Candel Therapeutics, Inc.

Previous wording

We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing off-the-shelf viral immunotherapies that elicit an individualized, systemic anti-tumor immune response to help patients fight cancer. Our engineered viruses are designed to induce a systemic anti-tumor response due to induction of immunogenic cell death within the tumor microenvironment, thus releasing tumor neo-antigens and creating a pro-inflammatory microenvironment at the site of injection. This is intended to lead to in-situ vaccination against the injected tumor and uninjected distant metastases. Our biological multimodal immunotherapy approach utilizes intratumoral administration of genetically engineered viruses to induce tumor cell death and elicit a systemic anti-tumor response. Local delivery enables us to achieve these effects while aiming to minimize systemic toxicity. The immune cells induced by these viral immunotherapies are believed to target patients’ specific tumor antigens, potentially improving responses in immunologically “hot” tumors while at the same time infiltrating the tumor microenvironment, transforming non-inflamed “cold” tumors with limited immune response into “hot” tumors. While our product candidates are administered directly into the tumor, we have observed systemic immune response in our preclinical studies and clinical trials that may indicate the potential of our product candidates to induce systemic immune response against distal, uninjected tumors, also known as an “abscopal” effect.

Current wording

We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing off-the-shelf viral immunotherapies that elicit an individualized, systemic anti-tumor immune response to help patients fight cancer. Our engineered viruses are designed to induce a systemic anti-tumor response due to induction of immunogenic cell death within the tumor microenvironment, thus releasing tumor neo-antigens and creating a pro-inflammatory microenvironment at the site of injection. This is intended to lead to in-situ immunization against the injected tumor and uninjected distant metastases. Local administration is designed to achieve these therapeutic effects while minimizing systemic exposure and associated toxicity.

Previous wording

Our most advanced product candidate, CAN-2409, is an off-the-shelf adenovirus product candidate which is administered in conjunction with the prodrug valacyclovir, that has generated promising clinical activity across a range of solid tumor indications. CAN-2409 is currently being studied in the following ongoing clinical trials:

Current wording

Our most advanced product candidate, aglatimagene besadenovec (referred to herein as aglatimagene and previously as CAN-2409), is an off-the-shelf adenovirus product candidate, administered in conjunction with the prodrug valacyclovir, and has generated promising clinical activity across a range of solid tumor indications. Aglatimagene is being studied in the following ongoing clinical trials:

Previous wording

A pivotal phase 3 randomized, triple-blinded and placebo-controlled clinical trial in the United States under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA), with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluating patients with newly diagnosed, localized prostate cancer who have an intermediate or high-risk for progression. The FDA previously granted fast track designation for the use of CAN-2409 for the treatment of localized, primary prostate cancer in combination with radiation therapy to improve the local control rate. We completed enrollment of this trial in September 2021.

Current wording

A pivotal phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in the United States under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluating patients with newly diagnosed, localized prostate cancer who have an intermediate- or high-risk for progression. The FDA granted Fast Track Designation for the use of aglatimagene for the treatment of localized, primary prostate cancer in combination with radiation therapy to improve the local control rate.

Previous wording

In December 2024, we announced positive topline data from our phase 3 clinical trial. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial enrolled 745 patients (intent to treat population (ITT)) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CAN-2409 plus prodrug (valacyclovir) viral immunotherapy in combination with standard of care (SoC) external beam radiation therapy to improve disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with intermediate-to-high-risk, localized prostate cancer. Patients were randomized 2:1 (496 in CAN-2409+prodrug and 249 in placebo (PBO) +prodrug). Both arms received standard of care external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) +/- short course androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (<6 months) and were stratified by NCCN risk group and ADT use. Three intraprostatic injections of CAN-2409 (5x1011 v/2mL) or PBO were administered, each followed by 14 days of prodrug.

Current wording

In December 2024, we announced positive topline data from our phase 3 clinical trial. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial enrolled 745 patients (intent to treat population (ITT)) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of aglatimagene plus prodrug (valacyclovir) viral immunotherapy in combination with SoC external beam radiation therapy to improve DFS in patients with intermediate- to high-risk (single high-risk feature), localized prostate cancer. Patients were randomized 2:1 (496 in aglatimagene + prodrug and 249 in placebo + prodrug). Both arms received standard of care external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) +/- short course androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (≤6 months) and were stratified by NCCN risk group and ADT use. Three intraprostatic injections of aglatimagene (5x1011 vp/2mL) or placebo were administered, each followed by 14 days of prodrug. The median follow-up time for the recruited population was 50.3 months. The primary outcome measure, DFS, included the evaluation of post-treatment biopsies, performed at two years from the end of radiation, for the presence of tumor recurrence. Local or systemic recurrence and death from any cause were also part of the primary endpoint.

Previous wording

The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in disease-free survival compared to the control arm. Key topline results include:

Current wording

The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in DFS in patients in the aglatimagene arm compared to the placebo arm. Key topline results include:

Previous wording

Statistically significant improvement in DFS for CAN-2409 plus radiation therapy (n=496) vs. radiation therapy alone (n=249). Treatment with CAN-2409 reduced the risk of prostate cancer recurrence or death by 30%. Median DFS was not reached for the CAN-2409 treatment arm vs. 86.1 months in the PBO arm (p=0.0155, HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.94)

Current wording

The primary endpoint, as agreed with the FDA under a SPA, was met: statistically significant improvement in DFS for aglatimagene plus radiation therapy (n=496) vs. placebo plus radiation therapy (n=249) (p=0.0155; HR 0.70; 95% CI; 0.52 to 0.94). Median DFS was not reached for the aglatimagene treatment arm vs. 86.1 months in the placebo arm.

Previous wording

Prostate cancer specific DFS (exclusion of non-prostate cancer related deaths) demonstrated a greater effect with a 38% decreased risk in the CAN-2409 arm vs. PBO (p=0.0046; HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.87)

Current wording

Statistically significant improvement in prostate cancer-specific DFS (exclusion of non-prostate cancer related deaths) in the aglatimagene arm vs. placebo (p=0.0046; HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.87)

Previous wording

Significant increase in the proportion of patients achieving a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir (<0.2 ng/ml) was observed in the treatment arm compared to the placebo control arm (67.1% vs. 58.6%, respectively; p=0.0164)

Current wording

Statistically significant increase in the proportion of patients achieving a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir (<0.2 ng/ml) in the aglatimagene arm compared to the placebo control arm (67.1% vs. 58.6%, respectively; p=0.0164)

Previous wording

CAN-2409 induced 80.4% pathological complete responses in the 2-year post-treatment biopsies compared to 63.6% observed in the control arm (p=0.0015)

Current wording

Statistically significant increase in the proportion of patients with a pathological complete response in 2-year post-treatment biopsies (80.4% in the aglatimagene arm vs. 63.6% in the control arm; p=0.0015)

Previous wording

CAN-2409 was generally well tolerated, with no new safety signals identified. The most common CAN-2409-related adverse events were flu-like symptoms, fever and chills, which were generally mild to moderate in severity and self-limited.

Current wording

Aglatimagene was generally well tolerated. The most common aglatimagene-related adverse events were flu-like symptoms, fever and chills, which were generally mild to moderate in severity and self-limited. There was no increase in serious adverse events after aglatimagene administration vs. placebo.

Previous wording

In December 2024, we also reported that the phase 2b clinical trial of monotherapy CAN-2409 in 190 patients with low-to-intermediate risk, localized prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance showed numerical improvement in time to radical treatment and the percentage of patients achieving negative (prostate cancer-free) biopsies at 1-year post-treatment. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance. CAN-2409 was generally well tolerated, with no new safety signals identified. The most common CAN-2409-related adverse events were flu-like symptoms, fever and chills, which were generally mild to moderate in severity and self-limited.

Current wording

In December 2024, we reported that this phase 2 clinical trial of aglatimagene monotherapy in 190 patients with low- to intermediate-risk, localized prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance showed a trend toward improvement in time to radical treatment and the percentage of patients achieving negative (prostate cancer-free) biopsies at 1-year post-treatment. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance, which might be explained by 1) the fact that the study was not statistically powered for the primary endpoint (progression-free survival), 2) ~70% of patients had low-risk disease (which makes it more difficult to detect a treatment effect), 3) patients received only 2 administrations of aglatimagene rather than 3 as used in the phase 3 clinical trial described above, and 4) patients did not receive radiotherapy (preclinical models of prostate cancer have shown synergy between aglatimagene and radiotherapy in this specific indication). Aglatimagene was generally well tolerated. The most common aglatimagene-related adverse events were flu-like symptoms, fever and chills, which were generally mild to moderate in severity and self-limited.

Previous wording

An open-label phase 2 clinical trial in the United States evaluating CAN-2409 plus valacyclovir in combination with continued PD-(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors in patients with stage III/IV NSCLC who have inadequate response to front line PD-(L)1 checkpoint inhibitor treatments. In April 2023, we announced that the FDA granted fast track designation for CAN-2409 plus valacyclovir in combination with pembrolizumab in order to improve survival or delay progression in patients with stage III (not candidates for curative intent) or stage IV NSCLC, who are resistant to first line PD-(L)1 inhibitor therapy and who do not have activating molecular driver mutations or have progressed on directed molecular therapy. These patients historically have had an expected median overall survival (mOS) of <12 months when treated with SoC chemotherapy (Reckamp K et al. J Clin Onc 2022;40:2295-2306). The aim of the CAN-2409 immunotherapy antitumor strategy is to raise the tail on the survival curve by increasing the number of long survivors beyond 12 months in patients treated with two CAN-2409 injections.

Current wording

An open-label phase 2a clinical trial in the United States evaluating aglatimagene plus valacyclovir in combination with continued PD-(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors in patients with stage III/IV NSCLC who have inadequate response to front line PD-(L)1 checkpoint inhibitor treatments. In April 2023, we announced that the FDA granted Fast Track Designation for aglatimagene plus valacyclovir in combination with pembrolizumab in order to improve survival or delay progression in patients with unresectable stage III or stage IV NSCLC, who are resistant to first line PD-(L)1 inhibitor therapy and who do not have activating molecular driver mutations or have progressed on directed molecular therapy. These patients historically have had an expected median overall survival (mOS) of <12 months when treated with SoC second-line chemotherapy (Reckamp K et al. J Clin Onc 2022;40:2295-2306). The aim of the aglatimagene immunotherapy antitumor strategy is to improve overall survival beyond the median of 12 months in patients treated with two aglatimagene injections and raise the long tail of survival.

Previous wording

As of the cut-off date, treatment with CAN-2409 in NSCLC continued to exhibit a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile. There were no dose-limiting toxicities or grade 4 or higher treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs); the majority of TRAEs were grade 1 or 2, and there were three grade 3 TRAEs (1 pyrexia, 2 pneumonitis).

Current wording

Aglatimagene continued to exhibit a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile during the extended follow-up period.

Previous wording

We initiated a randomized phase 2 clinical trial in the United States and Mexico evaluating the activity of CAN-2409 in borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Initial positive phase 2 data revealed notable clinical improvements in patients with borderline resectable PDAC following CAN-2409 plus prodrug together with SoC chemoradiation. In March 2023, in connection with our cost management and dynamic portfolio management initiatives, we elected to pause new enrollment in this randomized phase 2 clinical trial, subject to additional funding. Despite the pause in new patient enrollment, we presented initial positive interim overall survival and immunological biomarker clinical data at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting in the fourth quarter of 2023. In December 2023, we announced that the FDA granted fast track designation for CAN-2409 plus valacyclovir for the treatment of patients with PDAC to improve overall survival. In April 2024, we announced updated positive overall survival data and also announced that the FDA has granted orphan drug designation for CAN-2409 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Current wording

We conducted a randomized controlled phase 2a clinical trial in the United States and Mexico evaluating the activity of aglatimagene in borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In December 2023, we announced that the FDA granted Fast Track Designation for aglatimagene plus valacyclovir for the treatment of patients with PDAC to improve overall survival. In April 2024, we announced updated positive overall survival data and supportive biomarker data and also announced that the FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation for aglatimagene for the treatment of PDAC. In July 2025, we announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Designation for aglatimagene for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Previous wording

In February 2025, we announced the final analysis of this phase 2 clinical trial in borderline resectable PDAC:

Current wording

In February 2025, we announced the final analysis of this phase 2a clinical trial of aglatimagene in borderline resectable PDAC:

Previous wording

Estimated median overall survival after enrollment was 31.4 months in the CAN-2409 group versus only 12.5 months in the control group.

Current wording

Estimated median overall survival after enrollment was 31.4 months in the aglatimagene group versus 12.5 months in the control group.

Previous wording

Importantly, 3 out of 7 patients who received CAN-2409 were still alive at the time of data cut-off (February 20, 2025) with survival of 66.0, 63.6, and 35.8 months after enrollment; survival from the time of diagnosis was 73.5, 68.8 and 41.3 months for these patients. In contrast, only one out of 6 patients randomized to SoC chemotherapy arm remained alive at the data cutoff; histologic analysis at resection showed intraepithelial neoplasia associated with improved prognosis in this patient.

Current wording

Importantly, 3 out of 7 patients who received aglatimagene were still alive at the time of data cut-off (February 20, 2025) with survival of 66.0, 63.6, and 35.8 months, respectively, after enrollment; survival from the time of diagnosis was 73.5, 68.8 and 41.3 months, respectively, for these patients. In contrast, only one out of 6 patients randomized to SoC chemotherapy arm remained alive at the data cutoff; histologic analysis at resection showed intraepithelial neoplasia associated with improved prognosis in this patient.

Previous wording

Median survival post-progression was 21.2 months in CAN-2409 patients (vs. 7.2 months on the control arm).

Current wording

Median post-progression survival was 21.2 months in the aglatimagene arm vs. 6.4 months in the control arm.

Previous wording

Our lead HSV-based product candidate, CAN-3110, is currently in an ongoing investigator-sponsored phase 1b clinical trial in our initial target indication of recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG). Patients recruited in this study have previously failed SoC treatment and have a poor prognosis (expected overall survival < 6-9 months). In February 2024, we announced that the FDA granted fast track designation for CAN-3110 for the treatment of patients with recurrent HGG to improve overall survival. In May 2024, we also announced that the FDA granted orphan drug designation for CAN-3110 for the treatment of recurrent HGG.

Current wording

Our lead HSV-based product candidate, linoserpaturev (referred to previously as CAN-3110), is currently being evaluated in an ongoing investigator-sponsored phase 1b clinical trial in the initial target indication of recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG). Patients recruited in this study have previously failed SoC treatment and have a poor prognosis (expected overall survival < 6-9 months).

Previous wording

In October 2023, we jointly published an article in Nature that reported extended survival associated with immune activation in patients with recurrent HGG treated with CAN-3110. Notably, new data reported an increased survival in the 66% of patients with positivity for anti-HSV1 antibodies (mOS of 14.2 months). Immune status was positively associated with survival both in patients with pre-existing HSV1 antibodies (pre-treatment) and in 33% of patients who, while negative at baseline, developed anti-HSV1 antibodies after a single injection of CAN-3110. Clinical responses were observed in both injected and uninjected lesions in patients with multifocal disease. Significant tumor responses in both arm A and arm B were observed, with continued reduction in tumor volume in a patient in arm B approximately one year after CAN-3110 treatment. Clinical response for this patient continues as of February 2025 without additional treatment. Analysis of post-treatment samples demonstrated evidence of persistent HSV antigen expression and replication in both injected and uninjected tumor tissue associated with CD8+ T cell infiltration. The extent of immune activation, measured by gene profiling and quantification of immune cells in post-treatment specimens, was associated with the presence of anti-HSV1 antibodies and survival. Survival was also associated with the diversity of the T cell repertoire in circulating T cells, suggesting that patients who were able to mount a diverse immune response against the virus and tumor antigens released during the oncolytic process after CAN-3110 administration, had improved survival.

Current wording

In October 2023, we published an article in Nature that reported extended overall survival associated with immune activation in patients with recurrent HGG treated with linoserpaturev. Notably, data reported an increased survival in the 66% of patients with positivity for anti-HSV1 antibodies (mOS of 14.2 months). Immune status was positively associated with survival both in patients with pre-existing HSV1 antibodies (pre-treatment) and in 33% of patients who, while negative at baseline, developed anti-HSV1 antibodies after a single injection of linoserpaturev. Clinical responses were observed in both injected and uninjected lesions in patients with multifocal disease. Significant tumor responses were observed in both arm A and arm B of this study. Analysis of post-treatment samples demonstrated evidence of persistent HSV antigen expression and replication in both injected and uninjected tumor tissue associated with CD8+ T cell infiltration. The extent of immune activation, measured by gene profiling and quantification of immune cells in post-treatment specimens, was associated with the presence of anti-HSV1 antibodies and survival. Survival was also associated with the diversity of the T cell repertoire in circulating T cells, suggesting that patients who were able to mount a diverse immune response against the virus and tumor antigens released during the oncolytic process after linoserpaturev administration, had improved survival.

Previous wording

In November 2024, during the SITC 2024 Annual Meeting, we presented data demonstrating the antitumor activity of CAN-3110 in preclinical models of melanoma, a tumor characterized by high Nestin expression, frequent loss-of-function in CDKN2A, and alterations in the Ras-Raf signaling pathway. This data supports the rationale to expand the evaluation of CAN-3110 into tumors beyond recurrent HGG, creating a potential pipeline in a product.

Current wording

Nestin expression, frequent loss-of-function in CDKN2A, and alterations in the Ras-Raf signaling pathway. This data supports the potential to expand the evaluation of linoserpaturev into tumors beyond recurrent HGG, creating a potential pipeline in a product.

Previous wording

We are also designing additional novel viral immunotherapy candidates using our proprietary enLIGHTEN™ Discovery Platform, a systematic, iterative HSV-based discovery platform leveraging human biology and advanced analytics to create new viral immunotherapy candidates for solid tumors. In October 2022, we entered into a collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Center for Cellular Immunotherapies to study the impact of novel viral immunotherapy candidates based on Candel's enLIGHTEN™ Discovery Platform to strengthen the activity of UPenn’s investigational CAR-T cell therapies in difficult to treat solid tumors.

Current wording

We have also designed additional novel viral immunotherapy candidates using our proprietary enLIGHTEN™ Discovery Platform, a systematic, iterative HSV-based discovery platform leveraging human biology and advanced analytics to create new viral immunotherapy candidates for solid tumors.

Previous wording

We currently own development and commercialization rights for all our programs in major markets, including the United States, Europe and Asia, allowing us to control development and seek approval in those areas as we prepare our commercialization efforts.

Current wording

We currently own development and commercialization rights for all our programs in major markets, including the United States, Europe and Asia, allowing us to control development and seek approval in these areas as we prepare our commercialization efforts.

Previous wording

We were incorporated in Delaware in June 2003 as Advantagene, Inc. (Advantagene). In December 2019, Advantagene licensed substantially all the assets of Periphagen, a company focused on engineering HSV as a gene therapy vector, and in September 2020, licensed CAN-3110 from Mass General Brigham (MGB). In December 2020, we formally changed our name from Advantagene to Candel Therapeutics, Inc. We completed our initial public offering in July 2021. On August 5, 2022, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (as amended, the Shelf) with the SEC, which covers the offering, issuance and sale by us of up to an aggregate of $200.0 million of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and/or units of any combination thereof. We simultaneously entered into a sales agreement with Jefferies LLC, as sales agent, to provide for the issuance and sale by us of up to $75.0 million of our common stock from time to time in “at-the-market” offerings under the Shelf (the ATM Program). The Shelf was declared effective by the SEC on August 12, 2022. As of March 6, 2025, we have sold and issued 2,976,391 shares of common stock under the ATM Program, with total net proceeds of $16.2 million. On December 16, 2024, we issued and sold 12,000,001 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $6.00 per share and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,333,333 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $5.99 per pre-funded warrant to purchase one share of the common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $92.0 million (the 2024 Follow-On Offering). We received approximately $85.9 million in net proceeds from the 2024 Follow-On Offering after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

Current wording

On August 5, 2022, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (as amended to date, the 2022 Shelf) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which covered the offering, issuance and sale by us of up to an aggregate of $200.0 million of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and/or units of any combination thereof. We simultaneously entered into a sales agreement with Jefferies LLC, as sales agent, to provide for the issuance and sale by us of up to $75.0 million of our common stock from time to time in “at-the-market” offerings under the 2022 Shelf (the 2022 ATM Program). The 2022 Shelf was declared effective by the SEC on August 12, 2022 and expired on August 12, 2025. As of August 12, 2025 we had sold and issued 3,923,829 shares of common stock under the 2022 ATM Program, with total net proceeds of $20.9 million.

Previous wording

Our cash and cash equivalents were $102.7 million as of December 31, 2024, which we believe will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2027.

Current wording

Our cash and cash equivalents were $119.7 million as of December 31, 2025. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents, together with the net proceeds from the 2026 Follow-On Offering, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2028.

Previous wording

We are a party to a number of license and collaboration agreements under which we license patents, patent applications and other intellectual property to and from third parties.

Current wording

We are a party to a number of license, royalty and collaboration agreements under which we license patents, patent applications and other intellectual property to and from third parties.

Previous wording

Mass General Brigham (MGB). On January 20, 2018, we entered into an exclusive option agreement (the Option Agreement) with MGB. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, we obtained the exclusive right from MGB to negotiate a world-wide, royalty-bearing license to develop and commercialize products covered by certain MGB patents, including those patents covering CAN-3110, in the field of gene therapy and oncolytic vector therapy for the treatment or prevention of cancerous tumors in humans or animals, as such field is further detailed in the Option Agreement (the Licensed Field). In consideration for MGB’s granting of the exclusive option, we paid MGB a non-refundable fee of $40,000.

Current wording

Mass General Brigham (MGB). On January 20, 2018, we entered into an exclusive option agreement (the Option Agreement) with MGB. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, we obtained the exclusive right from MGB to negotiate a world-wide, royalty-bearing license to develop and commercialize products covered by certain MGB patents, including those patents covering linoserpaturev, in the field of gene therapy and oncolytic vector therapy for the treatment or prevention of cancerous tumors in humans or animals, as such field is further detailed in the Option Agreement (the Licensed Field). In consideration for MGB’s granting of the exclusive option, we paid MGB a non-refundable fee of $40,000.

Previous wording

Ventagen. On March 1, 2014, we entered into an exclusive license agreement ( the Ventagen Agreement) with Ventagen, a related party. The Ventagen Agreement provides Ventagen an exclusive license, with rights to grant sublicense (subject to certain terms and conditions) under any worldwide patent rights and know-how owned or controlled by us during the term of the Ventagen Agreement which cover applicable technology utilizing the delivery method of the herpes derived TK protein to tumors or other tissues via a viral vector (as further specified therein), to research, use, have used, import, have imported, export, have exported, offer for sale, have sold, sell, distribute and market certain products for the prevention or treatment of cancer in humans and any use in animals (or the Field of Use), or the Licensed Products, for commercial sale and distribution within Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El

Current wording

Ventagen. On March 1, 2014, we entered into an exclusive license agreement ( the Ventagen Agreement) with Ventagen, a related party. The Ventagen Agreement provides Ventagen an exclusive license, with rights to grant sublicense (subject to certain terms and conditions) under any worldwide patent rights and know-how owned or controlled by us during the term of the Ventagen Agreement which cover applicable technology utilizing the delivery method of the herpes derived TK protein to tumors or other tissues via a viral vector (as further specified therein), to research, use, have used, import, have imported, export, have exported, offer for sale, have sold, sell, distribute and market certain products for the prevention or treatment of cancer in humans and any use in animals (or the Field of Use), or the Licensed Products, for commercial sale and distribution within Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia and Bolivia.

Previous wording

Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for our product development activities for our two primary drug candidates, CAN-2409 and CAN-3110. We expense research and development costs as incurred. These include the following:

Current wording

Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for our product development activities for our two primary drug candidates, aglatimagene and linoserpaturev. We expense research and development costs as incurred. These include the following:

Previous wording

We cannot determine with certainty the duration and costs of future clinical trials of CAN-2409 and CAN-3110 or any other product candidate we may develop or if, when, or to what extent we will generate revenue from the commercialization and sale of any product candidate for which we obtain marketing approval. At this time, we cannot accurately estimate or know the nature, timing and costs of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the clinical development of, or obtain regulatory approval for, any of our current or future product candidates. The duration, costs, and timing of clinical trials and development of CAN-2409 and CAN-3110 and any other product candidate we may develop will depend on a variety of factors, including:

Current wording

We cannot determine with certainty the duration and costs of future clinical trials of aglatimagene and linoserpaturev or any other product candidate we may develop or if, when, or to what extent we will generate revenue from the commercialization and sale of any product candidate for which we obtain marketing approval. At this time, we cannot accurately estimate or know the nature, timing and costs of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the clinical development of, or obtain regulatory approval for, any of our current or future product candidates. The duration, costs, and timing of clinical trials and development of aglatimagene and linoserpaturev and any other product candidate we may develop will depend on a variety of factors, including:

Previous wording

our ability to enter into agreements with contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) for the development, clinical manufacture and commercial manufacture of our product candidates CAN-2409 and CAN-3110

Current wording

our ability to enter into agreements with contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) for the development, clinical manufacture and commercial manufacture of our product candidates aglatimagene and linoserpaturev;

Previous wording

the impact of any business interruptions to our operations, including the timing and enrollment of patients in our planned clinical trials, or to those of our manufacturers, suppliers, or other vendors resulting from any future public health crisis or ongoing geopolitical conflicts and related global economic sanctions;

Current wording

the impact of any business interruptions to our operations, including the timing and enrollment of patients in our planned clinical trials, or to those of our manufacturers, suppliers, or other vendors, resulting from any future public health crisis, ongoing geopolitical conflicts and related global economic sanctions, or tariffs or other trade restrictions;

Previous wording

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other related costs, including stock-based compensation, for personnel in our executive, finance, business development, and administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include legal fees relating to intellectual property and corporate matters; professional fees for accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services; insurance costs including directors and officers insurance; travel expenses; and facility-related expenses, which include direct depreciation costs and expenses for rent and maintenance of facilities, and other operating costs that are not specifically attributable to research and development activities.

Current wording

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other related costs, including stock-based compensation, for personnel in our executive, finance, business development, and administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include legal fees relating to intellectual property and corporate matters; professional fees for accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services; commercial readiness costs; insurance costs including directors and officers insurance; travel expenses; and facility-related expenses, which include direct depreciation costs and expenses for rent and maintenance of facilities, and other operating costs that are not specifically attributable to research and development activities.

Previous wording

We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as we increase our personnel headcount to support our continued clinical development and manufacturing activities and to meet the requirements of a public company. We expect to incur increased expenses associated with being a public company, including costs of accounting, audit, legal, regulatory, and tax-related services associated with maintaining compliance with exchange listing and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements; director and officer insurance costs; and investor and public relations costs.

Current wording

We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as we increase our personnel headcount to support our continued clinical development and manufacturing activities and to meet the requirements of a public company. We expect to incur increased expenses associated with being a public company, including costs of accounting, audit, legal, regulatory, and tax-related services associated with maintaining compliance with exchange listing and SEC requirements; director and officer insurance costs; and investor and public relations costs.

Previous wording

Interest expense primarily consists of interest expense on our debt under our Loan Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB).

Current wording

Interest expense primarily consists of interest expense on our debt under our Loan and Security Agreement with Trinity and our Loan Agreement with SVB.

Previous wording

Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liability

Current wording

Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities

Previous wording

In connection with the November 13, 2018 issuance of Series B preferred stock we issued warrants to the purchasers of the Series B preferred stock, to purchase up to 7,344,968 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $6.81 per share. We also issued a warrant to the NC Incorporated Ohio Trust, an irrevocable trust funded by us, to purchase 162,740 shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value, at an exercise price of $1.46 per share, subject to adjustments as specified in the warrant agreement (the NC Ohio Warrants). Certain of those warrants are recorded as a liability on our balance sheet. The warrants recorded as a liability are remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date with changes in the fair value recognized as a component of other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations. We will continue to recognize changes in the fair value of the warrants until they are exercised, expire or qualify for equity classification. The fair value of the warrants is determined based on significant inputs not observable in the market. The fair value of the warrants uses various valuation methods, including the Monte Carlo method, the option-pricing method, probability-weighted expected return and the hybrid method, all of which incorporate assumptions and estimates, to value the common stock warrants. The hybrid method is often used when a company is expecting a liquidity event in the near future and is a combination of the option-pricing and probability-weighted expected return methods. Estimates and assumptions impacting the fair value measurement include the fair value per share of the underlying shares of common stock, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield, and the remaining contractual term of the warrants.

Current wording

In connection with the October 14, 2025 Trinity LSA we issued warrants to the Lenders to purchase up to 254,642 shares of our common stock, $0.01 pay value, at an exercise price of $5.89 per share. In connection with the drawdown of any Tranche under the Trinity LSA, the Company is required to issue to the Lenders warrants (the Lender Warrants) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share. The exercise price for the Lender Warrants is equal to $5.89 per share. The number of shares of common stock for which each Lender Warrant is exercisable is equal to 3.0% of the applicable drawn down amount, divided by the exercise price. The Lender Warrants shall have a term of ten years from the date of issuance and shall permit cashless net exercise, all in accordance with their terms. Certain of those warrants are recorded as a liability on our balance sheet. The warrants recorded as a liability are remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date with changes in the fair value recognized as a component of other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations. We will continue to recognize changes in the fair value of the warrants until they are exercised, expire or qualify for equity classification. The fair value of the warrants is determined based on significant inputs not observable in the market. The fair value of the warrants is determined using a hybrid Monte Carlo simulation and Black-Scholes methodology, which incorporates assumptions and estimates to value the common stock warrants. Key inputs, estimates, and assumptions impacting the fair value measurement include the Company stock price, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield, volatility, remaining contractual term of the warrants, timing of milestone achievements, and expected stock price increases and decreases in success and failure scenarios related to the milestones.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) of approximately $111.6 million and state NOLs of approximately $101.9 million which may be available to offset future taxable income. Our federal NOLs include $8.8 million available to reduce future taxable income through 2037 and approximately $102.8 million of NOLs that do not expire and are available to reduce future taxable income indefinitely. The state NOLs are available to offset future taxable income through 2033. As of December 31, 2024, we also had federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of $5.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively, which are available to offset federal and state tax liabilities through 2043 and 2038, respectively.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) of approximately $141.1 million and state NOLs of approximately $131.2 million which may be available to offset future taxable income. Our federal NOLs include $8.8 million available to reduce future taxable income through 2037 and approximately $132.3 million of NOLs that do not expire and are available to reduce future taxable income indefinitely. The state NOLs are available to offset future taxable income through 2045. As of December 31, 2025, we also had federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of $5.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively, which are available to offset federal and state tax liabilities through 2045 and 2040, respectively.

Previous wording

Management has considered our history of cumulative net losses incurred since inception, as well as our lack of product revenue since inception, and has determined that it is more likely than not that we will not realize the benefits of our deferred tax assets. As a result, a full valuation allowance has been established at December 31, 2024.

Current wording

Management has considered our history of cumulative net losses incurred since inception, as well as our lack of product revenue since inception, and has determined that it is more likely than not that we will not realize the benefits of its deferred tax assets. As a result, a full valuation allowance has been established at December 31, 2025.

Previous wording

Research and development expenses decreased $5.2 million from $24.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $19.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $2.7 million decrease in clinical development costs driven by decreased regulatory, manufacturing and clinical trial costs for CAN-2409 programs, a $1.7 million decrease in employee-related expenses due to the corporate restructuring in the fourth quarter of 2023, and a $0.4 million decrease in depreciation, impairment, and loss on the sale of fixed assets.

Current wording

Research and development expenses increased $11.2 million from $19.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 to $30.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to a $9.5 million increase in clinical development costs driven by increased manufacturing, clinical trial and regulatory costs for aglatimagene programs and a $0.6 million increase in employee-related expenses.