LONA 8-K
LeonaBio, Inc. (LONA)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
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Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On May 7, 2026, LeonaBio, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release reporting its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
The Company announces material information to the public through a variety of means, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, public conference calls, the Company’s website (www.leonabio.com), its investor relations website (investors.leonabio.com), and its news site (investors.leonabio.com/news-and-events/press-releases). The Company uses these channels, as well as social media, including its X account (@leonabioinc), LinkedIn account (www.linkedin.com/company/leonabio), Instagram account (@leona.bio) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/leonabioinc/), to communicate with investors and the public about the Company, its product candidates, and other matters. Therefore, the Company encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the Company to review the information it makes public in these locations, as such information could be deemed to be material information.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
99.1 |
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104 |
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Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL) |
The information furnished in this Current Report under Items 2.02 and 7.01 and the exhibit attached hereto shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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LeonaBio, Inc. |
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Date: |
May 7, 2026 |
By: |
/s/ Mark Litton |
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Mark Litton |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 99.1
LeonaBio Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
Advancing Phase 3 Lasofoxifene Development Program of Novel Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, a Potential Multi-Billion Dollar Opportunity as Treatment Option for Patients with ESR1-Mutations
Expects to Complete Enrollment of Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Lasofoxifene in treatment-resistant ER-positive, HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated Metastatic Breast Cancer in 4Q 2026 with Topline Data Anticipated in 2H 2027
On-track to Initiate Phase 2 Proof-of-Concept Study of ATH-1105 in ALS patients in 2H 2026
Recent Events Include Three Appointments to Board of Directors and Virtual Key Opinion Leader Event Highlighting Potential of Lasofoxifene
BOTHELL, Wash., May 7, 2025 – LeonaBio, Inc.(NASDAQ: LONA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for diseases with high unmet medical needs, today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, and provided recent pipeline and business updates.
“We entered 2026 with a clear focus on disciplined execution across our portfolio, led by the continued advancement of lasofoxifene in the Phase 3 ELAINE‑3 clinical trial for patients with ESR1‑mutated metastatic breast cancer, a population with significant unmet need,” said Mark Litton, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of LeonaBio. “As the treatment landscape continues to evolve, we remain confident in the ELAINE‑3 program, supported by a body of nonclinical and clinical evidence that we believe reinforces lasofoxifene’s differentiated profile and its potential to meaningfully address endocrine resistance, including independent mechanistic data from animal models on its bone protective potential, which further strengthens our conviction in the scientific and clinical rationale underlying this pivotal study.”
“In parallel, we are continuing to advance ATH‑1105 toward a Phase 2 proof‑of‑concept trial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), building on encouraging Phase 1 data demonstrating a favorable safety profile, pharmacokinetics, and central nervous system (CNS) penetration,” continued Dr. Litton. “With a strengthened balance sheet following our December 2025 $90 million common stock and warrant financing together with the potential additional $146 million upon exercise of the cash-exercisable warrants, we believe we are well positioned to execute on multiple value‑creating milestones in 2026 and beyond as we work to bring transformative therapies to patients in urgent need of new medicines.”
Clinical Development & Pipeline Programs
Lasofoxifene – A novel, nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) with a unique binding profile, designed to act as a potent antagonist against breast wild-type and mutant estrogen receptors, including the clinically significant ESR1 mutations commonly associated with resistance to endocrine therapy in metastatic breast cancer, while preserving estrogen signaling in nontarget tissues such as bone.
In December 2025, LeonaBio acquired an exclusive global license (excluding Asia and certain countries in the Middle East) from Sermonix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Sermonix) for rights to develop and commercialize lasofoxifene.
ATH-1105 – A novel, orally available, brain-penetrant, next-generation small molecule drug candidate designed to positively modulate the neurotrophic HGF system for potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. ATH-1105 is currently in clinical development for the potential treatment of ALS.
Corporate Updates
LeonaBio announced the appointment of Fred Callori, J.D., Natalie Holles, and Peter B. Silverman, J.D. to its Board of Directors, effective as of May 5, 2026. The company also announced that John Fluke, Jr., who has served on the Board since 2014, retired effective May 4, 2026.
Recent Events
LeonaBio hosted a virtual Key Opinion Leader event with two leading physician experts in the breast cancer field to discuss the current and evolving treatment landscape in metastatic breast cancer and the potential for lasofoxifene to transform the standard of care for patients with treatment-resistant estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated metastatic breast cancer.
The event titled, “Modulation and Combination: the Potential for Lasofoxifene to Transform the Standard-of-Care in Metastatic Breast Cancer,” featured a discussion with David Portman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Sermonix Pharmaceuticals and an oncology consultant to LeonaBio, along with two physician experts in the breast cancer field:
A replay of the event is available on the LeonaBio website under Events in the Investor Relations here.
Financial Results
About LeonaBio
LeonaBio, headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for diseases with high unmet medical needs, including treatment-resistant metastatic breast cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with the goal of improving patients’ lives. Our lead drug candidates, lasofoxifene and ATH-1105, are novel, small molecule therapies with the potential to address devastating diseases where current treatment options are limited or ineffective. With a strong commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered innovation, we are dedicated to developing meaningful new therapies for those who need them most.
For more information, visit www.leonabio.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical fact and include statements regarding: the beneficial characteristics, safety and efficacy of LeonaBio’s drug candidates; the potential of any subsequent clinical trials to show the beneficial characteristics, safety and efficacy of ATH-1105; the potential of LeonaBio to complete the Phase 3 ELAINE-3 clinical trial for lasofoxifene and to meet the trial endpoints, and any subsequent clinical trials to show the clinical benefits of lasofoxifene; LeonaBio’s drug candidates as potential treatments for metastatic breast cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other diseases; LeonaBio’s future development plans and the timing thereof; the potential learnings from preclinical studies and other nonclinical data and their ability to inform and improve future clinical development plans; the markets for LeonaBio’s drug candidates, if approved for commercial use, and LeonaBio’s ability to serve those markets; anticipated development milestone timelines, such as the initiation of clinical trials and the timing of data releases, and LeonaBio’s ability to meet such timelines; LeonaBio’s ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of its drug candidates in the United States and other jurisdictions and the timing thereof, and any related restrictions, limitations or warnings in the label of any approved drug candidate; LeonaBio’s ability to commercialize any approved products; and the sufficiency of LeonaBio’s capital resources to advance both its oncology and neurodegeneration programs. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “on track,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “pursue,” “continue,” “suggest,” “potential,” “target” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the possible failure to realize certain anticipated benefits of the license relating to lasofoxifene and the recent private placement financing, including with respect to future financial and operating results; the data from preclinical and clinical trials may not support the safety, efficacy and tolerability of LeonaBio’s drug candidates; development of drug candidates may cease or be delayed; regulatory authorities could object to protocols, amendments and other submissions; future potential regulatory milestones for drug candidates, including those related to current and planned clinical studies, may be insufficient to support regulatory submissions or approval; whether LeonaBio’s trials are sufficiently powered to meet the planned
endpoints; LeonaBio may not be able to recruit sufficient patients for its clinical trials; the outcome of legal proceedings that may in the future be instituted against LeonaBio, its directors and officers; possible negative interactions of LeonaBio’s drug candidates with other treatments; FDA regulatory delays and uncertainty and new policies, including executive orders, changes in the leadership of federal agencies such as the FDA and SEC, staff layoffs, budget cuts to agency programs and research and changes in drug pricing controls; LeonaBio’s assumptions regarding its financial condition and the sufficiency of its cash, cash equivalents and investments to fund its planned operations may be incorrect; adverse conditions in the general domestic and global economic markets, including as a result of tariffs; the impact of competition; the impact of drug candidate development and clinical activities on operating expenses; the impact of new or changing laws and regulations; as well as the other risks detailed in LeonaBio’s filings with the SEC from time to time. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and LeonaBio undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements. LeonaBio may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements.
Investor & Media Contact:
Julie Rathbun
LeonaBio
206-769-9219
LeonaBio, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2026 |
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2025 |
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(unaudited) |
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Assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
32,833 |
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$ |
69,276 |
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Short-term investments |
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34,846 |
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19,055 |
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Other short-term assets |
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1,523 |
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1,127 |
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Other long-term assets |
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2,388 |
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2,693 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
71,590 |
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$ |
92,151 |
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Liabilities and stockholders' equity |
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Current liabilities |
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$ |
6,666 |
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$ |
10,015 |
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Sermonix pre-funded warrant |
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— |
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37,488 |
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Milestone liability |
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14,187 |
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15,116 |
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Long-term liabilities |
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1,434 |
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1,742 |
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Total liabilities |
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22,287 |
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64,361 |
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Stockholders' equity |
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49,303 |
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27,790 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders' equity |
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$ |
71,590 |
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$ |
92,151 |
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LeonaBio, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2026 |
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2025 |
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Operating expenses: |
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Research and development |
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$ |
11,262 |
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$ |
4,302 |
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Milestone liability change in fair value |
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(929) |
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— |
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General and administrative |
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6,881 |
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5,234 |
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Total operating expenses |
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17,214 |
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9,536 |
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Loss from operations |
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(17,214 |
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(9,536 |
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Other income, net |
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586 |
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393 |
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Sermonix pre-funded warrant change in fair value |
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(16,320) |
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— |
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Net loss |
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$ |
(32,948 |
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$ |
(9,143 |
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Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities |
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(9) |
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(5 |
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Comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders |
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$ |
(32,957 |
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$ |
(9,148 |
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Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted |
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$ |
(1.73 |
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$ |
(2.34 |
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Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted |
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19,027,087 |
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3,904,244 |
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