Portage Biotech provides update on clinical-stage, development programs

Portage Biotech provided an update on its clinical development programs and announced its development goals for the remainder of 2022. Q2-Q4 2022 Development Focus: The Company remains focused on advancing its pipeline of novel immuno-oncology therapeutics designed to prevent and overcome cancer treatment resistance. Clinical trials were initiated in 2021 for both of Portage's lead invariant natural killer T cell, iNKT, agonist programs, PORT-2 and PORT-3. Preliminary Phase 1 data received to date suggests PORT-2 was well tolerated when administered as a monotherapy, with no related adverse events. This has enabled a plan to accelerate opening of the combination safety cohort with Keytruda, in parallel with the ongoing high dose monotherapy cohort. Portage has decided to expand the PORT-2 study beyond the UK to accelerate clinical studies while addressing COVID-19 headwinds. The Company has hired a global clinical research organization and is preparing for regulatory submissions in other countries. Preliminary safety data for repeat dosing of PORT-3, a nanoparticle co-formulation of PORT-2 and NY-ESO-1 immunogenic peptides developed for the treatment of NY-ESO-1 positive solid tumors, is also favorable. The Company expects to submit data to a scientific congress for PORT-3 later this year. New Collaborations with Academic Partners to Enhance Strategic Goals: As part of its broader research and development strategy, Portage is partnering with experts and companies that could bring additional expertise and insights to help advance the science and open new avenues for development. New collaborations include a partnership with Dr. Francis Mussai and Dr. Carmela De Santo at University of Birmingham on iNKTs. Portage is also initiating a second collaboration with Dr. Robert Negrin and his team at Stanford University to evaluate the use of PORT-2 with iNKT cell therapies in animals. Clinical Development Goals for the Remainder of 2022: Generate safety and efficacy data on all products currently in clinical trials - PORT-2: iNKT agonist to treat melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer; initial efficacy data anticipated by the end of 2022. PORT-3: iNKT agonist co formulated in a nanoparticle with NY-ESO-1 peptide vaccine in tumors that express NY-ESO-1; preliminary efficacy data in patients expected year end, going into 2023. PORT-1: intratumoral amphiphilic formulation, developed in collaboration with our affiliate Intensity, being evaluated as a monotherapy and in combination with Keytruda and Yervoy to treat multiple solid tumors; multiple readouts expected in 2H 2022. Prepare additional compounds to enter clinical studies - PORT-5: Systemically delivered STING agent developed in collaboration with our affiliate Stimunity, is progressing towards the clinic. Continue to explore collaboration opportunities for all of our assets and evaluate new opportunities to expand immuno-oncology product portfolio