Palisade Bio Completes All Five SAD Cohorts and Advances to MAD Cohorts of Phase 1a/b Study of PALI-2108 for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Company on track to report topline data in first half of 2025

Positive preliminary data from all five single ascending dose (SAD) cohorts ranging from 15mg to 450mg support safety and tolerability of PALI-2108

Continued progress toward Phase 1b/2a of PALI-2108 trial for the treatment of UC

Carlsbad, CA, Jan. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palisade Bio, Inc, (NASDAQ:PALI) ("Palisade," "Palisade Bio" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics for autoimmune, inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, today announced the completion of all five planned Single Ascending Dose (SAD) cohorts and the commencement of the Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) cohorts in its ongoing Phase 1a/b study of PALI-2108 for the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis (UC).

Preliminary data from the SAD portion of the study, which evaluated doses ranging from 15 mg to 450 mg of PALI-2108, support that the drug was well-tolerated across all dose levels. Importantly, there were no treatment-related dose reductions, serious adverse events (SAEs), or treatment-related laboratory abnormalities observed. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild and occurred only at the highest dose of 450 mg. Importantly, there were no EKG abnormalities or other serious safety concerns, underscoring the favorable safety profile of PALI-2108.

In addition to its safety and tolerability, preliminary pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis from the SAD portion of the study showed the delayed-release and extended-release characteristics of PALI-2108, which provides sustained, dose-dependent drug exposure with high local concentrations in the colon, a key feature for the targeted treatment of UC. This preliminary data provides strong support for the ongoing MAD portion of the trial, which aims to assess repeat dosing and further evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of PALI-2108 in both healthy volunteers and UC patients.

"We are excited to move from the SAD to the MAD portion of our Phase 1a/b study of PALI-2108, a significant milestone that brings us one-step closer to delivering an innovative, safe, and effective treatment option for UC patients," said Dr. Mitch Jones, Chief Medical Officer of Palisade. "The preliminary data from the SAD cohorts have reinforced our confidence in PALI-2108's safety profile, and we remain on track to report topline data in the first half of 2025."

The primary aim of this single-center Phase 1a/b study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and PK of PALI-2108 in healthy volunteers as well as to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK and pharmacodynamics PD in patients with UC. Several PDE4 inhibitors have received market approval in both inflammatory and fibrotic disease; however, PALI-2108 represents a new chemical entity that has not been previously administered to humans. Biomarkers, including serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and fecal calprotectin (CalPro), along with colonic tissue histological assessments, will be employed to provide further insights into the drug's effects. The analysis of colon tissue will include the study drug and metabolite levels, PDE4 expression, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC), and related PD biomarkers, which are crucial for understanding the drug's mechanism and efficacy.

For more information about the Phase 1a/b clinical study, visit clinicaltrials.gov and reference identifier NCT06663605.

About Palisade Bio 

Palisade Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and advancing novel therapeutics for patients living with autoimmune, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. The Company believes that by using a targeted approach with its novel therapeutics it can transform the treatment landscape. For more information, please go to www.palisadebio.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this communication that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the safety and tolerability, PK and drug release characteristics of PALI-2108 based on preliminary data from the SAD portion of the Company's Phase 1b/2a clinical study, indications and anticipated benefits of PALI-2108 and the expected timing of the release of topline data from the Phase 1b/2a clinical study. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, the Company is heavily dependent on the success of PALI-2108, which is in the early stages of clinical development and may not successfully progress through clinical development or receive regulatory approval; preliminary clinical study results or the results from earlier preclinical studies may not be predictive of final or future results and unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate efficacy of PALI-2108 may limit its development, regulatory approval and/or commercialization; the Company needs to raise significant additional funds to support its operations and the continued development of PALI-2108; the timing and outcome of the Company's current and anticipated clinical studies related to its product candidates; indications of use and estimates about the size and growth potential of the markets for the Company's product candidates, and its ability to serve those markets, including any potential revenue generated; the Company's ability to maintain the Nasdaq listing of its securities; the Company's ability to compete effectively in a competitive industry; the Company's ability to identify and qualify manufacturers to provide API and manufacture drug product; the Company's ability to enter into commercial supply agreements; the Company's ability to attract and retain key scientific or management personnel; the accuracy of the Company's estimates regarding expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and the impact of any global event on the Company's business, and operations, and supply. Additional risks and uncertainties can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 26, 2024, and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or other SEC filings that are filed thereafter. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

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