PRESS RELEASE AB SCIENCE RECEIVES NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE FOR UNITED STATES PATENT COVERING MASITINIB IN THE TREATMENT OF METASTATIC CASTRATE RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER THIS POSITIVE DECISION FROM THE USA PATENT OFFICE STRENGTHENS THE COMPANY’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POSITION IN THIS INDICATION UNTIL 2042, ADDING TO THE COVERAGE ALREADY GRANTED IN EUROPE Paris, January 29, 2026, 6pm CET AB Science SA (Euronext - FR0010557264 - AB) announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a Noti ...

AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (NYSE:AB) is included among the 13 Dividend Stocks with Over 8% Yield. Barclays Updates Models on AllianceBernstein (AB) as Fund Flows Remain Weak Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash On January 15, Barclays cut its price target on AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (NYSE:AB) to $39 from $42. The firm maintained an Equal Weight rating on the stock. The change followed an update to the firm’s asset manager models, which now fully reflect quarterly fund flows and assets under manageme ...

Imaginative depiction of Representative Nancy Pelosi speaking at a podium microphone. Key Points The portfolio has established a new defensive position in an asset manager to capture consistent income through dividend payments. Investors are seeing a vote of confidence in the future of artificial intelligence infrastructure and healthcare through recent stock acquisitions. The strategy involves rolling equity profits into long-term options to maintain upside exposure to major technology companies witho ...

Core Viewpoint - AB Science has received a Japanese patent for the use of masitinib in treating progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), providing intellectual property protection until February 2041, marking Japan as the first country to grant this patent [1][2]. Group 1: Patent and Market Position - The patent granted in Japan (JP 7788154) is the first for masitinib in progressive MS, following a similar successful patent strategy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [2]. - AB Science is optimistic about obtaining global patent protection for masitinib in progressive MS, similar to its ALS patent [2]. - The company is pursuing a secondary medical use patent strategy for various indications, including progressive MS, Alzheimer's Disease, and prostate cancer, with protection extending into the 2040s [3]. Group 2: Clinical Studies and Efficacy - Masitinib has shown a unique and competitive positioning in treating both primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (nSPMS) [3]. - The development of masitinib is supported by positive results from phase 2b/3 study (AB07002) and the confirmatory phase 3 MAXIMS study (AB20009), with the former showing a statistically significant reduction in disability progression [3][4]. - In study AB07002, masitinib 4.5 mg/kg/day reduced the risk of first disability progression by 42% and improved manual dexterity, with a significant reduction in the risk of reaching an EDSS score of 7.0 [3][4]. Group 3: Safety Profile - The safety profile of masitinib is well characterized, based on data from over 4,300 patients, with no increased risk of infection observed [5][6]. - Masitinib is the first and only drug in phase 3 trials designed to target both mast cells and microglia, which is an effective strategy for treating progressive forms of MS [8]. - Unlike BTK inhibitors, masitinib does not target B-cells, which are associated with increased infection risk, making it a safer option for patients with progressive MS [6][8]. Group 4: Medical Need and Market Context - There is a significant medical need for treatments targeting progressive forms of MS, which affect over 100,000 people in France alone, with no definitive treatment currently available [10]. - Progressive forms of MS account for approximately 50% of all MS cases, highlighting the unmet medical need in this patient population [13]. - Recent failures of BTK inhibitors in clinical trials for MS further emphasize the demand for effective therapies like masitinib [14].

Core Insights - AllianceBernstein L.P. and AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. reported a preliminary increase in assets under management (AUM) to $867 billion in December 2025, up from $865 billion in November 2025, driven by market appreciation [1][2] - The firm experienced slightly negative total net flows for December, with strong inflows from Private Wealth and Institutional segments being offset by outflows from Retail [1] - For the quarter ending December 31, 2025, the firm reported preliminary firmwide net outflows of approximately $5.0 billion [1] Assets Under Management Breakdown - As of December 31, 2025, the total AUM was $867 billion, with the following breakdown: - Total Equity: $356 billion, consisting of: - Actively Managed: $278 billion - Passive: $78 billion - Total Fixed Income: $314 billion, consisting of: - Taxable: $213 billion - Tax-Exempt: $91 billion - Alternatives/Multi-Asset Solutions: $197 billion [2] - The AUM figures reflect a month-end increase of $2 billion, with total AUM at the end of November 2025 being $865 billion [1][2] Ownership Structure - As of December 31, 2025, AllianceBernstein Holding owned approximately 31.1% of AllianceBernstein, while Equitable Holdings, Inc. held an approximate 68.3% economic interest in AllianceBernstein [6]

Group 1 - AllianceBernstein L.P. and AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. will release their Fourth Quarter 2025 financial and operating results on February 5, 2026, before the market opens [1] - A teleconference to discuss the results will be held at 7:30 am (CT) on the same day, hosted by key executives including the CEO, President, and CFO [1] - The presentation for the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations website shortly after the results are released [2] Group 2 - As of September 30, 2025, AllianceBernstein Holding owned approximately 30.8% of AllianceBernstein, while Equitable Holdings, Inc. held an approximate 68.5% economic interest in AllianceBernstein [4] - AllianceBernstein is recognized as a leading global investment management firm, providing diversified investment services to institutional investors, individuals, and private wealth clients [3]

Core Viewpoint - AB Science reports a fourth consecutive positive response in a Phase 1 study for the combination of AB8939 and venetoclax in treating refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a very unfavorable genetic profile [2][3]. Summary by Sections Clinical Trial Results - The fourth patient treated with AB8939 (21.3 mg/m²) plus venetoclax for 14 days achieved a partial response, consistent with previous results from three other patients [2][3]. - The combination treatment has shown a 100% response rate (4 out of 4 patients), including one complete remission, one near complete response, and two partial responses [5]. Patient Profile and Treatment Context - The fourth patient had a complex karyotype with a monosomy of chromosome 5 and a TP53 mutation, indicating a very adverse risk profile [5][6]. - All four patients had difficult-to-treat cytogenetic profiles, which typically correlate with poor prognosis due to aggressive disease and treatment resistance [5]. Mechanism of Action - AB8939 destabilizes microtubules and targets cancer stem cells by inhibiting ALDH1A1 and ALDH2, which are essential for cancer cell survival [7][13]. - The combination of AB8939 and venetoclax is expected to have additive or synergistic effects, enhancing treatment efficacy against AML [17]. Future Development Plans - The next steps include completing the Phase 1 trial and launching an expansion study involving approximately 15 AML patients eligible for the AB8939 and venetoclax combination [14]. - AB Science is in discussions with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding potential registration studies for AB8939 in relapsed/refractory AML, with a market size potential exceeding EUR 2 billion annually [15][21]. Market and Competitive Landscape - The estimated market size for treatments targeting relapsed or refractory AML is projected to be over EUR 2 billion per annum, highlighting a significant unmet medical need [15]. - The combination of AB8939 and venetoclax is anticipated to be less toxic than existing treatments, positioning it favorably in the competitive landscape of AML therapies [17]. Intellectual Property and Regulatory Status - AB8939 has secured intellectual property rights until 2036, with potential extensions through additional patent applications [20]. - The drug has received orphan drug designation from both the EMA and FDA, granting it marketing exclusivity for 10 years in Europe and 7 years in the US [21].

Core Viewpoint - AB Science has received a formal patent grant in the United States for masitinib in the treatment of sickle cell disease, providing intellectual property protection until November 2040, which strengthens its portfolio for a treatment addressing a significant unmet medical need [1][2]. Group 1: Masitinib and Sickle Cell Disease - Masitinib is being developed to treat the most severe forms of sickle cell disease (SCD), which account for approximately 65% of cases, and poses a major public health challenge [1][2]. - Current treatment options for SCD, such as hydroxyurea and red blood cell transfusions, do not fully address the complications, indicating a high unmet medical need for effective therapies [6][10]. - The disease affects millions globally, with around 300,000 children born with SCD each year, and the number is projected to reach 400,000 by 2050 [4]. Group 2: Clinical Development and Funding - The clinical development of masitinib in SCD is part of the SICKMAST collaborative program, which is fully funded with 9.2 million euros, aiming to demonstrate efficacy in a phase 2 clinical trial [2][3]. - The phase 2 study is designed in two steps, focusing on identifying biomarkers and demonstrating the efficacy of masitinib in treating acute and chronic complications of SCD [3]. Group 3: Mechanism of Action - Masitinib targets mast cells, which play a critical role in severe forms of SCD and its complications, such as vaso-occlusive crises and acute chest syndrome [2][8]. - Preclinical studies have shown that masitinib provides a survival benefit in SCD mouse models, preventing vaso-occlusive crises and acute lung injury [2][8]. Group 4: Current Treatment Landscape - Existing treatments like allogeneic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy are limited to a minority of patients due to toxicity and high costs, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches [6][10]. - Anti-P-selectin antibodies and other previously considered treatments have failed to confirm efficacy, further emphasizing the demand for innovative solutions in managing SCD [7][10].

Core Viewpoint - AB Science SA has announced the initiation of coverage of its stock by Maxim Group, with a target price set at €4.00 per share [1][2]. Group 1: Coverage Initiation - Maxim Group has published a study titled "Mastering Mast Cell Inhibition for Neurodegenerative Diseases Starting with ALS," recommending a buy rating for AB Science's stock [2][3]. - The study emphasizes the promising benefits of masitinib across three neurodegenerative diseases, validating the mast cell inhibition approach [3]. Group 2: Financial Analyst Consensus - This initiation of coverage by Maxim Group completes the coverage of AB Science's stock, adding to the consensus from other financial analysts including Chardan, In Extenso Finance, and DNA Finance [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - AB Science, founded in 2001, specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) targeting diseases with high unmet medical needs [5]. - The company's lead compound, masitinib, is already registered for veterinary medicine and is being developed for human medicine in various fields including oncology and neurological diseases [6].

Core Viewpoint - AB Science has announced the identification and characterization of a novel small synthetic molecule, AB8939, as a promising drug candidate for treating refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and potentially other cancers [1] Group 1: Drug Candidate Characteristics - AB8939 is identified as a powerful compound with a dual mechanism of action, disrupting microtubule formation and inhibiting ALDH enzymes, which are linked to therapy resistance and the survival of leukemic stem cells [2][3] - The drug shows potential for treating high-risk AML cases, particularly those with complex karyotypes, MECOM rearrangements, and TP53 mutations [3] - AB8939 has demonstrated strong antiproliferative activity against various human cancer cell lines, especially hematopoietic cancers, with IC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range [4] Group 2: Mechanism of Action - AB8939 acts as a microtubule destabilizer by binding to the colchicine-binding site on β-tubulin, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis [4] - It also inhibits ALDH1 and ALDH2, which are often overexpressed in tumors and associated with cancer stem cells and therapy resistance [4] - The drug can overcome major mechanisms of drug resistance, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux and high β3-tubulin expression, allowing it to remain effective in resistant cancer cells [4] Group 3: Clinical Trials - AB8939 is currently being evaluated in a Phase I/II clinical trial (AB18001) for patients with refractory and relapsed AML, with regulatory approval received to initiate the third stage of the study [5][6] - The first two stages of the trial involved 28 and 13 patients, respectively, determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 21.3 mg/m² after both three and fourteen consecutive days of treatment [6] Group 4: Intellectual Property and Regulatory Status - AB Science retains full ownership of the intellectual property rights for AB8939, with protection extending until 2036 or even 2044 for specific uses [7][9] - The drug has received orphan drug designation from both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), granting marketing exclusivity for 10 years in Europe and 7 years in the US [10] Group 5: Preclinical Evidence - In preclinical models, AB8939 has shown significant inhibition of tumor growth and increased survival rates in Ara-C-resistant AML mouse models [12] - The drug effectively eradicated leukemic stem cells in patient-derived xenograft models, suggesting its potential to reduce the risk of disease relapse [12]