CTOR Citius Oncology Inc

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 7, 2025

 

Citius Oncology, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

 

001-41534		99-4362660
(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

11 Commerce Drive, 1st Floor, Cranford, NJ		07016
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (908) 967-6677

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock		CTOR		The Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ☒

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

On January 7, 2025, Citius Oncology, Inc. issued a press release announcing significant progress in preparations for the commercial launch of LYMPHIR™, an innovative immunotherapy for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.		Description
99.1		Press release, dated January 7, 2025.
104		Cover Page Interactive Date File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

	CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC.
Date: January 7, 2025	/s/ Leonard Mazur
	Leonard Mazur
	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

2

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

Citius Pharmaceuticals and Citius Oncology Highlight LYMPHIR Commercial Launch Planned for the First Half of 2025

 

CRANFORD, N.J., January 7, 2025 – Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Citius Pharma” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CTXR) and its oncology-focused subsidiary, Citius Oncology (Nasdaq: CTOR), today announced significant progress in preparations for the commercial launch of LYMPHIR™, an innovative immunotherapy for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Management is focused on making LYMPHIR available to patients as quickly as possible, with preparations underway for launch in the first half of 2025.

 

“Since LYMPHIR’s approval in August 2024, we have worked diligently toward supporting its successful launch. We are making significant progress to finalize our manufacturing, marketing, reimbursement and sales efforts. This is a pivotal inflection point as we transition from clinical development to revenue generation. Our strategy not only focuses on a successful U.S. market penetration, but also includes exploring additional growth opportunities, including licensing partnerships in key international markets, for which discussions are underway, expanded indications for LYMPHIR, in addition to LYMPHIR’s potential as a combination immunotherapy. Our unwavering goal remains to deliver substantial value to patients, healthcare providers, and shareholders by bringing this innovative cancer treatment to market,” stated Leonard Mazur, Chairman and CEO of Citius Pharmaceuticals and Citius Oncology.

 

Key Launch Preparations and Activities:

 

●

Manufacturing Scale-Up and Supply Chain Optimization:

 

○

Secured commercial supply agreements with leading contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs).

 

○

First Year Launch Supply has been produced.

 

●

Healthcare Provider Engagement:

 

○

Rolled out targeted education programs aimed at oncologists, hematologists, and other key medical professionals.

 

○

Launched an information platform that offers clinical data, dosing guidelines, and safety information for healthcare providers.

 

 

●

Market Access and Reimbursement Efforts:

 

○

Working closely with payers and healthcare providers to secure reimbursement pathways that facilitate patient access.

 

○

Submitted an application for a unique J-code under the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) to streamline reimbursement processes.

 

○

Secured LYMPHIR’s inclusion in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, a key factor in influencing clinical decision-making and payer coverage in the U.S.

 

●

Patient Support Initiatives:

 

○

Designed a patient assistance program to help with financial support and access to LYMPHIR.

 

○

Developing a best-in-class patient services center to assist LYMPHIR patients with administrative and prescribing needs.

 

●

Marketing and Sales Initiatives:

 

○

Launched a core marketing campaign to raise awareness among healthcare providers, ensuring that top CTCL prescribers are informed of LYMPHIR’s availability.

 

○

Building an experienced specialized field sales team to partner with CTCL providers and office staff.

 

About LYMPHIR™ (denileukin diftitox-cxdl)

 

LYMPHIR is a targeted immune therapy for relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) indicated for use in Stage I-III disease after at least one prior systemic therapy. It is a recombinant fusion protein that combines the IL-2 receptor binding domain with diphtheria toxin fragments. The agent specifically binds to IL-2 receptors on the cell surface, causing diphtheria toxin fragments that have entered cells to inhibit protein synthesis. After uptake into the cell, the DT fragment is cleaved and the free DT fragments inhibit protein synthesis, resulting in cell death. Denileukin diftitox-cxdl demonstrated the ability to deplete immunosuppressive regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) and antitumor activity through a direct cytocidal action on IL-2R-expressing tumors.

 

In 2021, denileukin diftitox received regulatory approval in Japan for the treatment of CTCL and PTCL. Subsequently, in 2021, Citius acquired an exclusive license with rights to develop and commercialize LYMPHIR in all markets except for Japan and certain parts of Asia. LYMPHIR was approved by the FDA in August 2024.

 

 

About Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

 

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of cutaneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that comes in a variety of forms and is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma. In CTCL, T-cells, a type of lymphocyte that plays a role in the immune system, become cancerous and develop into skin lesions, leading to a decrease in the quality of life of patients with this disease due to severe pain and pruritus. Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) comprise the majority of CTCL cases. Depending on the type of CTCL, the disease may progress slowly and can take anywhere from several years to upwards of ten to potentially reach tumor stage. However, once the disease reaches this stage, the cancer is highly malignant and can spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs, resulting in a poor prognosis. Given the duration of the disease, patients typically cycle through multiple agents to control disease progression. CTCL affects men twice as often as women and is typically first diagnosed in patients between the ages of 50 and 60 years of age. Other than allogeneic stem cell transplantation, for which only a small fraction of patients qualify, there is currently no curative therapy for advanced CTCL.

 

INDICATION

 

LYMPHIR is an IL2-receptor-directed cytotoxin indicated for the treatment of adult patients with r/r Stage I-III cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

 

BOXED WARNING: CAPILLARY LEAK SYNDROME

 

Capillary leak syndrome (CLS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions, can occur in patients receiving LYMPHIR. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CLS during treatment. Withhold LYMPHIR until CLS resolves, or permanently discontinue based on severity.

 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

 

Capillary Leak Syndrome

 

LYMPHIR can cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions. CLS was defined in the clinical trials as the occurrence of at least 2 of the following symptoms at any time during LYMPHIR therapy: hypotension, edema, and serum albumin <3 g/dL. These symptoms were not required to occur simultaneously to be characterized as capillary leak syndrome.

 

As defined, CLS occurred in 27% of patients in the pooled population across 3 clinical trials, including 8% with Grade 3. There was one (0.8%) fatal occurrence of CLS. Of the patients with CLS, 22% had recurrence. The majority of CLS events (81%) occurred within the first 2 cycles of treatment. The median time to onset from Cycle 1, Day 1 was 6.5 days (range: 1 to 77), the median duration of CLS was 14 days (range: 2 to 40), and 75% of patients had resolution. The most common symptoms included edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hypotension. Pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and dehydration also occurred.

 

 

Regularly assess patients for weight gain, new onset or worsening of edema, dyspnea, and hypotension (including orthostatic changes). Monitor serum albumin levels prior to the initiation of each cycle of therapy and more often as clinically indicated.

 

Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity. If LYMPHIR is withheld, resume LYMPHIR following resolution of CLS and when serum albumin is greater than or equal to 3 g/dL.

 

Visual Impairment

 

LYMPHIR can cause serious visual impairment, including changes in visual acuity and color vision. In the pooled population across 3 clinical trials, visual impairment occurred in 9%, with Grade 1 in 8% and Grade 2 in 1%. The most commonly reported symptom was blurred vision. Of the patients with visual impairment, 67% had resolution of their visual impairment.

 

Perform baseline ophthalmic examination and monitor as clinically indicated. If patients experience symptoms of visual impairment, such as changes in visual acuity, changes in color vision, or blurred vision, refer for ophthalmologic evaluation.

 

Withhold LYMPHIR until visual impairment resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

 

Infusion-Related Reactions

 

LYMPHIR can cause serious infusion-related reactions. Infusion-related reactions were reported in 69% of patients in the pooled population across 3 clinical trials of patients who received LYMPHIR, with Grade 3 infusion-related reactions in 3.4% [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Eighty-three percent of infusion-related reactions occurred in Cycles 1 and 2. The most common symptoms included nausea, fatigue, chills, musculoskeletal pain, vomiting, fever, and arthralgia.

 

Premedicate patients for the first three cycles prior to starting a LYMPHIR infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Monitor patients frequently during infusion. For Grade 2 or higher infusion reactions, premedicate at least 30 minutes prior to each subsequent infusion with a systemic steroid for at least 3 cycles.

 

Interrupt or discontinue LYMPHIR based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Institute appropriate medical management.

 

 

Hepatotoxicity

 

LYMPHIR can cause hepatotoxicity. In the pooled safety population, elevated ALT occurred in 70% of patients, with Grade 3 ALT occurring in 22%; elevated AST occurred in 64% of patients, with Grade 3 AST elevation occurring in 9%. For Grade 3 events, median time to onset was 8 days (range: 1 to 15 days); median time to resolution was 15 days (range: 7 to 50 days); all cases of Grade 3 ALT or AST elevations resolved [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Elevated total bilirubin occurred in 5% of patients, with Grade 3 occurring in 0.9%.

 

Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin at baseline and during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue LYMPHIR based on severity.

 

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

 

Based on its mechanism of action, LYMPHIR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of LYMPHIR. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 days following the last dose of LYMPHIR.

 

ADVERSE REACTIONS

 

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%), including laboratory abnormalities, are increased transaminases, albumin decreased, nausea, edema, hemoglobin decreased, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, rash, chills, constipation, pyrexia, and capillary leak syndrome

 

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

 

Pregnancy

 

Risk Summary

 

Based on its mechanism of action, LYMPHIR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on the use of LYMPHIR in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk. No animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have been conducted with denileukin diftitox.

 

Denileukin diftitox-cxdl causes depletion of regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg), immune activation, and capillary leak syndrome, compromising pregnancy maintenance. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

 

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

 

 

Lactation

 

Risk Summary

 

No data are available regarding the presence of denileukin diftitox-cxdl in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with LYMPHIR and for 7 days after the last dose.

 

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

 

Based on its mechanism of action, LYMPHIR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

 

Pregnancy Testing

 

Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LYMPHIR.

 

Contraception

 

Females

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LYMPHIR and for 7 days after the last dose.

 

Infertility

 

Males

Based on findings in rats, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with. The reversibility of the effect on fertility is unknown.

 

Pediatric Use

 

Safety and effectiveness of LYMPHIR in pediatric patients have not been established.

 

Geriatric Use

 

Of the 69 patients with Stage I-III r/r CTCL who received LYMPHIR, 34 patients (49%) were 65 years of age and older and 10 patients (14%) were 75 years of age and older. Clinical studies of LYMPHIR did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.

 

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Citius Pharmaceuticals at 1-844-459-6744.

 

Please read Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, for LYMPHIR™.

 

 

About Citius Oncology, Inc.

 

Citius Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTOR) is a platform to develop and commercialize novel targeted oncology therapies. In August 2024, its primary asset, LYMPHIR, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory CTCL who had had at least one prior systemic therapy. Management estimates the initial market for LYMPHIR currently exceeds $400 million, is growing, and is underserved by existing therapies. Robust intellectual property protections that span orphan drug designation, complex technology, trade secrets and pending patents for immuno-oncology use as a combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors would further support Citius Oncology’s competitive positioning. For more information, please visit www.citiusonc.com.

 

About Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 

Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTXR) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of first-in-class critical care products. In August 2024, the FDA approved LYMPHIR, a targeted immunotherapy for an initial indication in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Citius Pharma’s late-stage pipeline also includes Mino-Lok^®, an antibiotic lock solution to salvage catheters in patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections, and CITI-002 (Halo-Lido), a topical formulation for the relief of hemorrhoids. A Pivotal Phase 3 Trial for Mino-Lok and a Phase 2b trial for Halo-Lido were completed in 2023. Mino-Lok met primary and secondary endpoints of its Phase 3 Trial. Citius is actively engaged with the FDA to outline next steps for both programs. Citius Pharmaceuticals owns 92% of Citius Oncology. For more information, please visit www.citiuspharma.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Citius Pharma or Citius Oncology. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,” “should,” and “may” and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, and, unless noted otherwise, that apply to Citius Pharma and Citius Oncology, are: our ability to commercialize LYMPHIR and any of our other product candidates that may be approved by the FDA; our need for substantial additional funds; the estimated markets for our product candidates and the acceptance thereof by any market; the ability of our product candidates to impact the quality of life of our target patient populations; risks relating to the results of research and development activities, including those from our existing and any new pipeline assets; our dependence on third-party suppliers; our ability to procure cGMP commercial-scale supply; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical testing; the early stage of products under development; market and other conditions; risks related to our growth strategy; patent and intellectual property matters; our ability to identify, acquire, close and integrate product candidates and companies successfully and on a timely basis; government regulation; competition; as well as other risks described in our SEC filings. These risks have been and may be further impacted by any future public health risks. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Risks regarding our business are described in detail in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including in Citius Oncology’s and Citius Pharma’s Annual Reports on Forms 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on December 27, 2024, as updated by our subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

 

Investor Contact:

 

Ilanit Allen

ir@citiuspharma.com

908-967-6677 x113

 

Media Contact:

 

STiR-communications

Greg Salsburg

Greg@STiR-communications.com

 

 

7

 

v3.24.4

Cover	Jan. 07, 2025
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
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Document Period End Date	Jan. 07, 2025
Entity File Number	001-41534
Entity Registrant Name	Citius Oncology, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001851484
Entity Tax Identification Number	99-4362660
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Address Line One	11 Commerce Drive
Entity Address, Address Line Two	1st Floor
Entity Address, City or Town	Cranford
Entity Address, State or Province	NJ
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	07016
City Area Code	908
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Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	CTOR
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period	false

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