UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

April 13, 2020

(Commission File No. 001-38475)

 

ASLAN PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED

(REG. NO. 289175)

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

CAYMAN ISLANDS

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

83 CLEMENCEAU AVENUE

#12-03 UE SQUARE

SINGAPORE 239920

(Address of registrant’s principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  ☒ Form 40-F  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101 (b) (1):

    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101 (b) (7):

    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

 

 

 

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Announcement of the temporary pause in the recruitment of new patients into ASLAN004 study due to COVID-19

 

On April 13, 2020, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited issued a press release announcing that recruitment of new patients into its randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multiple ascending dose (MAD) study of ASLAN004 in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis has been paused in light of recently imposed government restrictions in Singapore to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). ASLAN does not currently expect these measures to materially affect the projected timelines for the readout of interim, unblinded data later this year.

 

ASLAN intends to resume screening as soon as government restrictions are lifted and is taking steps to open sites in Australia to accelerate recruitment. The study remains on track to report interim, unblinded data from all 3 dose cohorts in MAD study in 3Q 2020.

A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

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, thereto duly authorized.

 

Date: April 13, 2020

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

ASLAN PHARMACEUTICALS TEMPORARILY PAUSES RECRUITMENT OF NEW PATIENTS INTO ASLAN004 STUDY DUE TO COVID-19

 

Singapore, 13 April 2020 – ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ASLN, TPEx:6497), a clinical-stage immunology and oncology focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients, today announced that recruitment of new patients into its randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multiple ascending dose (MAD) study of ASLAN004 in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis has been paused in light of recently imposed government restrictions in Singapore to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). ASLAN does not currently expect these measures to materially affect the projected timelines for the readout of interim, unblinded data later this year.

 

ASLAN was recruiting patients into the second of three dose cohorts. Clinical studies in Singapore, other than those related to COVID-19, have paused recruitment in line with the recent restrictions on movement of the public to contain the spread of COVID-19. ASLAN intends to resume screening of new patients as soon as these restrictions are lifted, which is currently due to take place on 4 May 2020.

 

In parallel, ASLAN has identified several clinical sites in Australia, which could join the study mid-year to accelerate recruitment.

 

Dr Carl Firth, Chief Executive Officer, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, said: “It is vital that hospitals and other medical services focus their limited resources on helping the millions affected by COVID-19. We are hopeful that by taking these necessary measures, the outbreak will soon be brought under control and we can resume our studies safely.

 

Ends

 

Media and IR contacts

 

 

 

 

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About ASLAN Pharmaceuticals

ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:ASLN, TPEx:6497) is a clinical-stage immunology and oncology focused biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments to transform the lives of patients. Led by a senior management team with extensive experience in global development and commercialisation, ASLAN has a clinical portfolio comprised of a first in class monoclonal therapy, ASLAN004, that is being developed in atopic dermatitis and other immunology indications, and a small molecule inhibitor targeting oncology. ASLAN’s partners include Almirall, Array BioPharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and CSL. For additional information please visit www.aslanpharma.com.

 

Forward looking statements

This release and the accompanying financial information, if any, contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the management of ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Limited and/or its affiliates (the "Company"). These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, the Company’s plans to develop and commercialise its product candidates, the safety and efficacy of the Company’s product candidates, the Company’s plans and expected timing with respect to regulatory filings and approvals, and the size and growth potential of the markets for the Company’s product candidates. The Company’s estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company’s business, strategy, operations or financial performance, and inherently involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation the risk factors described in the Company’s US Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001-38475), including the Company’s prospectus dated May 8, 2018 filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on such date.

 

All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “might,” “could,” “will,” “aim,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements. Estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any estimate, projection or forward-looking statement.