TG Therapeutics Reports Global Collaboration with Checkpoint Therapeutics for Development, Commercialization of Novel Immuno-Oncology Targeted Antibodies

TG Therapeutics, Inc.(Nasdaq: TGTX), announced today an agreement with Checkpoint Therapeutics,Inc., a newly formed subsidiary of Coronado Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNDO) todevelop and commercialize Checkpoint's fully human anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITRantibody research programs in the field of hematological malignancies. Checkpoint will develop and commercialize these antibodies in solidtumors. The antibodies were generated in the laboratory of Dr. Wayne Marasco,MD, PhD, a Professor in the Department of Cancer Immunology and AIDs atDana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber). Both programs are currently inpre-clinical development and are anticipated to enter the clinic in 2016. Under the terms of the agreement, TG Therapeutics will make an up-frontpayment as well as make development and sales-based milestone payments andwill pay a tiered single digit royalty on net sales.Mr. Michael S. Weiss, Executive Chairman, Interim CEO and President stated,"We are very excited to add Dr. Marasco's anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITR programs toour growing portfolio of agents targeting hematological malignancies. Dr.Marasco is a recognized world expert in human antibody engineering and one ofthe pioneers of immunotherapy and we look forward to his continued involvementand guidance as Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of our new partner,Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc." Mr. Weiss continued, "Checkpoint inhibitors andother immuno-oncology targeted agents have already demonstrated the ability totransform the way we treat cancer by unlocking the immune system, offering thepromise of deep and durable remissions. While the recent introduction of noveltargeted agents has already revolutionized the way we treat hematologicalmalignancies, we at TG believe that incorporation of immuno-therapy will proveto be a second paradigm-shift in the treatment of these diseases, and it isour goal to be at the forefront leading this charge. As we've said previously,we will continue to build our portfolio to optimize our combination approachto provide the best possible outcomes to patients with B-cell malignancieswithout the need to use harsh chemotherapy, ideally pushing toward a cure. Itis believed that these two antibodies can work synergistically together and webelieve that adding them to the already marked activity we are seeing with ourproprietary combination of TG-1101 and TGR-1202 across CLL and NHL couldgreatly enhance the therapeutic benefit to patients with hematologicalmalignancies. Our goal is to advance both of these antibodies into the clinicin the second half of next year."