ASLAN PHARMACEUTICALS ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF PRECLINICAL DATA ON ASLAN003 IN AML IN HAEMATOLOGICA JOURNAL

Singapore, 22 November 2019 – ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ASLN, TPEx:6497), a clinical-stage oncology and immunology focused biopharma company, today announced that new preclinical data characterising ASLAN003 as a potential treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has been published in the November issue of Haematologica Journal. The findings support ASLAN003’s potential as a potent human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor and novel target for differentiation therapy with a favourable toxicity profile.  

In the study, ASLAN003 was shown to inhibit protein synthesis and induce differentiation of AML cell lines via activation of AP-1 transcription factors. The study also confirmed that ASLAN003-meditated AP-1 activation is important for the reversal of the blocked differentiation of AML cells. 

ASLAN003 is an orally active, potent inhibitor of DHODH that has the potential to be first-in-class in AML. In clinical studies, ASLAN003 has demonstrated potent inhibition of DHODH, a lack of toxicities associated with first generation inhibitors and other novel AML therapies, and the potential to induce differentiation in blast cells and applicability in a broad range of AML patients. ASLAN003 has been awarded orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration. ASLAN recently completed a phase 2a study of ASLAN003 in AML and is reviewing future development plans. 

The publication, titled ‘ASLAN003, a potent dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor for differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia’, is available to view at: http://www.haematologica.org/content/early/2019/11/06/haematol.2019.230482.long 

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Media and IR contacts 

Emma Thompson Spurwing Communications Tel: +65 6571 2021 Email: ASLAN@spurwingcomms.com 

Robert Uhl Westwicke Partners Tel: +1 858 356 5932 Email: robert.uhl@westwicke.com 

About ASLAN003 

ASLAN003 is an orally active, potent inhibitor of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) that has the potential to be first-in-class in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Licensed from Almirall in 2012, ASLAN has global rights for all non-topical and non-dermatological indications. AML is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterised primarily by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that build up in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. ASLAN is conducting a phase 2 clinical trial to develop ASLAN003 in AML and is also exploring other solid tumour types where DHODH may be relevant