Lantern Pharma Reports on Q2: Clinical Trials & New AI Prediction Tools
Dallas-based Lantern Pharma reported Q2 2025 results, marking progress across its oncology pipeline and AI drug development platform. The company completed Phase 1a enrollment for LP-184 in 65 patients with solid tumors, set the maximum tolerated and recommended Phase 2 doses, and is preparing Phase 1b/2 studies in recurrent triple-negative breast cancer and bladder cancer. LP-284 recorded its first complete metabolic response in a refractory lymphoma patient, and LP-300 continued to show clinical activity in the HARMONIC trial for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
AI capabilities were expanded with the public launch of PredictBBB.ai and a new drug combination prediction module. Lantern ended the quarter with $15.9 million in cash, providing expected operating runway into June 2026.
LP-184 – Phase 1a Completed
The Phase 1a trial enrolled 65 patients across multiple solid tumor indications, including glioblastoma. Both maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) were determined. The FDA granted Fast Track designations for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and Rare Pediatric Disease designations for hepatoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant rhabdoid tumors, and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT).
Preclinical data from Johns Hopkins supported pediatric trial plans, with mouse ATRT models showing median survival improvements of 345% in CHLA06 (20 to 89 days) and 44% in BT37 (68 to 98 days). LP-184 is a next-generation acylfulvene small molecule prodrug activated by the PTGR1 (prostaglandin reductase 1) enzyme, which is overexpressed in certain cancers. Once activated, it produces cytotoxic metabolites that form DNA adducts, leading to irreparable DNA damage. LP-184 development for central nervous system cancers is conducted via Lantern’s Starlight Therapeutics subsidiary under the designation STAR-001.
LP-284 – First Complete Response
In its Phase 1a trial, LP-284 produced a complete metabolic response in a 41-year-old patient with Grade 3 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who had failed R-CHOP/Pola-R-CHP chemotherapy, CAR-T therapy, and bispecific antibody therapy. This is the first complete response reported with LP-284. The drug is designed to exploit synthetic lethal mechanisms in aggressive B-cell cancers, a global market estimated by Lantern to be at $4 billion annually. A European composition of matter patent allowance extends potential exclusivity through early 2039, complementing granted patents in the U.S. and Japan.
LP-300 – HARMONIC Trial Update
Following the previously reported completion of Japanese cohort enrollment, Lantern highlighted a complete response in a 70-year-old never-smoker with advanced NSCLC who had failed three prior treatment lines. Additional data from U.S. and Asian sites, including safety and efficacy from the Asian expansion cohort, are expected in September 2025.
AI Platform Innovations
Lantern launched PredictBBB.ai, an AI module for blood-brain barrier permeability prediction with reported 94% accuracy, 95% sensitivity, and 89% specificity, processing up to 100,000 molecules per hour. The company also introduced a drug combination prediction framework to identify synergistic oncology regimens, initially focused on DNA-damaging agents and DNA repair inhibitors. These tools expand Lantern’s RADR (Response Algorithm for Drug Positioning & Rescue) platform, which now leverages over 200 billion oncology-specific data points—up from 100 billion reported earlier in 2025—to accelerate drug development and support external collaborations.
Financial Results (Quarter Ended June 30, 2025)
- Cash, equivalents, securities: $15.9 million (vs. $24.0 million at Dec. 31, 2024)
- R&D expenses: $3.1 million (down from $3.9 million in Q2 2024)
- G&A expenses: $1.6 million (vs. $1.5 million in Q2 2024)
- Net loss: $4.33 million, or $0.40 per share (vs. $4.96 million, or $0.46 per share, in Q2 2024)
Topics: Startups & Deals
