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DALLAS - Lantern Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRN), a clinical-stage biotech company with a current market capitalization of approximately $31 million, has unveiled promising preclinical data for its drug candidate LP-184, targeting a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer known as atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT). The data was presented by Dr. Eric Raabe of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine at a recent pediatric neuro-oncology conference in San Diego. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company’s stock is currently trading below its Fair Value, suggesting potential upside for investors interested in early-stage biotech opportunities.
The study’s findings have reinforced the potential of LP-184 to significantly extend survival in mouse models of ATRT. In one model, the median survival increased from 20 days in the control group to 89 days with LP-184 treatment, marking a substantial improvement. Another model showed an increase in median survival from 68 to 98 days. These results support the drug’s Rare Pediatric Disease Designation by the FDA and lay the groundwork for a planned pediatric clinical trial slated to begin between late 2025 and early 2026. While the company maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 4.86, InvestingPro data indicates the company is rapidly burning through cash, a common characteristic of clinical-stage biotech firms.
LP-184 has demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity across various ATRT cell lines and has shown to significantly reduce cancer cell proliferation while increasing programmed cell death. Notably, the drug has also shown strong blood-brain barrier penetrance, which is crucial for treating brain cancers.
Panna Sharma, CEO and President of Lantern Pharma, expressed confidence in LP-184’s potential as a novel therapeutic option for ATRT, highlighting the favorable tolerability profile observed in preclinical models. Dr. Marc Chamberlain, Chief Medical Officer of Starlight Therapeutics and Lantern Executive Director of Clinical Development, emphasized the need for improved treatments for ATRT, given the limited current options and associated poor outcomes.
ATRT is a fast-growing tumor of the brain and spinal cord, predominantly affecting children three years and younger. Despite aggressive treatments available, the prognosis remains poor, necessitating more effective therapies.
LP-184 belongs to a class of synthetic small molecules derived from naturally occurring anti-cancer agents. It targets cancer cells that overexpress specific biomarkers or have mutations in DNA damage repair pathways. The drug has also received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for the treatment of malignant gliomas and pancreatic cancer.
The company is preparing for its pediatric Phase I trial for LP-184 in brain tumors, following the ongoing Phase I trial in adult solid tumors. This research is part of Lantern Pharma’s broader efforts to leverage AI and machine learning to accelerate oncology drug development, with the aim of bringing innovative treatments to market more efficiently. Despite recent share price volatility, with the stock down over 14% in the past week, the company maintains minimal debt with a debt-to-equity ratio of just 0.01. Investors seeking deeper insights into Lantern Pharma’s financial health and growth prospects can access comprehensive analysis through InvestingPro’s detailed research reports, which cover over 1,400 US stocks and provide actionable intelligence for informed investment decisions.
This article is based on a press release statement from Lantern Pharma Inc.
In other recent news, Lantern Pharma Inc. reported a narrower net loss for the first quarter of 2025, totaling $4.5 million, or $0.42 per share, compared to a loss of $5.4 million in the same period last year. This improvement is attributed to a reduction in research and development expenses, which decreased from $4.3 million to $3.3 million. The company maintains a strong cash position of $19.7 million, ensuring operational funding through May 2026. Lantern Pharma’s clinical trials for LP-184 and LP300 are progressing, with significant milestones expected in 2025. The company’s AI platform, RADAR, continues to enhance its drug discovery capabilities, positioning Lantern as a leader in precision oncology. Additionally, Lantern has ambitious plans for 2025, including the completion of Phase 1a trial enrollment for LP-184 and the commercialization of initial modules of its RADAR AI platform. Analysts from various firms have noted these developments, highlighting Lantern’s strategic focus on cost management and innovation.
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