Aileron Therapeutics to be Included in the Russell Microcap® Index

Company Overview - Aileron Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing first-in-class medicines for orphan pulmonary and fibrosis indications [4] - The lead product candidate, LTI-03, is a synthetic peptide targeting alveolar epithelial cell survival and inhibiting profibrotic signaling, currently in a Phase 1b clinical trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [4] - Aileron's second product candidate, LTI-01, has completed Phase 1b and Phase 2a trials for loculated pleural effusions and has received Orphan Drug Designation in the US and EU, as well as Fast Track Designation in the US [4] Market Position - Aileron is set to join the Russell Microcap® Index effective July 1, 2024, which reflects the company's market capitalization and growth potential [1][2] - Membership in the Russell Microcap® Index provides automatic inclusion in relevant growth and value style indexes, enhancing visibility among investment managers and institutional investors [1][2] Clinical Progress - The inclusion in the Russell Microcap Index is seen as a significant milestone, indicative of the clinical progress made with LTI-03, particularly positive data from Cohort 1 of the Phase 1b trial [2] - The trial reported statistically significant biomarker movement in three out of eight markers, suggesting LTI-03's potential to improve lung function and alter the disease course [2] Industry Context - Russell indexes are widely utilized by investment managers and institutional investors, serving as benchmarks for approximately $10.5 trillion in assets as of December 2023 [2] - FTSE Russell, the provider of these indexes, is recognized for its comprehensive range of reliable and accurate indexes that assist investors in measuring and benchmarking market performance [5]