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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 29, 2022

 

 

AXCELLA HEALTH INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware   001-38901   26-3321056
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

840 Memorial Drive
Cambridge
, Massachusetts
02139
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (857) 320-2200

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which
registered
Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value   AXLA   Nasdaq Global Market

 

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).

 

Emerging growth company x

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

  

 

 

 

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On September 29, 2022, Axcella Health Inc. (the “Company” or “Axcella”) issued a press release announcing interim data from its Phase 2b clinical trial of AXA1125 for the treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) entitled “Axcella Announces Positive Interim Data from Phase 2b EMMPACT Study of AXA1125 in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).” The Company also hosted a conference call to discuss the interim data on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Copies of the press release and presentation are attached as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The information in this Item 7.01 and Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 attached hereto shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

On September 29, 2022, the Company reported interim results from the ongoing global Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose ranging EMMPACT study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of AXA1125 for the treatment of NASH. These interim results report findings regarding the effects of AXA1125 administration on selected outcome measures after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment.

 

This interim analysis was preplanned to be conducted when enrollment reached 30% of the target of 270 subjects with biopsy confirmed stage 2 or 3 NASH across all trial arms. Data from this ongoing blinded study included 82 subjects at week 12 and 58 subjects at week 24; approximately half of the subjects have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to effects on hepatic fat and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), previously reported in 2 other studies, this study also included vibration controlled transient elastography (FibroScan), a widely accepted and accessible non-invasive test (NIT) that assesses both liver fat and stiffness. Specifically, the study examines liver stiffness, changes of which have been correlated with improvements in liver fibrosis and outcomes in clinical studies. Study participants were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either a placebo or 22.6g or 33.9g of AXA1125 twice daily.

 

At 24-weeks there were statistically significant improvements in the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) compared to placebo in the high dose arm for all subjects. Absolute changes in LSM were 0.13, -2.01, and -4.07 kilopascals (kPa) in the placebo, low dose and high dose arms, respectively (p= 0.0992 and 0.0096 for the low and high dose, respectively, compared to placebo). These results were supported by statistically significant improvements in other NITs of liver fibrosis: ELF and FIB-4. Statistically significant improvements in ALT were seen at both weeks 12 and 24 in all subjects (placebo-adjusted difference of -28.61% (p=0.0183) and -36.3% (p=0.0017) for the low and high doses, respectively). All subjects experienced significantly greater changes from baseline in MRI-PDFF at 12-weeks compared to the change from baseline in the placebo group (placebo adjusted difference of -18.98% (p=0.0082) and -21.24% (p=0.0014) for the low and high doses, respectively). Numerical trends of improvement relative to placebo in PDFF were seen at week 24 but these were not statistically significant in the small number of subjects. Overall, these positive results confirm AXA1125’s multi-targeted impact, a differentiated approach to directly and simultaneously targeting multiple pathways that are dysregulated in NASH. Consistent with previous results, AXA1125 was found to be very safe and well-tolerated in this study. Both dose levels are active and will be continued. Consistent with prior clinical trials, T2DM showed results comparable to non-diabetics.

 

 

 

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, the potential for AXA1125 to serve as a first-line treatment option. The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “target” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this Form 8-K are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 8-K, including, without limitation, those related to the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s ability to conduct and complete its ongoing or planned clinical studies and clinical trials in a timely manner or at all due to patient or principal investigator recruitment or availability challenges, clinical trial site shutdowns or other interruptions and potential limitations on the quality, completeness and interpretability of data the Company is able to collect in its clinical trials of AXA1125, other potential impacts on the Company’s business and financial results, including with respect to its ability to raise additional capital and operational disruptions or delays, changes in law, regulations, or interpretations and enforcement of regulatory guidance, whether data readouts support the Company’s clinical trial plans and timing, clinical trial design and target indications for AXA1125, the clinical development and safety profile of AXA1125 and its therapeutic potential, whether and when, if at all, the Company’s product candidates will receive approval from the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, potential competition from other biopharma companies in the Company’s target indications, and other risks identified in the company’s SEC filings, including Axcella’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the SEC. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Axcella disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 8-K represent the company’s views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit 
Number
  Description
99.1   Press Release dated September 29, 2022 entitled “Axcella Announces Positive Interim Data from Phase 2b EMMPACT Study of AXA1125 in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)”
99.2   Presentation of Axcella Health, Inc., doing business as “Axcella Therapeutics,” dated September 29, 2022
104   Cover Page Interactive Data (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 

 

 

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.

 

  AXCELLA HEALTH INC.
   
Date: September 29, 2022 By: /s/ William R. Hinshaw, Jr.
    William R. Hinshaw, Jr.
    Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Axcella Announces Positive Interim Data from Phase 2b EMMPACT Study of AXA1125 in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

 

Subjects enrolled with biopsy confirmed NASH experienced clinically and statistically significant improvements in liver stiffness as measured by FibroScan, a non-invasive measure of liver fibrosis

 

Subjects with NASH experienced clinically and statistically significant improvements in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a measure of liver cell inflammation, at both dose levels of AXA1125

 

Findings demonstrate improvement in hepatic fat as measured by MRI-PDFF

 

AXA1125 continues to demonstrate a safe and well tolerated profile

 

Axcella to host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. ET; To register, click here

 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Sept. 29, 2022 – Axcella Therapeutics (Nasdaq: AXLA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new approach to treat complex diseases using multi-targeted endogenous metabolic modulator (EMM) compositions, today reported interim results from their ongoing global Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose ranging EMMPACT study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of AXA1125 for the treatment of NASH. These interim results report findings regarding the effects of AXA1125 administration on selected outcome measures after 12- and 24-weeks of treatment.

 

This interim analysis was preplanned to be conducted when enrollment reached 30% of the target of 270 subjects with biopsy confirmed stage 2 or 3 NASH across all trial arms. Data from this ongoing blinded study included 82 subjects at week 12 and 58 subjects at week 24; approximately half of the subjects have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to effects on hepatic fat and ALT, previously reported in 2 other studies, this study also included vibration controlled transient elastography (FibroScan), a widely accepted and accessible non-invasive test (NIT) that assesses both liver fat and stiffness. Specifically, the study examines liver stiffness, changes of which have been correlated with improvements in liver fibrosis and outcomes in clinical studies. Study participants were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either a placebo or 22.6g or 33.9g of AXA1125 twice daily.

 

At 24-weeks there were statistically significant improvements in the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) compared to placebo in the high dose arm for all subjects. Absolute changes in LSM were 0.13, -2.01, and -4.07 kilopascals (kPa) in the placebo, low dose and high dose arms, respectively (p= 0.0992 and 0.0096 for the low and high dose, respectively, compared to placebo). These results were supported by statistically significant improvements in other NITs of liver fibrosis: ELF and FIB-4. Statistically significant improvements in ALT were seen at both weeks 12 and 24 in all subjects (placebo-adjusted difference of -28.61% (p=0.0183) and -36.3% (p=0.0017) for the low and high doses, respectively). All subjects experienced significantly greater changes from baseline in MRI-PDFF at 12-weeks compared to the change from baseline in the placebo group (placebo adjusted difference of -18.98% (p=0.0082) and -21.24% (p=0.0014) for the low and high doses, respectively). Numerical trends of improvement relative to placebo in PDFF were seen at week 24 but these were not statistically significant in the small number of subjects. Overall, these positive results confirm AXA1125’s multi-targeted impact, a differentiated approach to directly and simultaneously targeting multiple pathways that are dysregulated in NASH. Consistent with previous results, AXA1125 was found to be very safe and well-tolerated in this study. Both dose levels are active and will be continued. Consistent with prior clinical trials, T2DM showed results comparable to non-diabetics.

 

 

 

 

“We find the results from this 12- and 24-week interim analysis to be extremely encouraging,” commented Axcella CEO Bill Hinshaw. “They indicate that administration of AXA1125 over 24-weeks leads to statistically significant improvements compared to placebo in biomarkers for metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis, underscoring its multi-targeted efficacy. Given AXA1125’s market leading safety and tolerability profile, and its oral dosing, these findings position AXA1125 as an attractive candidate for first line treatment of NASH. We look forward to the continuation of the trial and gathering the data from the complete patient population. We expect to report the topline, 48-week biopsy results in the first half of 2024.”

 

Dr. Margret Koziel, Chief Medical Officer of Axcella remarked that “The positive change in liver stiffness at 24-weeks at both dose levels suggests that AXA1125 administration is correlated with improvement in fibrosis, which is the major histologic finding associated with liver disease mortality. This, in concert with effects on hepatic fat and inflammation, provides significant confidence in our ability to demonstrate improvements in liver histology at the end of this study.” NASH expert, Dr. Stephen Harrison, added: “I find these results to be very promising. NASH is a complex condition that must be addressed by modulating multiple pathways. Axcella’s multi-targeted approach is well-suited to playing an important role in addressing the challenges posed by the condition, and these preliminary results offer further support for this therapeutic strategy. Moreover, AXA1125 has a very favorable risk-benefit profile given its impact on disease activity and its high level of safety, creating an opportunity for a frontline treatment option in NASH.”

 

Internet Posting of Information

Axcella uses the “Investors and News” section of its website, www.axcellatx.com, as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information, to communicate with investors and the public, and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Such disclosures include, but may not be limited to, investor presentations and FAQs, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, and public conference calls and webcasts. The information that we post on our website could be deemed to be material information. As a result, we encourage investors, the media and others interested to review the information that we post there on a regular basis. The contents of our website shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

About Axcella Therapeutics (Nasdaq: AXLA)

Axcella is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new approach to treat complex diseases using compositions of endogenous metabolic modulators (EMMs). The company’s product candidates are comprised of EMMs and derivatives that are engineered in distinct combinations and ratios to restore cellular homeostasis in multiple key biological pathways and improve cellular energetic efficiency. Axcella’s pipeline includes lead therapeutic candidates in Phase 2 development for the treatment of Long COVID and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The company’s unique model allows for the evaluation of its EMM compositions through non-IND clinical studies or IND clinical trials. For more information, please visit www.axcellatx.com.

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, the potential for AXA1125 to serve as a first-line treatment option. The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “target” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those related to the potential impact of COVID-19 on the company’s ability to conduct and complete its ongoing or planned clinical studies and clinical trials in a timely manner or at all due to patient or principal investigator recruitment or availability challenges, clinical trial site shutdowns or other interruptions and potential limitations on the quality, completeness and interpretability of data the company is able to collect in its clinical trials of AXA1125, other potential impacts on the company’s business and financial results, including with respect to its ability to raise additional capital and operational disruptions or delays, changes in law, regulations, or interpretations and enforcement of regulatory guidance, whether data readouts support the company’s clinical trial plans and timing, clinical trial design and target indications for AXA1125, the clinical development and safety profile of AXA1125 and their therapeutic potential, whether and when, if at all, the company’s product candidates will receive approval from the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, potential competition from other biopharma companies in the company’s target indications, and other risks identified in the company’s SEC filings, including Axcella’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the SEC. The company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Axcella disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent the company’s views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The company explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

# # #

 

Company Contact

Ashley Robinson

arr@lifesciadvisors.com

(617) 775-5956

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. NASDAQ: AXLA AXA1125 - 101 Interim Analysis September 29, 2022

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 2 Forward - Looking Statements This presentation contains forward - looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 , as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding the characteristics, competitive position and development potential of AXA1125 and potential fu ture EMM compositions, the potential for AXA1125 to serve as a treatment for Long COVID and a first - line NASH monotherapy for adult and pediatric patients and be used in combination with other agents if required, the design, status and timing of the company's Phase 2a and Phase 2b clinical trials of AXA1125, the intended resul ts of the company's strategy and approach, the size and growth potential of the markets for the company's product candidates, the company's intellectual property position, the company's cash runway and the company's ability to address other complex diseases and conditions utilizing EMM compositions. The words “may,” “will,” “coul d,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “target” and similar expression s a re intended to identify forward - looking statements, although not all forward - looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward - looking statements in this presentation are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause act ual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward - looking statements contained in this presentation, including, without limitation, thos e related to the potential impact of COVID - 19 or other events on our ability to conduct and complete ongoing or planned clinical studies and clinical trials and planned su bmissions to FDA or other regulatory authorities in a timely manner or at all due to patient or principal investigator recruitment or availability challenges, cli nic al trial site shutdowns or other interruptions and potential limitations on the quality, completeness and interpretability of data we are able to collect in our clinical studie s a nd potential delays in disclosure of the same; other potential impacts of COVID - 19 or other events on our business and financial results, including with respect to our ability to raise additional capital and operational disruptions or delays, changes in law, regulations, or interpretations and enforcement of regulatory guidance; clinical trial in itiation plans and timing, clinical trial design and target indication(s) for AXA1125, the clinical development and safety profile of our product candidates and their health or therapeutic potential; whether and when, if at all, our product candidates will receive approval from the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, and for which, if any, indications; competition from other biotechnology companies; past results from clinical studies not being representative of future results and other risks identi fie d in our SEC filings, including Axcella’s Annual Report on Form 10 - K, Quarterly Report on Form 10 - Q and subsequent filings with the SEC. The company cautions you not to place un due reliance on any forward - looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Axcella disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any suc h statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the like lih ood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward - looking statements. Any forward - looking statements contained in this presentation represent our v iews only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date.

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 3 Today’s Agenda Agenda Length Time Speakers Introductory Remarks 10 min 8:00 am – 8:10 am Bill Hinshaw Clinical Trial Design & Results 20 min 8:10 am – 8:30 am Margaret Koziel Mechanism of AXA 1125 10 min 8:30 am – 8:40 am Karim Azer Clinical Relevance and Landscape 15 min 8:40 am – 8:55 am Dr . Harrison Closing Remarks 5 min 8:55 am – 9:00 am Bill Hinshaw Q&A 15 min 9:00 am – 9:15 am Bill, Margaret, Karim, Dr. Harrison, Bob Dr. Stephen Harrison Medical Director for Pinnacle Clinical Research President of Summit Clinical Research

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 4 IEM = Inborn Errors of Metabolism Multi - Targeted Therapeutics to Restore Homeostasis Leveraging Endogenous Metabolic Modulator (EMM) compositions to treat complex medical conditions • Complex conditions are driven by dysregulation in , limiting the effect of single - targeted therapies • Amino acid - based therapeutics can be used to: — Regulate key signaling pathways — Restore mitochondrial function — Shift substrate/redox balance to restore homeostasis • Potential therapeutic benefits include: — Enhancing muscle function — Correcting metabolism — Decreasing inflammation Axcella’s clinical data demonstrate the potential to harness the power of EMMs to tackle complex chronic conditions — Improving neurocognition — Rebalancing IEMs — Reducing fibrosis

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 5 World leader of multi - targeted therapies in complex diseases Endogenous Metabolic Modulators (EMMs) AXA1125 Long COVID Non - Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 6 1. Global Liver Institute U.S. NASH Action Plan (Dec. 2020). 2. Cusi K. Diabetologia . 2016;59:1112 - 20. 3. Company estimates based on Decision Resources Group (DRG). Non - alcoholic Steatohepatitis Landscape & Forecast. DRG. NASH is a Complex Disease, Affecting Millions Given the Complexity of NASH, treatment options with different profiles will be required to adequately address broad patient population State of the NASH Market Complexity of NASH Need for Options 30% - 40% Type 2 Diabetic (T2DM) 2 >40M patients and growing 1 • Expected to be the leading liver transplant cause this year • U.S. market expected to reach at least $8 billion by 2027 3 • Approximately 10% of U.S. children are estimated to have NASH 1 • No Approved Therapies • NASH disease pathogenesis involves many interacting pathways • Due to complexity of disease, single targeted mechanisms have limitations • Heterogeneous patient population • Very limited pediatric development activity • Combination/Add - on Therapies an area of focus

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 7 F2/F3= stages of NASH fibrosis; NAFLD= non - alcoholic fatty disease; N=number of subjects; T2DM=type 2 diabetes mellitus; wk =weeks AXA1125 Has Demonstrated Positive Data Across Multiple Trials AXA1125 has been studied in 4 clinical trials between NASH and Long COVID indications 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 NASH Long COVID AXA1125 - 002 NAFLD & T2DM 12 wk (N=32) AXA1125 - 003 NAFLD +/ - T2DM 16 wk (N=102) AXA1125 - 101 - IA Biopsy confirmed NASH F2/F3 48 wk (N=273) AXA1125 - 201 Long COVID Fatigue 4 wk (N=41) Planned Registrational Trial Long COVID Fatigue

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 8 1. Harrison SA, et al. Am J Gastroenterol . 2021:116;2399 - 2409. AXA1125 - 101 Key Results of Interim Analysis AXA1125 continues to demonstrate real biological impact and effect in NASH subjects Significant Improvement in Liver Stiffness at 24 weeks Reproduced Improvements in Liver Fat and Inflammation 1 Demonstrates Potential 1 st line Safety and Tolerability Profile 1 2 3

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 9 MoA = mechanism of action. AXA1125: A Differentiated Product with a Potential Frontline Profile Multi - Targeted MOA Efficacy Safety / Tolerability Dosing Differentiation Elements Supporting a Frontline Profile: Potential Additional AXA1125 Differentiators: AXA1125 • Type 2 Diabetics • Planning for pediatric development • Amenable to combination

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 10 Clinical Trial Design & Results Dr. Margaret Koziel Chief Medical Officer

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 11 D1: Biopsy Fibroscan MRI - PDFF W48: Biopsy Fibroscan MRI - PDFF W24: Fibroscan MRI - PDFF W12: Fibroscan MRI - PDFF ALT=alanine aminotransferase; BID=twice a day; D=day; IA=interim analysis; MRI - PDFF=magnetic resonance imaging of the hepatis pr oton density fat fraction; N=number of subjects; NAS=NAFLD Activity Score. Phase 2b Clinical Trial Underway Preplanned interim analysis when 30 subjects/arm reached week 12 Screening 1:1:1 Randomization (N=~270) 8 WEEKS AXA1125 22.6g BID (45.2 g/d) (N=~90) Matched Placebo (N=~90) Follow - up 48 WEEKS 4 WEEKS Core elements Description Design • Randomized, double - blind, placebo - controlled, dose - ranging study over 48 weeks Study population • Biopsy - proven F2/F3 NASH with NAS≥4 • Stratification by type 2 diabetes status Preplanned IA on secondary endpoints • Improvement in non - invasive markers, including MRI - PDFF, ALT and Fibroscan AXA1125 33.9g BID (67.8 g/d) (N=~90)

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 12 BID=twice a day; AE=adverse events; N=Number of Subjects Subject Flow and Data Analysis • 123 subjects randomized and received at least one dose • 82 subjects completed the study through week 12 • 58 subjects completed the study through week 24 • Few subjects discontinued due to AEs Assessed (N=960) Excluded (n=837) Completed (N =19) Completed (N =19) Randomized and received ≥1 dose (N=123) Enrollment Allocation Week 24 Week 12 Placebo (N=39) Completed ( N =20) AXA1125 22.6 g BID (N= 42 ) AXA1125 33.9 g BID (N=42) Completed ( N = 30 ) Completed ( N =29) Completed ( N = 23 ) AE (N=4) Other (N=4) AE (N=5) Other (N=5) AE (N=2) Other (N=5) Discontinuation 66 in screening

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 13 Patient Demographics and Baseline Metrics Baseline Demographic/Metric Placebo (N=39) AXA1125 22.6 BID (N=42) AXA1125 33.9 BID (N=42) Mean age in years (SD) 57.8 (9.8) 55.8 (13.5) 56.2 (12.4) Sex Male, n (%) 12 (30.8) 10 (23.8) 19 (45.2) Female, n (%) 27 (69.2) 32 (76.2) 23 (54.8) Mean Body Mass Index, kg/m 2 (SD) 37.86 (7.78) 36.02 (7.08) 37.15 (7.29) With Type 2 Diabetes, n (%) 22 (56.4) 24 (57.1) 24 (57.1) Metabolism Mean Liver Fat Content by MRI - PDFF, % (SD) 18.991 (7.885) 18.300 (7.547) 20.026 (7.541) Mean HOMA - IR 13.561 (10.977) 12.455 (10.097) 12.244 (9.460) HbA1c, % (SD) 6.79 (1.05) 6.43 (1.00) 6.49 (1.05) Inflammation Mean ALT (U/L) (SD) 58.6 (34.3) 51.5 (24.2) 54.1 (36.3) Fibrosis Mean Fibroscan score (kPa) (SD) 13.29 (6.72) 11.40 (3.47) 14.80 (6.63) Mean Fib - 4 (SD) 1.48 (0.65) 1.24 (0.58) 1.32 (0.65) Mean ELF (SD) 9.966 (0.716) 9.636 (0.843) 10.012 (0.859) ALT=alanine aminotransferase; BID= twice a day; ELF=enhanced liver fibrosis; Fib - 4=Fibrosis - 4; HbA1c=hemoglobin A1C; HOMA IR=hom eostatic measure of insulin resistance; kPa=kilopascals; MRI - PDFF=magnetic resonance imaging of the hepatis proton density fat fraction; SD=standard deviation

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 14 Effects on Non - Invasive Measures

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 15 *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001, versus placebo; P values derived using mixed models approach. BID=twice a day; LSM=liver stiff nes s measurement; kPa=kilo pascals; SE=standard error; N=Number of Subjects Significant Improvements in Liver Stiffness as Measured by FibroScan Consistent with prior data on fibrosis markers at week 16 0.13 - 2.01 - 4.07 ** -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 mean (SE) p=0.0992 N=20 N=19 N=18 p=0.0096 Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID - 0.7 - 0.8 - 2.8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 mean (SE) N=29 N=29 N=23 p>0.1 p>0.1 Week 12 Week 24

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 16 *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001, versus placebo; p values derived using mixed models approach. BID=twice daily; N=Number of Sub jec ts; SE=standard error Blood Biomarkers Provide Further Evidence of Effect on Fibrosis Statistically significant changes seen as early as week 12 FIB - 4 Score (Week 24) ELF Score (Week 24) 0.4 - 0.3 ** - 0.3 *** -1.00 -0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 Change from baseline (SE) p < 0.0001 p= 0.0012 0.1 - 0.1 * - 0.2 ** -1.00 -0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 Change from baseline (SE) p=0.0098 p= 0.0453 N=15 N=15 N=14 N=18 N=20 N=18 Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 17 Week 12 Week 24 9.6 - 12.6 * - 21.2 ** -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 mean (SE), % *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001, versus placebo ; p values derived using mixed models approach. BID=twice daily; LSM=liver stif fne ss measurement; kPa=kilo pascals; SE=standard error; N=Number of Subjects Improvements in ALT (Relative Change) p=0.0045 p=0.0267 7.9 - 12.9 * - 19.4 ** -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 mean (SE), % p=0.0183 p=0.0017 N=29 N=29 N=23 N=19 N=20 N=18 Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 18 Week 12 Week 24 - 6.9 - 14.0 - 11.3 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 Relative change, mean (SE), % N = the number of subjects of each treatment arm in the specified category at each visit *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001, versus placebo ; p values derived using mixed models approach. BID=twice daily; MRI - PDFF, magneti c resonance image proton density fat fraction MRI - PDFF – Relative Change from Baseline Statistically significant effects at week 12 in relative change from baseline in MRI - PDFF 1.9 - 15.3 * - 19.0 ** -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 Relative change, mean (SE), % p=0.0014 p=0.0082 p=0.0922 N=27 N=28 N=21 N=17 N=15 N=18 p>0.1 Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 19 17.2 20.7 39.1 0 10 20 30 40 50 Percent n = the number of subjects who met criteria; N= the number of subjects with a post baseline visit P values using Cochran - Mantel Haenszel test vs placebo *, p< 0.05. 1. Loomba R., et al. Hepatology . 2020;72:1219 - 29. 2. Loomba R., et al. Gastroenterology . 2019;156:1219 - 29 Proportion Achieving Benchmark Criteria at Week 12 p=0.0924 11.1 35.7 * 28.6 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Percent p=0.0292 n/N = 5/29 6/29 9/23 n/N = 3/27 10/28 6/21 > 17 IU Change in ALT 1 > 30% Relative Reduction PDFF 2 Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID p>0.1 p>0.1 These thresholds have been associated with histologic improvements in NASH clinical trials

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 20 Safety

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 21 Safety based on what subject received on day 1 of dosing. DMC, independent data monitoring committee; SAE, serious adverse ev ent ; TEAEs, treatment emergent adverse events Safety Interim Analysis Safety and Tolerability Remains Favorable Based on the Blinded Review Placebo N=39 (%) AXA1125 22.6 g BID N=42 (%) AXA1125 33.9 g BID N=42 (%) Subjects with > 1 TEAE 28 (71.8) 28 (66.7) 30 (71.4) Related TEAE 17 (43.6) 12 (28.6) 18 (42.9) Maximum Severity, N (% of subjects) Grade 1 12 (30.8) 12 (28.6) 11 (26.2) Grade 2 15 (38.5) 14 (33.3) 15 (35.7) Grade 3 1 (2.6) 1 (2.4) 4 (9.5) Grade 4 0 0 0 Grade 5 0 1 (2.4) 0 SAE 1 (2.6%) 1 (2.4%) 4 (4.8%) Related SAE 0 0 0 • Most frequent TEAEs are gastrointestinal • All SAEs and the death unrelated to study product • No safety or tolerability signals of concern were observed; confirmed by an independent unblinded DMC review

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 22 Summary of Results From this Interim Analysis • Significant effects on liver stiffness comparable to or better than other agents in ph2b/3 • Continued demonstration of effects on relevant pathways of NASH biology • Observed safety and tolerability pattern consistent with high safety margin • Both doses are active, and effects consistent in overall population and T2DM • Results position AXA1125 to be potential first line treatment in NASH Liver stiffness ALT MRI PDFF 0.13 - 2.01 - 4.07 ** -6 -4 -2 0 2 Abs, chg. mean (SE) 1.9 - 15.3 ** - 19.0 ** -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 Rel ghg .,, mean (SE), % 9.6 - 12.6 - 21.2 ** -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 mean (SE), % Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 23 AXA1125 Mechanism of Action Karim Azer, PhD VP of Platform and Discovery

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 24 LIVRQNac (AXA1125) NASH is a Complex Disease with Pleiotropic Disease Pathways AXA1125 is Multi - Targeted by Design Against Key Pathways across NASH Disease Drivers Fibrosis Inflammation Metabolism AXA1125 PPAR α AMPK Urea cycle AA Metabolism AXA1125 AXA1125 • GLP - 1 • SCD1 • FGF21 • THR - β • PPAR • FXR Single Targets Single Targets Single Targets TGF β • Cyclophilin • CCR2/5 • Galectin • JNK • ASK - 1 Hif1 α NFkB Gut barrier/ tight junction

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 25 All studies conducted with LIVRQNac , a nonclinical form of AXA1125 containing the constituents of AXA1125: L, I, V, R, Q, Nac added at specified - fold concentrations above plasma (ex: 7.5 × , 15 × , 30 × ), where 1 × concentration matches the mean physiological level found in human plasma (values published in the Human Metabolome Database [ Wi shart et al 2007])." NASH is a Complex Disease with Pleiotropic Disease Pathways AXA1125 is Multi - Targeted by Design Against Key Pathways across NASH Disease Drivers Fibrosis Inflammation Metabolism AXA1125 AXA1125 AXA1125 • GLP - 1 • SCD1 • FGF21 • THR - β • PPAR • FXR Single Targets Single Targets Single Targets • Cyclophilin • CCR2/5 • Galectin • JNK • ASK - 1 ↑Fatty Acid Oxidation ↓Triglycerides ↓MCP - 1 ↓ALT ↓TNF ↓IL - 6 ↓ProC3 ↓ α SMA ↓ edu + ↓HSP47

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 26 1. Russell et al. EASL ILC2022 and EASL NAFLD Summit . 2022. Primary Human Hepatocytes were co - treated with 83uM:167uM palmitate:oleate and 1 ng/ml TNF - α to simulate conditions in NASH, and were exposed to the same conditions containing 83uM [U - 13 C]palmitate label before analysis for tracer study. 167uM:333uM palmitate:oleate and 1 ng/ml TNF - α to simulate conditions in NASH, 30x LIVRQNac 48 hour co - treatment used for RNA - Seq. AXA1125 Improves Key Mitochondrial, Lipid and Energy Pathways Driving Reduced Liver Fat and Inflammation Multi - targeted impact on Metabolism: Beta - Oxidation, Lipid and Bioenergetics 14.8 16.38 18.41 0 5 10 15 20 FFA LIVRQNac (10X) LIVRQNac (30X) Acetyl - CoA M2 Labeling (%) *** * Acetyl - CoA M2 BHB M2 *: p<0.05 **: p<0.01 ***: p<0.001 ****: p<0.0001 (Analysis of variance) FAO Upregulation & Increased Ketones Improved Lipid & Bioenergetic Pathways Lipid Metabolism Energy Metabolism Term Dir Score FDR 1 Peroxisomal matrix 21 1.1e - 13 3.7e - 10 2 Electron transfer activity 10 2.4e - 13 5.3e - 10 3 Protein targeting to peroxisome 15 1.4e - 11 1.8e - 8 4 Fatty acid beta - oxidation 15 4.1e - 10 3.1e - 7 5 Tricarboxylic acid cycle 20 4.2e - 9 0.0000025 6 Regulation of lipid metabolic process 2.5 1.4e - 8 0.0000070 7 Electron transport chain 7.4 4.2e - 8 0.000018 8 Cholesterol biosynthetic process 13 6.1e - 8 0.000024 9 Cholesterol efflux 20 9.3e - 8 0.000034 10 Cholesterol metabolic process 10 1.3e - 7 0.000039 Metabolism 0.07 0.11 0.13 0 0.1 0.2 FFA LIVRQNac (10X) LIVRQNac (30X) BHB M2 (nmol) **** ****

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 27 Data derived Primary Human Hepatocyte (PHH) Lipotoxicity Model Primary Human Hepatocytes were co - treated for 48 hours with 167uM:333uM palmitate:oleate and 1 ng/ml TNF - α to simulate conditions in NASH, 30x LIVRQNac , RNA was collected in triplicate for RNA - Seq AXA1125 Upregulates Fat Oxidation Genes and Pathway to Increase Consumption of Fatty Acids and Drive Liver Fat Reduction AXA1125 Regulates Mitochondrial Metabolism Beta Oxidation Genes Upregulated by AXA1125 Beta Oxidation Pathway Upregulated by AXA1125 Fatty acid biosynthesis Fatty acid elongation Glycerolipid metabolism 3x Acetyl - CoA Removal 2x Acetyl - CoA Removal Citrate cycle Metabolism Fatty acid degradation (29/43) ( fdr : 2.1e - 06) 0 1 2 3 4 log2 ratio ACSL5 ALDH3A2 ECHS1 ACADVL ALDH2 ADH5 ALDH9A1 HADHA ECI2 ALDH1B1 ACOX1 HADHB ACAT1 ADH4 ADH6 GCDH ACAA1 ADH1C CYP4A11 CYP4A22 ADH1B ACADL EHHADH ALDH7A1 ACADSB ACAT2 ACADS ACADM HADH 4 3 2 1 0 Log2 (fold ratio) Gene Symbol

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 28 AXA1125 Decreases Hepatocyte Damage and Promotes Immune Recruitment AXA1125 Decreases Hepatocyte Damage and Immune Cell Recruitment and Decreases Proinflammatory Cytokines Multi - targeted impact on inflammation: Decreased Damage, Recruitment, Cytokines Donor 1 Donor 2 Donor 3 ** *** *** Donor 4 Donor 1 Donor 2 Donor 3 ** *** *** TNF - α *** *** *** IL - 6 * Inflammation AXA1125 Decreases Macrophage Inflammatory Cytokines 1. Daou et al. Nat Sci Rep . 2021. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001, Data from Primary Human Hepatocytes (ALT, MCP - 1) treated for 48 hours with 167uM :333uM palmitate:oleate and 1 ng/ml TNF - α to simulate conditions in NASH, data normalized to total protein; Data from Primary Human M1 - polarized Macrophages (TNF - α , IL - 6) pre - treated with LIVRQNac for 24 hours, then stimulated with 0.15ng/mL LPS for 24 hours, data not normalized to nuclei.

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 29 Decreases in Collagen Deposition Measured with AXA1125 Reduced Fibrogenic Activation & Proliferation 1. Daou et al. Nat Sci Rep. 2021. ***p < 0.001 versus TGF - β 1, Data from Primary Human Hepatic Stellate Cells pre - treated with LIVRQNac for 24 hours, then stimulated with 3.3ng/ml TGF - β 1 for 24 hours, EdU data normalized to nuclei, HSP47 expression normalized to GAPDH, other data not nuclei normalized. AXA1125 Decreases Fibrosis Activation, Proliferation, and Collagen Deposition Multi - targeted impact on fibrosis improvement: Reduced Activation, Proliferation, Deposition Donor 1 Donor 2 Donor 3 *** *** *** *** HSP47 *** *** *** *** Fibrosis Donor 1 Donor 2 Donor 3

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 30 Key MOA Takeaways • NASH is a complex disease with metabolic, inflammatory and fibrotic dysregulations • Combination therapy increases potential to impact multiple targets implicated in NASH • AXA1125 is designed as a multi - targeted agent against key NASH dysregulations in distinct cellular targets • Pre - clinical data demonstrates impact of AXA1125 effect on multiple cell types driving NASH fibrosis, inflammation and metabolic dysregulation • Clinical data demonstrate the translation of AXA1125 MOA findings in patients

 

 

AXA1125 AND NASH TREATMENT LANDSCAPE STEPHEN A. HARRISON, MD, COL (RET.), FAASLD VISITING PROFESSOR OF HEPATOLOGY RADCLIFFE DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD MEDICAL DIRECTOR, PINNACLE CLINICAL RESEARCH PRESIDENT, SUMMIT CLINICAL RESEARCH 31

 

 

PREVALENCE OF NAFLD AROUND THE WORLD Younossi Z, et al. Hepatology. 2019;69(6):2672 - 2682; Younossi ZM et al. J Hepatol. 2019;70(3):531 - 544. 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 0-9 10-19 20-44 45-64 65+ NAFLD prevalence Age (years) Males Females …is increasing in line with obesity , type 2 diabetes and age NAFLD prevalence by age and sex (US, Southwest China and Spain) …is about 25% in the general population … varies across the globe North America 24.13% Europe 23.71% Asia 27.37% Middle East 31.79% Africa 13.48% South America 30.45% …varies across ethnicities (Hispanics > non - Hispanic white > African Americans) is higher in urban than rural population

 

 

PREVALENCE OF NASH AMONG US MIDDLE - AGED COHORTS 2 prospective NASH prevalence studies NASH, non - alcoholic steatohepatitis. 1. Williams CD, et al. Gastroenterology . 2011;140:124 – 31; 2. Harrison SA, et al. J Hepatol. 2021;S0168 - 8278:00176 - 8. 119% Increase in < 10 years

 

 

BMI measured in kg/m2 BMI, body mass index; NAFLD; non - alcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH, non - alcoholic steatohepatitis. Harrison SA et al. J Hepatol . 2021;S0168 - 8278:00176 - 8. NAFLD AND NASH PREVALENCE IN DIFFERENT GROUPS (US MIDDLE - AGED COHORT, N=664)

 

 

NASH: POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC TARGETS See slides notes for abbreviations. Adapted from: Konerman MA, et al. J Hepatol. 2018;68:362 – 375. Lipogenesis FFA Collagen deposition ER Stress UPR JNK ROS Hepatic stellate cell activation Kupffer cell SREPB - 1 DNL VLDL SHP FXR/TGR5 Bile acids LPS Immune cell trafficking Regulatory T cells FGF21 Adiponectin TNF - α FFA FGF19 Insulin/glucose Insulin resistance ACC NLRP3 inflammasome METABOLIC ANTI - FIBROTIC ANTI - INFLAMMATORY Mitochondrial dysfunction Apoptosis PPAR agonists FGF21 analog FGF19 analog THR ᵦ agonist FXR agonist GLP - 1RA ACC inhibitor FASN inhibitor • NASH is biologically complex . It is a heterogeneous disease of correspondingly complex pathophysiology • Redundant biochemical pathways implicated in disease are not uniform across patients • This heterogeneity and intricacy inspires the thesis that targeting a single pathway will not be sufficient to manage most NASH patients

 

 

THE RISK/BENEFIT EQUATION CHANGES AS NASH PROGRESSES Safety First Risk Tolerance Liver Disease Progression F0 F1 F2 F3 F4 Agent needed to reduce liver fat and inflammation Safety and tolerability are paramount as agent will likely be used chronically Oral agents strongly preferred Need to bring patients back from the brink ASAP Willing to accept greater safety and tolerability risks Injectables may be required Key Physician Considerations

 

 

MULTIPLE OPTIONS TO ADDRESS A HETEROGENEOUS POPULATION NASH’s complex pathophysiology demands development of a vast array of mechanisms and candidates Multi - Targeted Anti - Hyperglycemics Anti - Fibrotic Anti - Hyperlipidemics Anti - Inflammatory Other Candidates in Ph2/3 Development • Belapectin • Lanifibranor • Tropifexor • Obeticholic acid • EMMs • Combinations • AXA1125 • Sema + cilo + firsocostat • Tropifexor + cenicriviroc • Aldafermin • Semaglutide • MK3655 • Aramchol • Resmetirom • VK2809 • Secukinumab • JBK - 122 • FXR • PPAR • Galectin protein inhibitors • SCD - 1 • THR - Beta • ACC Inhibitors • DGAT Inhibitors • GLP - 1 • MPC modulators • FGF • Insulin Receptors • Toll - like receptors • AA3R agonist • AMPK • GHRF • PXL770 Key Mechanisms

 

 

PHASE 2B CLINICAL TRIAL UNDERWAY PREPLANNED INTERIM ANALYSIS WHEN 30 SUBJECTS/ARM REACHED WEEK 12 D1: Biopsy Fibroscan MRI - PDFF W48: Biopsy Fibroscan MRI - PDFF W24: Fibroscan MRI - PDFF W12: Fibroscan MRI - PDFF Screening 1:1:1 Randomization (N=~270) 8 WEEKS AXA1125 22.6g BID (45.2 g/d) (n=~90) Matched Placebo (n=~90) Follow - up 48 WEEKS 4 WEEKS AXA1125 33.9g BID (67.8 g/d) (n=~90) Core elements Description Design • Randomized, double - blind, placebo - controlled, dose - ranging study over 48 weeks Study population • Biopsy - proven F2/F3 NASH with NAS ≥ 4 • Stratification by type 2 diabetes status Preplanned IA on secondary endpoints • Improvement in non - invasive markers, including MRI - PDFF, ALT and Fibroscan

 

 

PATIENT DEMOGRAPHICS AND BASELINE METRICS Baseline Demographic/Metric Placebo (N=39) AXA1125 22.6 BID (N=42) AXA1125 33.9 BID (N=42) Mean age in years (SD) 57.8 (9.8) 55.8 (13.5) 56.2 (12.4) Sex Male (%) 12 (30.8) 10 (23.8) 19 (45.2) Female (%) 27 (69.2) 32 (76.2) 23 (54.8) Mean Body Mass Index (kg/m 2 ) / (SD) 37.86 (7.78) 36.02 (7.08) 37.15 (7.29) With Type 2 Diabetes (%) 22 (56.4) 24 (57.1) 24 (57.1) Metabolism Mean Liver Fat Content by MRI - PDFF (SD) 18.991 (7.885) 18.300 (7.547) 20.026 (7.541) Mean HOMA - IR 13.561 (10.977) 12.455 (10.097) 12.244 (9.460) HbA1c (SD) 6.79 (1.05) 6.43 (1.00) 6.49 (1.05) Inflammation Mean ALT (U/L) (SD) 58.6 (34.3) 51.5 (24.2) 54.1 (36.3) Fibrosis Mean Fibroscan score (kPa) (SD) 13.29 (6.72) 11.40 (3.47) 14.80 (6.63) Mean Fib - 4 (SD) 1.48 (0.65) 1.24 (0.58) 1.32 (0.65) Mean ELF (SD) 9.966 (0.716) 9.636 (0.843) 10.012 (0.859) This study population is reflective of a very active disease state with significant fibrosis

 

 

EFFECTS ON NON - INVASIVE MEASURES

 

 

Diagnosis of at risk NASH Monitoring Response to Therapeutic Interventions Predicting Long - Term Outcomes DIFFERENT CONTEXT OF USE FOR NIT s

 

 

Monitoring Response to Therapeutic Interventions DIFFERENT CONTEXT OF USE FOR NIT s

 

 

SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN LIVER STIFFNESS CONSISTENT WITH PRIOR DATA ON FIBROSIS MARKERS AT WEEK 16 *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001, versus placebo; P values derived using mixed models approach. LSM, liver stiffness measurement ; k Pa, kilo pascals; SE, standard error Week 12 Week 24 All Subjects 0.13 - 2.01 - 4.07 ** -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 mean (SE) - 0.7 - 0.8 - 2.8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 mean (SE) p=0.0992 p=0.1082 N=29 N=29 N=23 N=20 N=19 N=18 p=0.0096 Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID P >0.1

 

 

AXA1125 EFFECTS ON LIVER STIFFNESS IN COMPARABLE TO OTHER BEST IN CLASS AGENTS IN LATE DEVELOPMENT 1 Yale,C. (September 13, 2022). Phase 2b HARMONY Study Results [PowerPoint presentation]. Akero Phase 2B HARMONY Trial Data Presentation. https:// ir.akerotx.com /static - files/b3cbfed1 - 3eee - 49cf - 8a10 - cc75000855d5. 2 Semaglutide - Newsome et al.(2020) New EnglJ Med 3 Loomba, R et al. Obeticholic Acid Demonstrates Sustained Improvements at Month 24 in Transaminases and Non - Invasive Markers of Fibrosis: Results of a Post H oc Analysis From the Interim Analysis of the REGENERATE Study. Poster presented at: European Association for the Study of the Liver; 27 - 29 August 2020; Virtual. OLE = Open Label Extension 0.13 - 0.7 1.06 1.09 - 2.01 - 2.6 0.76 - 0.58 - 4.07 - 4.3 0.71 - 1.32 0.72 -5.0 -4.0 -3.0 -2.0 -1.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 AXA1125 24 wk EFX 24 wk SEM 72 wk OCA 72 wk Absolute change in LSM (kPa) Axcella AXA1125 Ph2b (F2/F3) 24wks Completers Akero 1 Efruxifermin Ph2b (F2/F3) 24wks Completers Novo Nordisk 2 Semaglutide Ph2 (F2/F3) 72wks Completers Intercept 3 Obeticholic acid Ph3 (F2/F3) 18mo Completers

 

 

BLOOD BIOMARKERS PROVIDE FURTHER EVIDENCE OF EFFECT ON FIBROSIS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES SEEN AS EARLY AS WEEK 12 *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001, versus placebo; p values derived using mixed models approach. SE, standard error FIB - 4 Score (Week 24) ELF Score (Week 24) 0.4 - 0.3 ** - 0.3 *** -1.00 -0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 Change from baseline (SE) p < 0.0001 p= 0.0012 0.1 - 0.1 * - 0.2 ** -1.00 -0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 Change from baseline (SE) p=0.0098 p= 0.0453 N=15 N=15 N=14 N=18 N=20 N=18 Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID

 

 

ELF Monitoring Response to Therapeutic Interventions EVIDENCE FROM REGENERATE TRIAL 18 - MONTH INTERIM ANALYSIS – OBETICHOLIC ACID N=931 • Patients with >1 - stage fibrosis improvement had the greatest improvement in NITs, while patients with > 1 - stage fibrosis worsening typically showed no NIT improvement. • AUROC values for each of these were suggestive of only weak association • NIT improvements observed in REGENERATE are associated with fibrosis improvement at Month 18, individual NIT changes are not likely to be effective univariate clinical predictors of fibrosis improvement by Month 18. Rinella ME. Non - invasive evaluation of response to obeticholic acid in patients with NASH: Results from the REGENERATE study. J Hepatol. 2022 Mar;76(3):536 - 548

 

 

FIB - 4 Monitoring Response to Therapeutic Interventions EVIDENCE FROM REGENERATE TRIAL 18 - MONTH INTERIM ANALYSIS – OBETICHOLIC ACID N=931 • Patients with >1 - stage fibrosis improvement had the greatest improvement in NITs, while patients with > 1 - stage fibrosis worsening typically showed no NIT improvement. • AUROC values for each of these were suggestive of only weak association • NIT improvements observed in REGENERATE are associated with fibrosis improvement at Month 18, individual NIT changes are not likely to be effective univariate clinical predictors of fibrosis improvement by Month 18. Rinella ME. Non - invasive evaluation of response to obeticholic acid in patients with NASH: Results from the REGENERATE study. J Hepatol. 2022 Mar;76(3):536 - 548

 

 

17.2 20.7 39.1 0 10 20 30 40 50 Percent PROPORTION ACHIEVING BENCHMARK CRITERIA AT WEEK 12 n = the number of subjects who met criteria; N= the number of subjects with a post baseline visit; P values using Cochran - Mante l Haenszel test vs placebo 11.1 35.7 28.6 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Percent p=0.63 > 17 IU change in ALT > 30% rel reduction PDFF p=0.0924 p =0.0292 p =0.1321 n/N = 5/29 6/29 9/23 n/N = 3/27 10/28 6/21 Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID Placebo AXA1125 33.9 BID AXA1125 22.6 BID

 

 

AXA1125 DEMONSTRATED SIMILAR RESULTS IN A PRIOR NASH CLINICAL STUDY Harrison SA, Baum SJ, Gunn NT, Younes ZH, Kohli A, Patil R, Koziel MJ, Chera H, Zhao J, Chakravarthy MV. Safety, Tolerability , a nd Biologic Activity of AXA1125 and AXA1957 in Subjects With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021 Dec 1;116(12):2399 - 2409. doi : 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001375. PMID: 34382947; PMCID: PMC8631161.

 

 

ALT Monitoring Response to Therapeutic Interventions EVIDENCE FROM FLINT 72 - WEEK TRIAL OBETICHOLIC ACID N=283 17 IU/L ALT decline was significantly associated with histologic markers of response Loomba, Rohit et al. “Factors Associated With Histologic Response in Adult Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.” Gastroenterology vol . 156,1 (2019): 88 - 95.e5.

 

 

Rinella ME. Non - invasive evaluation of response to obeticholic acid in patients with NASH: Results from the REGENERATE study. J Hepatol. 2022 Mar;76(3):536 - 548 ALT Monitoring Response to Therapeutic Interventions EVIDENCE FROM REGENERATE TRIAL 18 - MONTH INTERIM ANALYSIS – OBETICHOLIC ACID N=931 • Patients with >1 - stage fibrosis improvement had the greatest improvement in NITs, while patients with > 1 - stage fibrosis worsening typically showed no NIT improvement. • AUROC values for each of these were suggestive of only weak association • NIT improvements observed in REGENERATE are associated with fibrosis improvement at Month 18, individual NIT changes are not likely to be effective univariate clinical predictors of fibrosis improvement by Month 18.

 

 

MRI - PDFF Monitoring Response to Therapeutic Interventions EVIDENCE FROM RESMETIROM 36 - WEEK PH2 TRIAL MRI Responders: ≥ 30% relative decline in LFC Harrison SA In a placebo - controlled 36 - week phase 2 trial, treatment with MGL - 3196 compared to placebo results in significant reduc - tions in hepatic fat (MRI - PDFF), liver enzymes, fibrosis biomarkers, atherogenic lipids, and improvement in NASH on serial liver biopsy. Hepatology 2018;68:9A - 10A.

 

 

Stine JG, Munaganuru . Change in MRI - PDFF and Histologic Response in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta - Analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Nov. MRI - PDFF Monitoring Response to Therapeutic Interventions ≥30% RELATIVE DECLINE IN MRI - PDFF Change in MRI - PDFF and Histologic Response in Patients with NASH: A Systematic Review and Meta - Analysis – 7 studies / 346 patients “These results support the use of MRI - PDFF in non - invasive monitoring of treatment response in early - phase NASH clinical trials”

 

 

SAFETY

 

 

Safety based on what subject received on day 1 of dosing. DMC, independent data monitoring committee; SAE, serious adverse ev ent ; TEAEs, treatment emergent adverse events • Most frequent TEAEs are gastrointestinal • All SAEs and the death unrelated to study product • No safety or tolerability signals of concern were observed; confirmed by an independent unblinded DMC review SAFETY INTERIM ANALYSIS SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY REMAINS FAVORABLE BASED ON THE BLINDED R EVIEW Placebo N=39 (%) AXA1125 22.6 BID N=42 (%) AXA1125 33.9 BID N=42 (%) Subjects with > 1 TEAE 28 (71.8) 28 (66.7) 30 (71.4) Related TEAE 17 (43.6) 12 (28.6) 18 (42.9) Maximum Severity, n (% of subjects) Grade 1 12 (30.8) 12 (28.6) 11 (26.2) Grade 2 15 (38.5) 14 (33.3) 15 (35.7) Grade 3 1 (2.6) 1 (2.4) 4 (9.5) Grade 4 0 0 0 Grade 5 0 1 (2.4) 0 SAE 1 (2.6%) 1 (2.4%) 4 (4.8%) Related SAE 0 0 0

 

 

SUMMARY The current study is enrolling patients with significant NASH and fibrosis AXA1125 appears safe and well tolerated Oral formulation is key benefit Non - invasive tests obtained at a relatively short time period in a subset of patients enrolled suggest a positive impact on disease activity and potentially fibrosis Potential for use as a monotherapy or as part of a combination therapy

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 57 Closing Remarks Bill Hinshaw Chief Executive Officer

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 58 0.13 - 0.7 1.06 1.09 - 2.01 - 2.6 0.76 - 0.58 - 4.07 - 4.3 - 1.32 -5.0 -4.0 -3.0 -2.0 -1.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 AXA1125 24 wk EFX 24 wk SEM 72 wk OCA 72 wk Absolute change in LSM (kPa) AXA1125 effects on liver stiffness are comparable to other best in class agents in late development Axcella AXA1125 Ph2b (F2/F3) 24wks Completers Akero 1 Efruxifermin Ph2b (F2/F3) 24wks Completers Novo Nordisk 2 Semaglutide Ph2 (F2/F3) 72wks Completers Intercept 3 Obeticholic acid Ph3 (F2/F3) 18mo Completers 1 Yale,C. (September 13, 2022). Phase 2b HARMONY Study Results [PowerPoint presentation]. Akero Phase 2B HARMONY Trial Data Presentation. https://ir.akerotx.com/static - files/b3cbfed1 - 3eee - 49cf - 8a10 - cc75000855d5. 3 Semaglutide - Newsome et al.(2020) New EnglJ Med 4 Loomba, R et al. Obeticholic Acid Demonstrates Sustained Improvements at Month 24 in Transaminases and Non - Invasive Markers of Fibrosis: Results of a Post H oc Analysis From the Interim Analysis of the REGENERATE Study. Poster presented at: European Association for the Study of the Liver; 27 - 29 August 2020; Virtual.

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 59 1 Global Liver Institute U.S. NASH Action Plan (Dec. 2020) Image sourced from: https://www.today.com/health/nonalcoholic - fatty - liver - disease - are - you - risk - t121855 Conclusion • NASH is a large complex disease with a high unmet need and will require multiple strategies and products • AXA1125 demonstrated best in field fibrotic measures at 24 weeks • AXA1125 continues to demonstrate its direct multi - targeted effects across metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis with both doses and in both populations • Potential for differentiation in key populations – T2D, Adolescents, Combinations • Well positioned for 1 st line with attractive profile: – Multi - targeted activity, favorable tolerability and convenient dosing >40M patients and growing 1 Approximately 10% of U.S. children are estimated to have NASH 1

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 60 Milestone timing based on current expectations and subject to change. Milestone Rich Time Program Update Timing AXA1125 for NASH Phase 2b Interim Data Q3 2022 x First Adolescent Subject Enrolled Q4 2022 Scientific Communication 2H 2022 NASH Top - Line Data 1H 2024 AXA1125 for Long COVID Phase 2a Enrollment Completion Q2 2022 x Phase 2a Top - Line Data Q3 2022 x Regulatory Engagement 2H 2022 Scientific Communication 2H 2022 Next Trial Initiation 1H 2023

 

 

© 2022 Axcella Therapeutics. All rights reserved. 61 Q&A Bob Crane Chief Financial Officer, Axcella Dr. Margaret Koziel Chief Medical Officer, Axcella Bill Hinshaw President & Chief Executive Officer Axcella Dr. Karim Azer Head of Platform and Discovery, Axcella Dr. Stephen Harrison Medical Director for Pinnacle Clinical Research President of Summit Clinical Research

 

 

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