Aethlon Medical(US:AEMD)2026-02-12 22:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of December 31, 2025, the company had a cash balance of approximately $7 million [13] - Consolidated operating expenses for Q3 2026 were approximately $2.06 million, an increase of $250,000 or 13.6% compared to the same period last year [13] - The operating loss for the quarter increased to $2.06 million compared to $1.81 million in the prior year period [13] - For the nine-month period, operating expenses decreased significantly to $5.36 million, down $1.98 million or 27% from $7.34 million last year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is advancing its Hemopurifier platform while maintaining disciplined cost control, with ongoing enrollment in the Australian oncology trial [5] - The second cohort of the oncology trial has seen two patients treated with Hemopurifier, with a third patient expected to be treated by the end of February [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - There has been an uptick in the number of interested potential participants in the Australian oncology trial since contracting with TrialFax and Dedicated for recruitment [8] - The trial is designed to examine the number of Hemopurifier treatments needed to decrease extracellular vesicle concentrations and improve immune response against tumor cells [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing the Hemopurifier platform and exploring its compatibility with a simplified blood treatment system, which could enhance clinical and commercial flexibility [5][10] - Aethlon Medical is also exploring the potential of the Hemopurifier in treating conditions beyond oncology, including Long COVID and other diseases associated with extracellular vesicles [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ongoing progress in the Australian oncology trial and the potential for the Hemopurifier to be integrated into oncology units and infusion centers, reducing invasiveness for patients [22][24] - The company is committed to cost containment while advancing its research and development efforts, particularly in the context of Long COVID [26] Other Important Information - The scientific rationale and full design of the Australian oncology trial have been published in a peer-reviewed journal, indicating the company's commitment to transparency and scientific rigor [10] - The next earnings call for the fiscal fourth quarter is scheduled to coincide with the filing of the annual report in June 2026 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on Cohort 2 treatment duration - Management confirmed that participants in Cohort 2 will receive two Hemopurifier treatments, maintaining the same follow-up period as Cohort 1 [19] Question: Impact of SLAMB system on treatment administration - The SLAMB system is expected to simplify the administration of Hemopurifier treatments, making it less invasive for patients and easier for hospital staff [22][24] Question: Cost-effective approach in R&D - Management emphasized the importance of cost containment while advancing research, focusing on in-house work and limiting external lab involvement [26] Question: Timeline for Data Safety Monitoring Board's decision - Management anticipates a decision from the Data Safety Monitoring Board on whether to advance to the third cohort on the same day or the next business day after the meeting [34] Question: Need for Cohort 3 - Management believes it is essential to conduct Cohort 3 to fully assess the efficacy of three treatments, based on historical data suggesting that more treatments may yield better results [60] Question: Regulatory hurdles for SLAMB system integration - The SLAMB system is not yet approved, and the company will need to conduct safety tests and treatments before integration with the Hemopurifier [45]