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Portage Biotech Completes Monetization of Intensity Therapeutics (INTS) shares

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Portage Biotech Inc. (PRTG) sells equity holding in Intensity Therapeutics for $2.8M, generating non-dilutive funding to support clinical trials and extend cash runway. The company plans to present interim data at ASCO Annual Meeting and final data at SITC Annual Meeting in 2024.
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The liquidation of equity holdings in Intensity Therapeutics by Portage Biotech, resulting in $2.8 million in non-dilutive funding, is a strategic financial move. This capital infusion extends the company's cash runway, which is a critical factor for investors evaluating the financial health of a clinical-stage biotech firm. The funding's non-dilutive nature means that Portage's existing shareholders do not face dilution of their equity stake, preserving their value. This move may be seen as a positive signal to the market, indicating prudent cash management and a focus on funding critical research without compromising shareholder equity.

From a strategic standpoint, the allocation of these funds towards the PORT-6 Phase 1a trial suggests a prioritization of resources towards promising drug candidates. This is a common practice in the biotech industry, where capital allocation can significantly impact the potential for breakthrough therapies. However, the actual impact on Portage's stock will depend on the trial outcomes and the subsequent data presentations at major oncology meetings. Positive interim and final data could drive investor optimism, whereas any negative outcomes could have the opposite effect.

Portage Biotech's focus on advancing its ADPORT-201 Phase 1a/1b clinical trials for PORT-6 and PORT-7 involves targeting adenosine 2A and 2B receptors, which play roles in tumor immunology. By inhibiting these receptors, the company aims to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. The relevance of these trials in the field of immuno-oncology is high, as the industry seeks novel therapies that can overcome the limitations of current treatments. The anticipation of presenting interim data at the ASCO Annual Meeting and final data at the SITC Annual Meeting underscores the importance of these milestones in the drug development process.

For stakeholders, the successful progression of these trials could mean a significant advancement in treatment options for solid tumors. However, it is important to remember that the clinical trial process is inherently risky and positive outcomes are not guaranteed. The long-term implications for Portage Biotech hinge on the efficacy and safety profile demonstrated by the trials, which will ultimately determine the drug's commercial viability and potential market impact.

Portage Biotech's strategic sale of its equity in Intensity Therapeutics reflects a broader trend in the biotech sector where companies often invest in or divest from other entities to optimize their financial resources. The $2.8 million raised is a modest amount in the context of biotech research and development, but it highlights the company's ability to leverage its assets to fund ongoing trials. For the broader market, this move may not significantly shift the landscape, but it does contribute to the narrative of biotech companies being agile with their investment strategies to sustain their development pipelines.

The upcoming data presentations at major oncology conferences are events that the market watches closely, as they can be inflection points for a company's valuation. The fact that Portage Biotech is aligning its milestones with these events suggests a calculated approach to maximizing visibility and potential partnerships or funding opportunities. The stock market often reacts to such anticipated events with increased volatility in the company's stock price leading up to and following the announcements.

Company generated approximately $2.8M of non-dilutive funding to extend cash runway

WESTPORT, Conn., March 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portage Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: PRTG), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company advancing novel multi-targeted therapies for use as monotherapy and in combination, today reported that it has completed selling its equity holding in Intensity Therapeutics (NASDAQ: INTS).

Portage was an early INTS investor and during the past few months, Portage has been able to monetize its equity holdings in INTS and bring in proceeds, net of related expenses, totaling $2.8M of non-dilutive funding. The Company will use the proceeds to further fund its PORT-6 Phase 1a portion of the ADPORT-601 trial. “The Company looks forward to submitting interim data from the Phase 1a portion of ADPORT-601 (PORT-6) to the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in June and final data on the primary endpoints and any available data on secondary endpoints to the 2024 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting in November,” said Dr. Ian Walters, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Portage Biotech. “We are excited with the potential of the Company’s adenosine platform and are focusing our efforts on advancing its ADPORT-201 Phase 1a/1b clinical trial of PORT-6 (adenosine 2A inhibitor) and PORT-7 (adenosine 2B inhibitor) in selected solid tumors.”

About Portage Biotech Inc.        
Portage is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company advancing multi-targeted therapies to extend survival and significantly improve the lives of patients with cancer. The Company is focused on advancing its potentially best-in-class adenosine antagonists in the ADPORT-601 trial of PORT-6 (adenosine 2A inhibitor) and PORT-7 (adenosine 2B inhibitor). These programs are being advanced using innovative trial designs and translational data to identify the patient populations most likely to benefit from treatment. For more information about the trial please click here. The Company’s unique business model leverages a strong network of academic experts and large pharma partners to rapidly and efficiently advance multiple products. For more information, please visit www.portagebiotech.com, follow us on Twitter at @PortageBiotech or find us on LinkedIn at Portage Biotech Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding about the Company’s information that are forward-looking in nature and, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," “will,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “continue,” or similar expressions or variations on such expressions are forward-looking statements. For example, statements regarding the Company’s clinical development plans and updates are forward-looking statements. As a result, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but are not limited to: the Company's ability to obtain financing in the future to cover its operational costs and progress its plans for clinical development and its ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's clinical development of its product candidates, including the results of current and future clinical trials; and other factors set forth in “Item 3 - Key Information-Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2023. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Investor Relations:
ir@portagebiotech.com

Media Relations:
media@portagebiotech.com


FAQ

How much funding did Portage Biotech Inc. (PRTG) generate through selling its equity holding in Intensity Therapeutics?

Portage Biotech Inc. (PRTG) generated $2.8M of non-dilutive funding through selling its equity holding in Intensity Therapeutics.

What will Portage Biotech Inc. (PRTG) use the proceeds for?

Portage Biotech Inc. (PRTG) will use the proceeds to further fund its PORT-6 Phase 1a portion of the ADPORT-601 trial.

When will Portage Biotech Inc. (PRTG) submit interim data from the Phase 1a portion of ADPORT-601 to the ASCO Annual Meeting?

Portage Biotech Inc. (PRTG) plans to submit interim data to the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in June.

What clinical trials is Portage Biotech Inc. (PRTG) focusing on?

Portage Biotech Inc. (PRTG) is focusing on advancing its ADPORT-201 Phase 1a/1b clinical trial of PORT-6 and PORT-7 in selected solid tumors.

Portage Biotech Inc.

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