Los Angeles, May 19, 2022 — Trethera Corporation (“Trethera”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel drugs targeting nucleotide metabolism for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, announces a forthcoming presentation by scientific founder Dr. Caius Radu at the Los Angeles Bioscience Ecosystem Summit 2022 (“LABEST”).

Presentation Details:

Title: Development of a first-in-class/first-in-human inhibitor of deoxycytidine kinase with cancer and autoimmune disease indications
Location: Main Ballroom, Luskin Conference Center
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 10AM
Track: UCLA Professor Spotlight

Dr. Radu is a Professor in the Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology and Surgery at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He also serves as a Vice Chairman of the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Co-Director of the Cancer Molecular Imaging, Nanotechnology, and Theranostics Research Program at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Chairman of the Trethera Scientific Advisory Board. 

LABEST 2022 is the premier showcase for bioscience innovation in Los Angeles County and is produced by the UCLA Technology Development Group.  It is intended to promote awareness of the growing life science entrepreneurial ecosystem in Los Angeles and to foster partnerships with the biotechnology and life science industry. 

TRE-515 is an orally delivered therapeutic engineered to inhibit deoxycytidine kinase (“dCK”), the key enzyme in the nucleoside salvage pathway.  A common characteristic of solid tumors and autoimmune diseases is that they require elevated nucleotide levels to support abnormal and accelerated cell division.  In contrast, dCK activity is highly restricted in healthy adult human cells.  Mediated by the rate limiting kinase, dCK, the nucleoside salvage pathway plays a pivotal role in rapid cell proliferation of  cancer cells and aberrant activated lymphocytes, suggesting dCK as a potential therapeutic target.

About Trethera 

Trethera is a clinical stage privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering the development of novel treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancers. Founded by prominent UCLA scientists, Trethera is led by experienced management and board members. Trethera’s innovative approach to targeting nucleotide metabolism led to the development of TRE-515, an orally taken capsule twice designated by the FDA as an Orphan Drug.  TRE-515 is a first-in-class clinical stage drug that inhibits deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), the rate-limiting enzyme in the nucleoside salvage pathway, one of two biosynthetic pathways that generate DNA precursors.  It is believed that some forms of cancer may be preferentially dependent on the salvage pathway to support tumor growth.  Certain autoimmune diseases might also respond to TRE-515 treatment.  Trethera is developing TRE-515 for use as a monotherapy or in combination, to precisely target a metabolic vulnerability of cancer or autoimmune diseases that will transform outcomes for patients.

For more information, please visit us at trethera.com.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Trethera believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Although Trethera has a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements contained herein, Trethera cautions that such statements are based on current expectations about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and factors relating to medical and scientific research, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Trethera’s control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. These potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the extent to which development of any novel cancer therapies or therapies for autoimmune diseases succeeds; whether Trethera would obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to commence human trials or commercialize TRE-515 or any novel therapies resulting from such research; Trethera successfully implementing its growth strategy, including that relating to its disease therapies; the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; changes in economic conditions; competition; and risks and uncertainties applicable to the business of Trethera. The statements in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and Trethera does not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Trethera intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Los Angeles, March 22, 2022 — Trethera Corporation (“Trethera”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel drugs targeting nucleotide metabolism for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, announced an upcoming poster presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting.  Dr. Caius Radu, of the University of California Los Angeles, will present preclinical research highlighting the use of the deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) inhibitor, TRE-515, to selectively inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells in xenograft mouse models that rely on dCK for DNA synthesis and rapid malignant proliferation.  AACR is one of the largest annual meetings of cancer researchers and a key venue for presenting noteworthy oncology discoveries.  Accordingly, the first-in-class molecule TRE-515 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 open-label, dose escalation study in solid tumors. 

Presentation Details:

Title: Inhibiting deoxycytidine kinase significantly inhibits tumor growth in xenograft models of castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Caius G. Radu, MD; Kenneth A. Schultz, MD; Katharina Lückerath, PhD; H. Michael Shepard, PhD; Johannes Czernin, MD
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2022; 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Abstract: 2635

TRE-515 is an orally delivered therapeutic engineered to inhibit dCK, the key enzyme in the nucleoside salvage pathway.  A common characteristic of solid tumors is that they require elevated levels of nucleotides to support rapid cellular DNA replication necessary for accelerated malignant growth.  Cancer cells overexpress dCK to help maintain these elevated nucleotide levels.  In contrast, dCK activity is highly restricted in healthy adult human cells.  By targeting dCK, scientists hope to selectively and effectively deprive cancer cells of this needed nucleotide source, thereby blocking tumor growth.

About Trethera

Trethera is a clinical stage privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering the development of novel treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancers. Founded by prominent UCLA scientists, Trethera is led by experienced management and board members. Trethera’s innovative approach to targeting nucleotide metabolism led to the development of TRE-515, an orally taken capsule twice designated by the FDA as an Orphan Drug.  TRE-515 is a first-in-class clinical stage drug that inhibits deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), the rate-limiting enzyme in the nucleoside salvage pathway, one of two biosynthetic pathways that generate DNA precursors.  It is believed that some forms of cancer may be preferentially dependent on the salvage pathway to support tumor growth.  Certain autoimmune diseases might also respond to TRE-515 treatment.  Trethera is developing TRE-515 for use as a monotherapy or in combination, to precisely target a metabolic vulnerability of cancer or autoimmune diseases that will transform outcomes for patients.

For more information, please visit us at trethera.com.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements 

All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Trethera believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Although Trethera has a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements contained herein, Trethera cautions that such statements are based on current expectations about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and factors relating to medical and scientific research, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Trethera’s control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. These potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the extent to which development of any novel cancer therapies or therapies for autoimmune diseases succeeds; whether Trethera would obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to commence human trials or commercialize TRE-515 or any novel therapies resulting from such research; Trethera successfully implementing its growth strategy, including that relating to its disease therapies; the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; changes in economic conditions; competition; and risks and uncertainties applicable to the business of Trethera. The statements in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and Trethera does not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Trethera intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Los Angeles, November 12, 2021 — Trethera Corporation (“Trethera”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel drugs targeting nucleotide metabolism for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Status (ODS) to TRE-515 for the treatment of optic neuritis (ON). ON is a rare autoimmune disease where patients rapidly lose vision in one or both eyes with 1 in 10 patients never fully recovering their eyesight. TRE-515 is a first-in-class drug targeting the enzyme deoxycytidine kinase (dCK).

“The FDA designation for the treatment of ON complements our existing exclusive ODS for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and provides key external validation that continues to showcase the strength of our scientific data,” said Dr. Ken Schultz, Trethera Chairman and CEO. “TRE-515 is developing an impressive resume for potential treatments of demyelinating autoimmune diseases.” ADEM is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system damages myelin in the central nervous system, leading patients to become paralyzed and causing death in some cases.

Over 100,000 cases of ON occur annually in the US and have a close association with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although steroids accelerate the rate of ON recovery and limit conversion to MS in the first two years, steroids have no effect on long-term visual outcomes or conversion to MS as measured after 5 years. “Inflammation damaging the protective myelin coating around the optic nerve causes ON, leading to pain and vision loss. Targeting dCK with TRE-515 could limit this inflammation,” said Dr. Peter Clark, member of the Trethera Scientific Advisory Board.

“For some patients, ON can be self-resolving, but for others ON can lead to lifelong disability. In all ON cases, the threat of future conversion to MS remains. Any drug that could improve these outcomes for patients would be game changing. TRE-515 could potentially significantly benefit ON patients beyond the available therapeutic options, especially those taking long-term steroids,” said Trethera Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Larry Steinman.

The FDA’s Orphan Drug program is designed to advance the development of drugs that treat a condition affecting 200,000 or fewer US patients annually. ODS is given to medicinal products that represent a significant benefit over existing treatments and are intended for the treatment of a disease that is life-threatening or chronically debilitating. The ODS designation qualifies Trethera for certain incentives, which include FDA assistance in designing clinical trials, access to the FDA Orphan Drug Grants Program, exemption from the drug approval application fee and eligibility for seven years of marketing exclusivity.

Sources: Bennett 2019; Cleveland Clinic 2021; Yang 2017; Wilhelm 2015

About Trethera

Trethera is a clinical stage privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering the development of novel treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancers. Founded by prominent UCLA scientists, Trethera is led by experienced management and board members. Trethera’s innovative approach to targeting nucleotide metabolism led to the development of TRE-515, an orally taken capsule designated by the FDA as an Orphan Drug. TRE-515 is a first-in-class clinical stage drug that inhibits deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), the rate-limiting enzyme in the nucleoside salvage pathway, one of two biosynthetic pathways that generate DNA precursors. It is believed that some forms of cancer may be preferentially dependent on the salvage pathway to support tumor growth. Certain autoimmune diseases might respond to TRE-515 treatment. Trethera is developing TRE-515 for use as a monotherapy or in combination, to precisely target a metabolic vulnerability of cancer cells or autoimmune diseases that will transform outcomes for patients.

For more information, please visit us at trethera.com.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Trethera believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Although Trethera has a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements contained herein, Trethera cautions that such statements are based on current expectations about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and factors relating to medical and scientific research, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Trethera’s control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. These potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the extent to which development of any novel cancer therapies or therapies for autoimmune diseases succeeds; whether Trethera would obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to commence human trials or commercialize TRE-515 or any novel therapies resulting from such research; Trethera successfully implementing its growth strategy, including that relating to its disease therapies; the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; changes in economic conditions; competition; and risks and uncertainties applicable to the business of Trethera. The statements in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and Trethera does not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Los Angeles, May 25, 2021 —Trethera Corporation (Trethera), a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel drugs targeting cellular nucleotide metabolism for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases, is pleased to announce the appointment of renowned autoimmunity researcher Dr. Larry Steinman to its Scientific Advisory Board.  Dr. Steinman will be advising Trethera regarding TRE-515 development, a first-in-class compound with the potential to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune neurologic diseases. 

Dr. Steinman is currently a professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Pediatrics, and Genetics at Stanford University and leads a research team focused on autoimmune diseases.  He is a recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the John M. Dystel Prize awarded jointly by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Academy of Neurology for his research on MS, the Charcot Prize for Lifetime Achievement in MS research and the Cerami Prize for Translational Research. Dr. Steinman is also a member of both the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Medicine.  Dr. Steinman coauthored the groundbreaking 1992 Nature article describing Tysabri, a multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s therapeutic now approved in over 80 countries and taken by over 200,000 MS patients.

“We are honored and proud to have Dr. Steinman’s expertise and inputs with our Scientific Advisory Board,” said Dr. Ken Schultz, Trethera Chairman and CEO.  “He is a leading authority on autoimmune diseases, with over 40 years’ experience treating and researching MS.  He joins us at a pivotal period, as we migrate from our preclinical proof-of-concept data and FDA Orphan Drug designation, into clinical development planning. Dr. Steinman’s expertise will be invaluable to our efforts to establish TRE-515 as a treatment option for patients fighting this debilitating disease.”

“I came to Trethera initially skeptical that TRE-515 could bring value to multiple sclerosis patients beyond the available therapeutic options,” said Dr. Steinman. “However, I was won over by the compelling data presented combined with the world-renown team Trethera has put together to advance this work. I am convinced that TRE-515 has the potential to positively impact MS patients and am excited to work with the team as this compound progresses toward the clinic.”

Reference: Nature, March 5, 1992, Volume 356.5

About Trethera

Trethera is a preclinical stage privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering the development of novel treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancers. Founded by prominent UCLA scientists, Trethera is led by experienced management and board members.

Trethera’s innovative approach to targeting nucleotide metabolism led to the development of TRE-515, an orally taken capsule designated by the FDA as an Orphan Drug. TRE-515 is a first-in-class preclinical stage drug that inhibits deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), the rate-limiting enzyme in the nucleoside salvage pathway, one of two biosynthetic pathways that generate DNA precursors. It is believed that some forms of cancer may be preferentially dependent on the salvage pathway to support tumor growth. Certain autoimmune diseases might respond to TRE-515 treatment. Trethera is developing TRE-515 for use as a monotherapy or in combination, to precisely target a metabolic vulnerability of cancer cells or autoimmune diseases that will transform outcomes for patients.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Trethera believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Although Trethera has a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements contained herein, Trethera cautions that such statements are based on current expectations about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and factors relating to medical and scientific research, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Trethera’s control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. These potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the extent to which development of any novel cancer therapies or therapies for autoimmune diseases succeeds; whether Trethera would obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to commence human trials or commercialize TRE-515 or any novel therapies resulting from such research; Trethera successfully implementing its growth strategy, including that relating to its disease therapies; the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; changes in economic conditions; competition; and risks and uncertainties applicable to the business of Trethera. The statements in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and Trethera does not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Los Angeles, March 16, 2021— Trethera Corporation (“Trethera”), a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel drugs targeting cellular nucleotide metabolism for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases announces that Frank Baxter has been appointed as special advisor. He will be advising Trethera and its board of directors on financing options including private equity, public equity and debt obligations.

Frank Baxter is Chairman Emeritus of the global investment bank Jefferies & Company Inc. (NYSE: JEF) and served as US Ambassador to Uruguay from November 2006 to January 2009. “We are excited to have Frank participating as a special advisor to our company,” said Dr. Jean DeKernion, President of Trethera. “Ambassador Baxter is among the original outside investors in Trethera. His wealth of experience will be invaluable in exploring the most beneficial financing options for our company and its stockholders as we drive toward clinical trial entry. On behalf of the entire company, we welcome him to the team.”

Ambassador Baxter joined Jefferies in 1974 and became its CEO in 1987 succeeding its founder, Boyd L. Jefferies. Under Baxter’s leadership, the company focused on diversification beyond block equity trading. In the 1990s, he made key decisions to expand Jefferies’ bond trading group as well as increase its investment banking presence. Ambassador Baxter’s push into investment banking led to over $20B capital raised for mid-sized companies. In 2002, he retired as CEO after 14 years in the position. Today Jefferies has over $45B in total assets.

Ambassador Baxter is the former director of the NASD and served as Chairman of the Committee, which resulted in the spin-off of NASDAQ. He subsequently served on the Board of NASDAQ as a member of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the CEO search committee. Ambassador Baxter is also a former director of the Securities Industry Association. He currently participates on numerous boards in Southern California for non-profit organizations and educational institutions, including the St. John’s Health Center Foundation, the University of California Berkeley Foundation and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Ambassador Baxter is the recipient of the Bet Tzedek House of Justice Award and the City of Angels award. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.

About Trethera

Trethera is a preclinical stage privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering the development of novel treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancers. Founded by prominent UCLA scientists, Trethera is led by experienced management and board members.

Trethera’s innovative approach to targeting nucleotide metabolism led to the development of TRE-515, an orally taken capsule designated by the FDA as an Orphan Drug. TRE-515 is a first-in-class preclinical stage drug that inhibits deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), the rate-limiting enzyme in the nucleoside salvage pathway, one of two biosynthetic pathways that generate DNA precursors. It is believed that some forms of cancer may be preferentially dependent on the salvage pathway to support tumor growth. Certain autoimmune diseases might respond to TRE-515 treatment. Trethera is developing TRE-515 for use as a monotherapy or in combination, to precisely target a metabolic vulnerability of cancer cells or autoimmune diseases that will transform outcomes for patients.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Trethera believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Although Trethera has a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements contained herein, Trethera cautions that such statements are based on current expectations about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and factors relating to medical and scientific research, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Trethera’s control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. These potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the extent to which development of any novel cancer therapies or therapies for autoimmune diseases succeeds; whether Trethera would obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to commence human trials or commercialize TRE-515 or any novel therapies resulting from such research; Trethera successfully implementing its growth strategy, including that relating to its disease therapies; the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; changes in economic conditions; competition; and risks and uncertainties applicable to the business of Trethera. The statements in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and Trethera does not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.