Akari Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Recent Highlights

In This Article:

Akari Therapeutics Plc
Akari Therapeutics Plc

Entered into a Definitive Merger Agreement with Peak Bio; Expected to Close in the Third Quarter of 2024

Samir R. Patel, M.D. Appointed Interim CEO

Plan for Prioritization of Peak Bio’s ADC Cancer Therapeutic Platform Technology and Akari’s PAS-nomacopan for Geographic Atrophy

Implementation of Restructuring Plan to Reduce Operating Costs

Existing Investors Support the Company with Issuance of $1 million in Unsecured Convertible Notes

BOSTON and LONDON, May 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), a late-stage biotechnology company developing advanced therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, has reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 as well as recent company highlights.

“My first few weeks as Interim CEO of Akari have been filled with non-stop activity and optimism,” said Samir R. Patel, MD, Akari Interim President and CEO. “We continue to work towards completion of the merger with Peak Bio, advance PAS-nomacopan in geographic atrophy, and explore value creation through business opportunities with nomacopan, a phase 3 ready compound.   In addition, we continue to be incredibly optimistic about the potential opportunities afforded by Peak’s ADC platform technology.”

Recent Company Highlights

  • Entered into a definitive agreement with Peak Bio Inc. (Peak Bio) to merge as equals in an all-stock transaction. The combined entity will operate as Akari Therapeutics, Plc, which is expected to continue to be listed and trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market as AKTX. The merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024.

  • Announced portfolio prioritization plan for combined go-forward company which will focus on Peak’s antibody drug conjugate (ADC) platform technology and Akari’s PAS-nomacopan Geographic Atrophy (GA) program. As a result of this prioritization, the Company's HSCT-TMA program was suspended.

  • Announced key leadership changes, including the appointment of experienced life sciences entrepreneur Samir R. Patel, M.D. as interim CEO, following the departure of Rachelle Jacques.

  • Commenced implementation of a reduction-in-force of approximately 67% of the Company's total workforce as part of an operational restructuring plan, which included the elimination of certain senior management positions, to reduce operating costs while supporting the Company’s long-term strategic plan.

  • In May 2024, issued unsecured convertible, short-term promissory notes to Samir R. Patel, M.D, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ray Prudo, M.D., the Company’s Chairman of the Board, each in the amount of $500,000 to provide operating capital.