Athira Pharma(US:ATHA) Benzinga·2026-01-09 12:00Core Viewpoint - Athira Pharma, Inc. has rebranded as LeonaBio, Inc. to reflect its strategic focus on developing lasofoxifene for metastatic breast cancer treatment, currently in Phase 3 trials [1][2] Company Overview - LeonaBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapeutics for diseases with high unmet medical needs, including metastatic breast cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [10] - The company aims to advance a pipeline of late-stage assets to maximize clinical and commercial impact [2] Name and Ticker Change - The name change to LeonaBio symbolizes strength and resilience, aligning with the company's mission to support patients facing serious diseases [2] - The new ticker symbol "LONA" will be effective on January 12, 2026, on The Nasdaq Capital Market [1] Lead Drug Candidates - Lasofoxifene and ATH-1105 are the lead drug candidates, targeting treatment-resistant metastatic breast cancer and ALS, respectively [3][10] - Lasofoxifene is in a Phase 3 trial (ELAINE-3) with over 50% enrollment, and data is expected in mid-2027 [3][6] Licensing and Financing - LeonaBio secured an exclusive global license for lasofoxifene from Sermonix Pharmaceuticals, excluding Asia and certain Middle Eastern countries [4] - The company raised $90 million through a private placement, with potential additional funding of up to $146 million from warrants, to support lasofoxifene's development [4] Drug Candidate Details - Lasofoxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) designed to target both wild-type and mutant estrogen receptors, addressing a critical unmet need in metastatic breast cancer [5] - ATH-1105 is a next-generation small molecule aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases, currently in Phase 1 trials with plans for a Phase 2 trial in ALS patients in early 2026 [7][8]