SAN DIEGO, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calidi Biotherapeutics, Inc. (“Calidi” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: CLDI), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of targeted therapies with the potential to deliver genetic medicines to distal sites of disease, today announced the entry into a definitive agreement for the immediate exercise of certain outstanding Series A, Series B-1, Series C-1, Series D, Series E and Series F Warrants (the “Existing Warrants”) to purchase up to ...

Core Viewpoint - Calidi Biotherapeutics is undergoing significant transformation in leadership, focus, and financial management, aiming to advance its innovative oncology therapies, particularly the RedTail platform, which shows promise in delivering genetic medicines to metastatic cancer sites [1][3][7]. Company Developments - The appointment of Eric Poma as CEO in April 2025 marks a new leadership direction, with a focus on advancing therapeutic approaches in oncology [2]. - Dr. Guy Travis Clifton has been appointed as Chief Medical Officer, enhancing the company's expertise in clinical program advancement and regulatory strategy [2]. R&D Pipeline Progress - The RedTail platform is highlighted as a key focus, utilizing an engineered enveloped virus for systemic delivery of genetic medicines to metastatic cancer sites, representing over a decade of research [3][9]. - Recent preclinical data indicates that RedTail demonstrates potent tumor-selective targeting and improved anti-tumor immune modulation, differentiating it in the oncology market [4]. Strategic Partnerships - The company is actively seeking partnerships with leading biopharmaceutical firms to accelerate the development and commercialization of therapies, which could enhance market reach and shareholder value [4]. Future Milestones - The roadmap for the next 18 months includes completing IND-enabling studies for the lead candidate CLD-401, with an IND filing anticipated by the end of 2026 [5]. - An IND for the SuperNova virotherapy (CLD-201) was opened in April 2025, with Phase I trials expected to start by the end of 2025 [6]. Financial Management - As of Q1 2025, the company reported approximately $10.6 million in cash, with efforts to reduce costs and lower the burn rate while retiring most of its debt [7].

Core Insights - Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing systemic oncolytic targeted immunotherapies, with its lead candidate CLD-401 presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Innovation - Calidi has developed an enveloped form of its proprietary oncolytic virus that shows greater resistance to immune clearance, enhancing systemic delivery and efficacy in pre-clinical models [2] - The novel genetic modification in CLD-401 incorporates a chimeric CD55 receptor into the virus envelope, which inhibits complement-mediated clearance, improving the virus's stability in circulation [2][4] - The RedTail platform allows for the delivery of genetic payloads directly into the tumor microenvironment, with CLD-401 expressing an IL-15 superagonist to activate and expand natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells [3][4] Group 2: Strategic Development - Calidi is conducting IND-enabling studies for CLD-401 and plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the second half of 2026 [4] - The company is actively seeking strategic partnerships to accelerate clinical development and enhance the impact of its RedTail platform [4][6] - The lead candidate targets non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and other tumor types with high unmet medical needs [7]

Core Insights - Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. reported its first quarter 2025 operating and financial results, highlighting advancements in its systemic oncolytic targeted immunotherapy platform, Redtail [1][3] Company Developments - The management team has been strengthened with the appointment of Eric Poma, PhD, as CEO and Guy Travis Clifton, MD, as Chief Medical Officer, both bringing extensive biopharmaceutical experience [4][5] - The company selected IL15-superagonist as the first payload for its lead candidate using the Redtail platform, with an Investigational New Drug (IND) filing expected in the second half of 2026 [4] - The FDA cleared the IND application for CLD-201, an allogeneic stem cell-based immunotherapy targeting solid tumors, including breast cancer, head & neck cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma [4][6] Financial Performance - For Q1 2025, Calidi reported a net loss of $5.0 million, or $0.18 per share, an improvement from a net loss of $7.2 million, or $2.03 per share, in Q1 2024 [7][15] - Research and development expenses decreased to $2.4 million in Q1 2025 from $2.7 million in the same period in 2024 [7] - General and administrative expenses also declined to $2.6 million in Q1 2025 from $4.0 million in Q1 2024 [8] Cash Position - As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $10.6 million in cash, an increase from $9.6 million as of December 31, 2024 [8][13]