Therma Bright's InStatin targets COPD with INS-102

Mr. Rob Fia reports THERMA BRIGHT INC. INVESTEE COMPANY, INSTATIN EXPANDS ITS INHALED STATIN PROGRAMS TO INCLUDE COPD (CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE) AS ITS LEAD INDICATION. Therma Bright Inc. has provided an update on investee company, InStatin. InStatin, a biotechnology company developing inhaled statin therapies for respiratory diseases, today reported significant progress from June, 2024, through December, 2025, despite a challenging investment climate. The company has refined its clinical strategy, advanced its lead molecule, and expanded its leadership and advisory teams. "Despite capital headwinds, we have made disciplined and meaningful progress across our pipeline, team and strategy," said InStatin's chief executive officer, Andy Clark. "Our decision to expand our focus to include COPD as a lead indication and continue to include asthma in our development plans, reflects a clear path to addressing two major unmet needs with the same dosing and product, and the promising preclinical data for INS-102 gives us strong momentum heading into 2026." Key developments: Focus on COPD: Following input from its expanded clinical advisory board, InStatin has designated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as its lead clinical indication for inhaled statin therapy, based on clear unmet medical and commercial need. New lead molecule: Preclinical studies identified INS-102 as the company's new lead statin candidate, demonstrating improved pharmacokinetics (PK) and longer lung residence time compared with earlier candidates. A proprietary dry powder formulation has undergone PK testing successfully in animals. Dr. Amir Zeki, chief scientific and medical officer, commented: "Transitioning to INS-102 was a data-driven decision. It enhances lung retention profile in preclinical models and positions us well for clinical studies. Ongoing preclinical studies will further elucidate its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory potential relevant to both asthma and COPD." Team growth: InStatin has added two senior executives: Samantha Miller (corporate development) and Johanna Sporrer (clinical and translational medicine). The advisory board has been strengthened with the addition of Prof. Sir Peter Barnes, Prof. Gunther Hochhaus and Dr. Jeffry Weers. "We are honoured to welcome world-class advisers and talented executives to our team," said the chief executive officer. "Their deep expertise in pulmonary drug development and clinical strategy is invaluable as we advance our lead candidate toward the clinic." Clinical and CMC progress: Detailed clinical development plans for COPD and asthma are now in place. An agreement is being pursued with Kindeva Drug Delivery to develop nebulizer and pMDI formulations, with deferred payment until funding is secured. Intellectual property: In addition to two licensed patents under international examination, InStatin has filed a new provisional patent on novel inhaled statin formulations invented by Dr. Jeffrey Weers. The IP team is actively prosecuting these assets. Fundraising and visibility: InStatin continues to pursue a $35-million funding round in 2026 to advance to proof-of-concept clinical studies. The company will present at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in January, 2026, the RESI Conference, and the UC Davis Biotech Innovation Gallery. It was also featured at the Respiratory Innovation Summit during the American Thoracic Society Conference in May, 2025. "We are actively engaging with investors to secure the capital needed to reach clinical proof of concept," said Samantha Miller, head of corporate development. "Presenting at premier health care investment conferences provides an excellent platform to share our story and progress with the investment community." Looking ahead: InStatin remains focused on advancing its inhaled statin therapy toward clinical proof of concept in COPD and asthma, leveraging a strengthened team, clear clinical strategy and continuing investor engagement. About InStatin InStatin is a preclinical-stage biotech company dedicated to repurposing statins for inhaled delivery to treat inflammatory respiratory diseases, beginning with COPD and asthma. Therma Bright is pleased to report the progress at InStatin. InStatin remains committed to advancing toward clinical trials and realizing its potential to address significant unmet needs in the treatment of respiratory diseases. About Therma Bright Inc. Therma Bright develops and partners on cutting-edge diagnostic and medical device technologies that address key health care challenges. We seek Safe Harbor.