New data demonstrating AZD4635,a novel A2A receptor antagonist,induces anti-tumor immunity alone & in combination with anti-PD-L1 in preclinical model

1 Sosei confirms new data demonstrating AZD4635, a novel A2A receptor antagonist, induces anti-tumor immunity alone and in combination with anti-PD-L1 in preclinical models New data presented at 2018 AACR Meeting Tokyo, Japan and London, UK, 18 April 2018 – Sosei Group Corporation (“Sosei” or the “Company”; TSE Mothers Index: 4565), the world leader in GPCR medicine design and development, announces that new preclinical data for AZD4635 was presented by AstraZeneca in a poster ( abstract 3751 ) yesterday at the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting, 17 April 2018; Chicago, IL, USA. AZD4635 is a potent and selective, orally available, small molecule adenosine A 2A receptor (A 2AR) antagonist . It was discovered by Sosei ’s wholly-owned subsidiary Heptares Therapeutics and AstraZeneca licensed exclusive global rights to the molecule in 2015. The poster is entitled “Inhibition of A2AR by AZD4635 induces anti-tumor immunity alone and in combination with anti -PD-L1 in preclinical models ,” and highlighted the following results: • Adenosine signalling through the A2AR results in a range of immunosuppressive effects which can promote tumour growth • AZD4635 is an oral , speci fic A2AR antagonist that is demonstrated to reverse adenosine mediated T cell suppression. • Treatment with AZD4635 alone and in combination with an anti -PD-L1 antibody led to a significant reduction in tumou r growth in syngeneic tumour models exhibiting both high and low levels of adenosine • These effects were absent in immune -deficient animals confirming the immune - mediated mechanism of action. Further exploration of target engagement by AZD4635 is ongoing. • These data suggest that AZD4635 has the potential t o restore immune responsiveness resulting in anti-tumour benefits alone and in combination with other cancer immunotherapies irrespective of the background tumour adenosine levels AZD4635 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial as a single agent and in combination with AstraZeneca’s anti-PD-L1 antibody IMFINZI® (durvalumab) in patients with solid malignancies (NCT02740985). -Ends- Notes to Editors About AZD4635 AZD4635 is a potent and selective, orally available, small molecule adenosine A 2A receptor (A2AR) antagonist discovered by Sosei subsidiary Heptares Therapeutics and licensed to 2 AstraZeneca in 2015. High levels of adenosine are found in tumour microenvironment s and benefit the progression of cancer . By activating the adenosine A2A receptor increased adenosine levels impair T -cell function and result in suppression of the host immune response. AZD4635 specifically blocks adenosine signalling via the A 2A receptor signalling resulting in increased immune respons iveness and potential to destroy cancer cells and decrease tumour burden, A2A receptor antagonism can therefore promote the anti -cancer response of T -cells within the tumour microenvironment, offering a novel mechanism of action as a mono- or combination therapy. About Sosei Sosei is an international biopharmaceutical company focused on the design and development of new medicines originating from its proprietary GPCR -targeted StaR® technology and structure- based drug design platform capabilities. The Company is advancing a broad and deep pipeli ne of partnered and wholly owned product candidates in multiple therapeutic areas, including CNS, cancer, metabolic diseases and other rare/specialty indications. The Company’s leading clinical programs include a proprietary Phase 2 candidate for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in Japan, together with partnered candidates aimed at the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (with Allergan) and immuno-oncology approaches to treat cancer (with AstraZeneca). Sosei’s additional partners and collaborators i nclude Novartis, Pfizer, Daiichi -Sankyo, PeptiDream, Kymab and MorphoSys. The Company is headquartered in Japan with R&D facilities in the UK. Sosei is listed on the Mothers Index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565). For more information, please visit http://www.sosei.com/en/. Contact information Chris Cargill, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications +44 (0)7912 892 199 [email protected] Harumi Banse, Corporate Communications (Japan) +81 3 5210 3399 [email protected] Citigate Dewe Rogerson (for International media) Mark Swallow, David Dible +44 (0)20 7638 9571 [email protected] Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward- looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development and commercialization of products. Various risks may cause Sosei’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward- looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialize products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requir ement for substantial funding to conduct research and develo pment and to expand commercializ ation activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward- looking statements. We disclaim any 3 intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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