Announced positive data from Cohort 1 of the ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial of LTI-03 evaluating low dose LTI-03 (2.5 mg BID) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ("IPF") patients, with positive trends observed in seven of the eight biomarkers evaluated Topline results from Cohort 2 evaluating high-dose LTI-03 (5 mg BID) expected in the third quarter of 2024 AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aileron Therapeutics, Inc. ("Aileron" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:ALRN), a biopharmaceutical company advancing a pipeline of potential first-in-class medicines to address significant unmet medical needs in orphan pulmonary and fibrosis indications, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, and provided a business update. "Throughout the first half of the year, we focused on strengthening our balance sheet and advancing the development of inhaled LTI-03 in IPF," said Brian Windsor, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Aileron. "We are extremely pleased with the positive data from Cohort 1 of the ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial announced in May, particularly the achievement of statistical significance in three out of eight biomarkers which is a testament to the potential of LTI-03 to inhibit fibrosis and improve lung function. Additionally, in May, we raised approximately $18.2 million in net proceeds in an underwritten registered direct offering, which provides us with the resources to further validate LTI-03 in the ongoing Phase 1b trial. We look forward to reporting topline results from the high-dose cohort in the third quarter of this year." Second Quarter 2024 Highlights and Recent Updates Corporate Updates In May 2024, the Company completed an underwritten registered direct offering of 4,273,505 shares of its common stock and accompanying warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,273,505 shares of its common stock. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $18.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. The Company has the potential to receive approximately $20.0 million in additional proceeds from the exercise of the warrants issued in the offering. Pipeline Announced positive Cohort 1 data from the ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial evaluating the safety and tolerability of inhaled LTI-03 in patients diagnosed with IPF. Following inhaled administration of low dose LTI-03 (2.5 mg BID, or twice daily) in twelve patients, a positive trend was observed in seven out of eight biomarkers. The findings included: Evidence of LTI-03 reducing expression of multiple profibrotic proteins produced in both basal-like cells and fibroblasts that contribute to the progression of IPF, with statistically significant decreases in three biomarkers, reinforcing the potential of LTI-03 to inhibit fibrosis, inflammation and associated changes in the lungs. LTI-03 stimulated production of solRAGE, a factor indicative of type I epithelial cell health, a critically important aspect of IPF that has gone largely unaddressed. LTI-03 was generally well-tolerated with no serious adverse events ("SAEs") reported. The Phase 1b trial is ongoing, with topline results from the high-dose Cohort 2 expected in the third quarter of 2024. On May 1, 2024, the Company hosted a pulmonary care expert call to discuss the Cohort 1 Phase 1b results of LTI-03, featuring pulmonary care expert Andreas Günther, M.D., Head of the Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases at the Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany. A replay of the event can be accessed at https://investors.aileronrx.com/events-presentations/investor-events. LTI-01 is in development for loculated pleural effusion ("LPE"), a serious consequence of pneumonia with significant unmet medical need. Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results  Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024, were $21.9 million, compared to $12.0 million as of March 31, 2024. After including the net proceeds raised from the May 2024 offering and based on its current operating plan, the Company expects its existing cash and cash equivalents to be sufficient to fund the completion of the ...