUBTOTAL 8. A 9.192.499 17.27%
B 1: Financial Instruments according to Art. 13(1)(a) of Directive 2004/109/EC (DTR5.3.1.1 (a))
Type of financial instrument Expiration
date
x
Exercise/
Conversion Period
xi
Number of voting rights that may be acquired if the instrument is exercised/converted. % of voting rights
SUBTOTAL 8. B 1
B 2: Financial Instruments with similar economic effect according to Art. 13(1)(b) of Directive 2004/109/EC (DTR5.3.1.1 (b))
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SUBTOTAL 8.B.2
9. Information in relation to the person subject to the notification obligation (please mark the applicable box with an “X”)
Person subject to the notification obligation is not controlled by any natural person or legal entity and does not control any other undertaking(s) holding directly or indirectly an interest in the (underlying) issuerxiii
Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held starting with the ultimate controlling natural person or legal entityxiv (please add additional rows as necessary) x
Namexv % of voting rights if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold % of voting rights through financial instruments if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold Total of both if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold
Timo Syrjälä (Direct) 5.00% 5.00%
Acme Investments SPF Sarl (Indirect) 12.27% 12.27%
10. In case of proxy voting, please identify:
Name of the proxy holder
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11. Additional informationxvi
Place of completion Luxembourg
Date of completion 31.01.2022

Juho Jalkanen Appointed Chief Operating Officer

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

(“Faron”)

 

Faron Appoints Juho Jalkanen, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Operating Officer

 

Company announcement, January 31, 2022 at 02:00 AM (EST) / 07:00 AM (GMT) / 09:00 AM (EET)

 

TURKU, FINLAND / BOSTON, MA Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Juho Jalkanen, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Dr. Jalkanen will continue to be based in Turku, Finland and his appointment is effective immediately. 

 

In his new role, Dr. Jalkanen will lead business strategy and daily operations for Faron. This includes oversight of academic and industry partnerships, resource prioritization and allocation, chemistry, manufacturing and controls, supply chain and driving performance measures. His priority will be the accelerated development of bexmarilimab, Faron’s wholly owned, novel precision cancer immunotherapy candidate. Bexmarilimab is currently in development as a potential monotherapy in patients with solid tumors. Faron is also advancing plans to study bexmarilimab in the neoadjuvant setting, in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and as a treatment for hematological malignancies.

 

“Dr. Jalkanen is an experienced biopharmaceutical industry executive with extensive leadership experience across key functional areas including operations, business development, clinical development, medical and regulatory affairs,” said Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Chief Executive Officer of Faron. “He has made important contributions to our company over the past four years and with him and Marie-Louise in their new roles, I am more confident than ever that we have the right team and strategy in place to quickly move bexmarilimab from the clinic to a commercial launch. With this as our goal, we are also recruiting a Chief Business / Commercial Officer who will be based in our US office and support the negotiation and execution of business development transactions such as fund raising, drug candidate licensing, and other potential partnerships.”

 

Dr. Jalkanen joined Faron in 2018 as the Company’s Chief Development Officer. In that role he was responsible for translational and clinical studies as well as market research and valuation of research projects and clinical programs. He also served as Faron’s interim Chief Medical Officer in 2021 prior to the appointment of Dr. Marie-Louise Fjällskog in that role at the beginning of this year. Dr. Jalkanen earned a master´s degree in economics and business administration from the Turku School of Economics and both his M.D. and Ph.D. degree from the University of Turku. 

 

For more information please contact:

 

Media Contact

Faron Pharmaceuticals

Eric Van Zanten

Head of Communications

eric.vanzanten@faron.com

Investor.relations@faron.com

+1 (610) 529-6219

 

Investor Contact

Stern Investor Relations

Julie Seidel

julie.seidel@sternir.com

Phone: +1 (212) 362-1200

 

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad

Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner, Mark Rogers

Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880

 

Peel Hunt LLP, Broker

Christopher Golden, James Steel

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

 

Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North

Juha Karttunen

Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727

Jukka Järvelä

Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990

 

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

E-mail: faron@consilium-comms.com

 

 

About Bexmarilimab

Bexmarilimab is Faron’s wholly-owned, investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid cell function. A novel anti-Clever-1 humanised antibody, bexmarilimab targets Clever-1 positive (Common Lymphatic Endothelial and Vascular Endothelial Receptor 1) tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumour microenvironment, converting these highly immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to immune stimulating M1 macrophages. In mouse models, bexmarilimab has successfully blocked or silenced Clever-1, activating antigen presentation and promoting interferon gamma secretion by leukocytes. Additional pre-clinical studies have proven that Clever-1, encoded by the Stabilin-1 or STAB-1 gene, is a major source of T cell exhaustion and involved in cancer growth and spread. Observations from clinical studies to date indicate that Clever-1 has the capacity to control T cell activation directly, suggesting that the inactivation of Clever-1 as an immune suppressive molecule could be more broadly applicable and more important than previously thought. As an immuno-oncology therapy, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Beyond immuno-oncology, it offers potential in infectious diseases, vaccine development and more.

 

About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with untreatable solid tumors, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated in global trials as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and with the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma.  Faron is based in Turku, Finland. Further information is available at www.faron.com.

 

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ”believe”, ”could”, “should”, “expect”, “hope”, “seek”, ”envisage”, ”estimate”, ”intend”, ”may”, ”plan”, ”potentially”, ”will” or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors.

 

A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results and expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In particular, the early data from initial patients in the MATINS trial may not be replicated in larger patient numbers and the outcome of clinical trials may not be favourable or clinical trials over and above those currently planned may be required before the Company is able to apply for marketing approval for a product.  In addition,  other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include the ability of the Company to successfully licence its programmes within the anticipated timeframe or at all, risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets or other sources of funding, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors.  Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant AIM Rule requirements, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Grant of Options

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

(“Faron” or the “Company”)

Grant of Options
 

Company announcement, January 28, 2022 at 09:00 AM (EET) / 07:00 AM (GMT) / 02:00 AM (EDT)

TURKU, FINLAND / BOSTON, MA – Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, announces that the Board of Faron has granted 100,000 options over ordinary shares in the Company (“Options”) under the Faron 2019 Option Plan to Dr. Marie-Louise Fjällskog, who was appointed as Faron’s new Chief Medical Officer on January 3, 2022. The Options have been allocated under the U.S. Sub-Plan of Faron’s 2019 Option Plan and are exercisable between 17 November 2022 and 17 November 2026 at an exercise price of €4.04 per share, vesting 25% per annum over a period of four years. The exercise price is calculated based on the average share price per share at which the Company’s ordinary shares have been traded on AIM over a period of 30 days immediately preceding the grant date. The terms of the 2019 Option Plan are available on the Company’s website.

The granted 100,000 Options entitle the option holder to subscribe for a total of 100,000 new ordinary shares in the Company, if exercised in full, and represent 0.19% of the fully-diluted ordinary share capital of the Company.

For more information please contact:

Media Contact

Faron Pharmaceuticals

Eric Van Zanten

Head of Communications

eric.vanzanten@faron.com

Investor.relations@faron.com

Phone: +1 (610) 529-6219

Investor Contact

Stern Investor Relations

Julie Seidel

julie.seidel@sternir.com

Phone: +1 (212) 362-1200

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad

Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner

Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880

Peel Hunt LLP, Broker

Christopher Golden, James Steel

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North

Juha Karttunen

Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727

Jukka Järvelä

Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville

faron@consilium-comms.com

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with untreatable solid tumors, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated in global trials as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and with the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma.  Faron is based in Turku, Finland. Further information is available at www.faron.com.

Notification of a Transaction pursuant to Article 19(1) of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014
1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
a. Name Marie-Louise Fjällskog
2 Reason for notification
a. Position/Status Person discharging managerial responsibilities
b. Initial notification/Amendment Initial Notification
3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
a. Name Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy
b. LEI 7437009H31TO1DC0EB42
4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
a. Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

Identification Code

Options over ordinary shares

ISIN: FI4000153309
 

b. Nature of the transaction Grant of options made pursuant to the Faron 2019 Option Plan exercisable at EUR 4,04 per Ordinary Share
c. Price(s) and volume(s)
Price(s) Volume(s)
Nil
 100,000
d. Aggregated information– Aggregated Volume– Price 100,000Nil
e. Date of the transaction January 27, 2022
f. Place of the transaction Turku

Faron at Proactive One2One Investor Forum

 

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

(“Faron”)

 

Faron to Present at the Proactive One2One Investor Forum

 

Press Release, January 24, 2022 at 02:00 AM (EDT) / 07:00 AM (GMT) / 09:00 AM (EET)

 

TURKU, FINLAND / BOSTON, MA – Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, today announced that Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Chief Executive Officer of Faron, will participate in the Proactive One2One Investor Forum, taking place on January 27, 2022.

 

A link to view Dr. Jalkanen’s presentation can be found on the “Investors” section on Faron’s website at https://www.faron.com/investors.

 

For more information please contact:

 

Media Contact

Faron Pharmaceuticals

Eric Van Zanten

Head of Communications

eric.vanzanten@faron.com

Investor.relations@faron.com

Phone: +1 (610) 529-6219

 

Investor Contact

Stern Investor Relations

Julie Seidel

julie.seidel@sternir.com

Phone: +1 (212) 362-1200

 

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad

Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner

Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880

 

Peel Hunt LLP, Broker

Christopher Golden, James Steel

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

 

Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North

Juha Karttunen

Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727

Jukka Järvelä

Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990

 

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville

faron@consilium-comms.com

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

 

About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with untreatable solid tumors, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated in global trials as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and with the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma.  Faron is based in Turku, Finland. Further information is available at www.faron.com.

Faron to Present at Redeye Fight Cancer Seminar

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

(“Faron”)

Faron to Present at the Redeye Fight Cancer – Outlook 2022 Seminar

Press Release, January 17, 2022 at 02:00 AM (EDT) / 07:00 AM (GMT) / 09:00 AM (EET)

TURKU, FINLAND / BOSTON, MA – Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, today announced that Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Chief Executive Officer of Faron, will participate in the Redeye Fight Cancer – Outlook 2022 Seminar, taking place on January 20, 2022.

Dr. Jalkanen will provide a presentation on Faron and participate in a panel discussion focused on the future of immuno-oncology. Event registration details can be found on the “Investors” section on Faron’s website at https://www.faron.com/investors.

For more information please contact:

Media Contact

Faron Pharmaceuticals

Eric Van Zanten

Head of Communications

eric.vanzanten@faron.com

Investor.relations@faron.com

+1 (610) 529-6219

Investor Contact

Stern Investor Relations

Julie Seidel

julie.seidel@sternir.com

Phone: +1 (212) 362-1200

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad

Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner, Mark Rogers

Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880

Peel Hunt LLP, Broker

Christopher Golden, James Steel

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North

Juha Karttunen

Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727

Jukka Järvelä

Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

E-mail: faron@consilium-comms.com

About Bexmarilimab

Bexmarilimab is Faron’s wholly-owned, investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid cell function. A novel anti-Clever-1 humanised antibody, bexmarilimab targets Clever-1 positive (Common Lymphatic Endothelial and Vascular Endothelial Receptor 1) tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumour microenvironment, converting these highly immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to immune stimulating M1 macrophages. In mouse models, bexmarilimab has successfully blocked or silenced Clever-1, activating antigen presentation and promoting interferon gamma secretion by leukocytes. Additional pre-clinical studies have proven that Clever-1, encoded by the Stabilin-1 or STAB-1 gene, is a major source of T cell exhaustion and involved in cancer growth and spread. Observations from clinical studies to date indicate that Clever-1 has the capacity to control T cell activation directly, suggesting that the inactivation of Clever-1 as an immune suppressive molecule could be more broadly applicable and more important than previously thought. As an immuno-oncology therapy, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Beyond immuno-oncology, it offers potential in infectious diseases, vaccine development and more.

About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with untreatable solid tumors, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated in global trials as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and with the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma.  Faron is based in Turku, Finland. Further information is available at www.faron.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ”believe”, ”could”, “should”, “expect”, “hope”, “seek”, ”envisage”, ”estimate”, ”intend”, ”may”, ”plan”, ”potentially”, ”will” or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors.

A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results and expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In particular, the early data from initial patients in the MATINS trial may not be replicated in larger patient numbers and the outcome of clinical trials may not be favourable or clinical trials over and above those currently planned may be required before the Company is able to apply for marketing approval for a product.  In addition,  other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include the ability of the Company to successfully licence its programmes within the anticipated timeframe or at all, risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets or other sources of funding, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors.  Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant AIM Rule requirements, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Faron to Present at the H.C. Wainwright BioConnect Virtual Conference

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

(“Faron”)

 

Faron to Present at the H.C. Wainwright BioConnect Virtual Conference

 

Press Release, January 5, 2022 at 02:00 AM (EDT) / 07:00 AM (GMT) / 09:00 AM (EET)

 

TURKU, FINLAND / BOSTON, MA – Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, today announced that Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Chief Executive Officer of Faron, will present at the H.C. Wainwright BioConnect Virtual Conference, taking place from January 10-13, 2022. The presentation will be available for on-demand viewing starting Monday, January 10, 2022 at 7:00 am EDT / 12:00 pm GMT / 2:00 pm EET. 

 

A link to Dr. Jalkanen’s presentation can be accessed on the “Investors” section on Faron’s website at https://www.faron.com/investors.

 

For more information please contact:

 

Media Contact

Faron Pharmaceuticals

Eric Van Zanten

Head of Communications

eric.vanzanten@faron.com

Investor.relations@faron.com

+1 (610) 529-6219

 

Investor Contact

Stern Investor Relations

Julie Seidel

julie.seidel@sternir.com

Phone: +1 (212) 362-1200

 

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad

Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner, Mark Rogers

Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880

 

Peel Hunt LLP, Broker

Christopher Golden, James Steel

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

 

Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North

Juha Karttunen

Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727

Jukka Järvelä

Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990

 

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

E-mail: faron@consilium-comms.com

 

 

About Bexmarilimab

Bexmarilimab is Faron’s wholly-owned, investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid cell function. A novel anti-Clever-1 humanised antibody, bexmarilimab targets Clever-1 positive (Common Lymphatic Endothelial and Vascular Endothelial Receptor 1) tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumour microenvironment, converting these highly immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to immune stimulating M1 macrophages. In mouse models, bexmarilimab has successfully blocked or silenced Clever-1, activating antigen presentation and promoting interferon gamma secretion by leukocytes. Additional pre-clinical studies have proven that Clever-1, encoded by the Stabilin-1 or STAB-1 gene, is a major source of T cell exhaustion and involved in cancer growth and spread. Observations from clinical studies to date indicate that Clever-1 has the capacity to control T cell activation directly, suggesting that the inactivation of Clever-1 as an immune suppressive molecule could be more broadly applicable and more important than previously thought. As an immuno-oncology therapy, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Beyond immuno-oncology, it offers potential in infectious diseases, vaccine development and more.

 

About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with untreatable solid tumors, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated in global trials as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and with the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma.  Faron is based in Turku, Finland. Further information is available at www.faron.com.

 

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ”believe”, ”could”, “should”, “expect”, “hope”, “seek”, ”envisage”, ”estimate”, ”intend”, ”may”, ”plan”, ”potentially”, ”will” or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors.

 

A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results and expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In particular, the early data from initial patients in the MATINS trial may not be replicated in larger patient numbers and the outcome of clinical trials may not be favourable or clinical trials over and above those currently planned may be required before the Company is able to apply for marketing approval for a product.  In addition,  other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include the ability of the Company to successfully licence its programmes within the anticipated timeframe or at all, risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets or other sources of funding, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors.  Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant AIM Rule requirements, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Faron Appoints Marie-Louise Fjällskog as CMO

Company announcement, January 3, 2022 at 02:00 AM (EST) / 07:00 AM (GMT) / 09:00 AM (EET)

TURKU, FINLAND / BOSTON, MA – Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marie-Louise Fjällskog, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Officer of the Company. Dr. Fjällskog will be based in Boston, MA and her appointment is effective immediately.  

Dr. Fjällskog has over 30 years of experience in clinical oncology, translational research, and drug development. She joins Faron from Sensei Biotherapeutics (SNSE), a Nasdaq listed immuno-oncology focused biopharmaceutical company. As Chief Medical Officer at Sensei, she was responsible for leading clinical and development strategy and operations. She also played a key role in Sensei’s successful $152 million IPO, which closed in February 2021. Dr. Fjällskog holds both a Ph.D and an M.D. from Uppsala University, Sweden where she currently serves as an Associate Professor of Oncology.

In her new role, Dr. Fjällskog will join Faron’s management team and provide leadership and direction in accelerating the Company’s clinical development programs. Her primary focus will be bexmarilimab, Faron’s wholly owned, novel precision cancer immunotherapy candidate currently in development as a potential monotherapy in patients with solid tumors. Faron is also advancing plans to study bexmarilimab in the neoadjuvant setting, in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and as a treatment for hematological malignancies.

“I am delighted to welcome Marie-Louise to Faron as our Chief Medical Officer during what is a critical time for the Company as we accelerate the execution of our ambitious clinical development programs, including our lead oncology asset bexmarilimab,” said Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Chief Executive Officer of Faron. “With her extensive experience in oncology clinical development she is expertly positioned to help advance our plans and progress development of what we hope will be the first macrophage-targeting immunotherapy for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.”

“Faron’s novel immunotherapy program has the potential to usher in a new era of cancer treatment by unlocking the myeloid cell produced “hide me” signal and igniting immune response in indications that have proven to be resistant to current checkpoint inhibitor therapies,” said Marie-Louise Fjällskog M.D., Ph.D. “I am thrilled to be joining the Company at such an exciting time and look forward to helping accelerate the development of bexmarilimab as both a monotherapy and in combination with other checkpoint inhibitors, which is likely to further amplify the clinical benefit seen with bexmarilimab alone.”

Prior to her role at Sensei Biotherapeutics, Dr. Fjällskog served as Vice President, Clinical Development at Merus (MRUS) and Infinity Pharmaceuticals (INFI) where she led development of multiple small molecule and immunotherapy clinical programs and was responsible for the prioritization of preclinical research. She was formerly Global Clinical Program Leader at the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research where she led global development of oncology treatments targeting CDK4/6, BCL-2, PD-1, CSF-1 and CD73. Dr. Fjällskog also serves on the Board of Biovica, a Swedish biotech company with a vision to improve monitoring and predicting the efficacy of cancer therapies via novel blood-based diagnostics and Lytix Biopharma, a clinical stage biotech developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on pioneering research in “host defense peptides” – nature’s first line of defense towards foreign pathogens.

For more information please contact:

Media Contact

Faron Pharmaceuticals

Eric Van Zanten

Head of Communications

eric.vanzanten@faron.com

Investor.relations@faron.com

+1 (610) 529-6219

Investor Contact

Stern Investor Relations

Julie Seidel

julie.seidel@sternir.com

Phone: +1 (212) 362-1200

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad

Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner, Mark Rogers

Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880

Peel Hunt LLP, Broker

Christopher Golden, James Steel

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North

Juha Karttunen

Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727

Jukka Järvelä

Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

E-mail: faron@consilium-comms.com

About Bexmarilimab

Bexmarilimab is Faron’s wholly-owned, investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid cell function. A novel anti-Clever-1 humanised antibody, bexmarilimab targets Clever-1 positive (Common Lymphatic Endothelial and Vascular Endothelial Receptor 1) tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumour microenvironment, converting these highly immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to immune stimulating M1 macrophages. In mouse models, bexmarilimab has successfully blocked or silenced Clever-1, activating antigen presentation and promoting interferon gamma secretion by leukocytes. Additional pre-clinical studies have proven that Clever-1, encoded by the Stabilin-1 or STAB-1 gene, is a major source of T cell exhaustion and involved in cancer growth and spread. Observations from clinical studies to date indicate that Clever-1 has the capacity to control T cell activation directly, suggesting that the inactivation of Clever-1 as an immune suppressive molecule could be more broadly applicable and more important than previously thought. As an immuno-oncology therapy, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Beyond immuno-oncology, it offers potential in infectious diseases, vaccine development and more.

About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with untreatable solid tumors, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated in global trials as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and with the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma.  Faron is based in Turku, Finland. Further information is available at www.faron.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ”believe”, ”could”, “should”, “expect”, “hope”, “seek”, ”envisage”, ”estimate”, ”intend”, ”may”, ”plan”, ”potentially”, ”will” or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors.

A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results and expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In particular, the early data from initial patients in the MATINS trial may not be replicated in larger patient numbers and the outcome of clinical trials may not be favourable or clinical trials over and above those currently planned may be required before the Company is able to apply for marketing approval for a product.  In addition,  other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include the ability of the Company to successfully licence its programmes within the anticipated timeframe or at all, risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets or other sources of funding, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors.  Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant AIM Rule requirements, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Faron’s financial calendar for 2022

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd
(“Faron”)

Faron’s financial calendar for 2022

Company announcement, 21 December 2021 at 9.00 am (EET) / 07:00 AM (GMT) / 02:00 AM (EDT)

TURKU, FINLAND / BOSTON, MA – Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, announces the following dates for the Company’s financial reporting in 2022:

25 March          Financial statement release for the full year 2021 and

                         Annual Report 2021 including financial statements for the full year

25 August         Half-year financial report for the period 1 January to 30 June 2022

The annual general meeting is planned to be held on Friday 22 April 2022. A separate stock exchange notice will be issued by Faron’s board of directors to convene the meeting.

For more information please contact:

Media Contact

Faron Pharmaceuticals

Eric Van Zanten

Head of Communications

eric.vanzanten@faron.com

Investor.relations@faron.com

Phone: +1 (610) 529-6219

Investor Contact

Stern Investor Relations

Julie Seidel

julie.seidel@sternir.com

Phone: +1 (212) 362-1200

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad

Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner

Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880

Peel Hunt LLP, Broker

Christopher Golden, James Steel

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North

Juha Karttunen

Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727

Jukka Järvelä

Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville

faron@consilium-comms.com

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with untreatable solid tumors, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated in global trials as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and with the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma.  Faron is based in Turku, Finland. Further information is available at www.faron.com.

Faron Announces Topline MATINS Biomarker Analysis

Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

(“Faron”)

Topline Biomarker Analysis Shows Bexmarilimab Ignites Immune Response in Patient Population That Has Not Traditionally

Benefited from Current Immunotherapy Treatments

  • Patients with low baseline levels of inflammatory cytokines in blood achieved significantly higher clinical benefit following treatment with bexmarilimab monotherapy
  • Low inflammatory biomarker profile is likely to predict bexmarilimab monotherapy clinical benefit  
  • Ignition of immune response, as indicated by increased levels of inflammatory cytokines following treatment with bexmarilimab, suggests patients could become responsive to PD-1 blockade

Company announcement, December 9, 2021 at 02:00 AM (EDT) / 07:00 AM (GMT) / 09:00 AM (EET)

Inside information

TURKU, FINLAND / BOSTON, MA – Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building the future of immunotherapy by harnessing the power of the immune system to tackle cancer and inflammation, today announces topline biomarker data from the Phase I/II MATINS (Macrophage Antibody to Inhibit Immune Suppression) trial of bexmarilimab. The initial biomarker data shows patients with low interferon gamma (IFNg) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) levels experienced significantly higher clinical benefit (defined as partial response or stable disease) following treatment with bexmarilimab. The biomarker analysis included the first three cohorts of special interest from the trial: cutaneous melanoma, gastric cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma.

Among the 30 patients included in the analysis, all of whom were heavily pre-treated, and PD-1 blockade refractory/resistant, nine experienced clinical benefit and 21 did not following treatment with bexmarilimab monotherapy. At baseline, the nine patients who experienced clinical benefit had significantly lower serum IFNg (P = 0.03) and TNFa (P = 0.005) levels compared to patients that did not experience clinical benefit. Additionally, a more than 100% increase in IFNg levels was seen after the first cycle of bexmarilimab treatment among patients who experienced clinical benefit.

“The biomarker analysis shows that in patients receiving treatment with bexmarilimab, interferon gamma levels increased after the first dose. Interferon gamma is a marker for inflammation which suggests bexmarilimab may amplify an immune response.” said Dr. Anna Minchom, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Team Leader at the Institute of Cancer Research and MATINS investigator. “There is urgent clinical need to identify potential treatment options for patients who do not, currently, respond to existing immunotherapy drugs.”

TNFa and IFNg are measured by a standard blood test. The ability to have these classical pro-inflammatory cytokines measured as part of a patient’s routine clinical care could expedite treatment decisions improving patient care, which today requires costly biopsies and pathology tests.

“The initial biomarker analysis is exciting as it helps us better understand which patients are most likely to respond to treatment with bexmarilimab monotherapy,” said Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Chief Executive Officer of Faron. “The data also demonstrates that bexmarilimab is igniting an immune response, turning a cold tumor hot, in certain heavily pre-treated patients with checkpoint inhibitor resistant disease. This means bexmarilimab may serve as a catalyst for the immune system allowing initially checkpoint inhibitor resistant patients to become responsive to PD-1 blockade.”

The ongoing open label Phase I/II MATINS clinical trial is investigating the safety and efficacy of bexmarilimab, Faron’s wholly-owned novel precision cancer immunotherapy targeting Clever-1, a receptor known to be expressed on immunosuppressive macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. In the MATINS trial, bexmarilimab is being investigated as a potential monotherapy in patients with solid tumors who have exhausted all other treatment options. Overall survival data at six months was presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2021 Congress that showed that 83% of patients who experienced clinical benefit following treatment with bexmarilimab were alive at six months compared to 29% of patients who did not experience clinical benefit. Median survival for patients who experienced clinical benefit had not yet been reached. Treatment with bexmarilimab was well tolerated with only 7% of treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) reported as grade three or four and 0% reported as grade five. Additionally, none of the TEAEs resulted in a decrease or modification of dosing. The most common TRAEs were fatigue, anemia, abdominal pain and decreased appetite.

The company will complete a full evaluation of the biomarker data and share the detailed results at a future medical meeting.

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (“MAR”).

For more information please contact:

Media Contact

Faron Pharmaceuticals

Eric Van Zanten

Head of Communications

eric.vanzanten@faron.com

Investor.relations@faron.com

Phone: +1 (610) 529-6219

Investor Contact

Stern Investor Relations

Julie Seidel

julie.seidel@sternir.com

Phone: +1 (212) 362-1200

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nomad

Sandy Jamieson, Jo Turner

Phone: +44 (0) 207 213 0880

Peel Hunt LLP, Broker

Christopher Golden, James Steel

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

Sisu Partners Oy, Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North

Juha Karttunen

Phone: +358 (0)40 555 4727

Jukka Järvelä

Phone: +358 (0)50 553 8990

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott, David Daley, Lindsey Neville

faron@consilium-comms.com

Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

About Bexmarilimab

Bexmarilimab is Faron’s wholly-owned, investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid cell function. A novel anti-Clever-1 humanised antibody, bexmarilimab targets Clever-1 positive (Common Lymphatic Endothelial and Vascular Endothelial Receptor 1) tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumour microenvironment, converting these highly immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to immune stimulating M1 macrophages. In mouse models, bexmarilimab has successfully blocked or silenced Clever-1, activating antigen presentation and promoting interferon gamma secretion by leukocytes. Additional pre-clinical studies have proven that Clever-1, encoded by the Stabilin-1 or STAB-1 gene, is a major source of T cell exhaustion and involved in cancer growth and spread. Observations from clinical studies to date indicate that Clever-1 has the capacity to control T cell activation directly, suggesting that the inactivation of Clever-1 as an immune suppressive molecule could be more broadly applicable and more important than previously thought. As an immuno-oncology therapy, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Beyond immuno-oncology, it offers potential in infectious diseases, vaccine development and more.

About MATINS

The MATINS (Macrophage Antibody To INhibit immune Suppression) study is a first-in-human open label phase I/II clinical trial investigating the tolerability, safety and efficacy of bexmarilimab in ten different hard-to-treat metastatic or inoperable solid tumour cohorts – cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, cutaneous melanoma, ER+ breast cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, uveal melanoma, pancreatic cancer and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma – which are all known to host a significant number of Clever-1 positive tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs). The completed Part I of the trial dealt with tolerability, safety and dose escalation. The ongoing Part II is focused on identifying patients who show an increased number of Clever-1 positive TAMs and exploring safety and efficacy. Part III will be focused on assessing efficacy. Data from MATINS have shown that bexmarilimab has the potential to be the first macrophage immune checkpoint therapy. To date, the investigational therapy has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, making it a low-risk candidate for combination with existing cancer therapies, and has demonstrated early signs of clinical benefit in patients who have exhausted all other treatment options.

About Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Faron (AIM: FARN, First North: FARON) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. Currently in Phase I/II clinical development as a potential therapy for patients with untreatable solid tumors, bexmarilimab has potential as a single-agent therapy or in combination with other standard treatments including immune checkpoint molecules. Traumakine is an investigational intravenous (IV) interferon beta-1a therapy for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other ischemic or hyperinflammatory conditions. Traumakine is currently being evaluated in global trials as a potential treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and with the 59th Medical Wing of the US Air Force and the US Department of Defense for the prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by a major trauma.  Faron is based in Turku, Finland. Further information is available at www.faron.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ”believe”, ”could”, “should”, “expect”, “hope”, “seek”, ”envisage”, ”estimate”, ”intend”, ”may”, ”plan”, ”potentially”, ”will” or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors.

A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results and expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In particular, the early data from initial patients in the MATINS trial may not be replicated in larger patient numbers and the outcome of clinical trials may not be favourable or clinical trials over and above those currently planned may be required before the Company is able to apply for marketing approval for a product.  In addition,  other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially include the ability of the Company to successfully licence its programmes within the anticipated timeframe or at all, risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets or other sources of funding, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors.  Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant AIM Rule requirements, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

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