Helix BioPharma Corp. Announces Grant and Cancellation of Stock Options

Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX:HBP, OTC PINK:HBPCD, FRANKFURT:HBP0), a clinical-stage oncology company, announced today that its board of directors has granted 1,297,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers, employees, and consultants under its equity compensation plan. Each option is exercisable to acquire one common share at $1.63 per share for five years from the grant date, subject to vesting provisions. This move aligns with the company's strategy to incentivize key personnel as it advances its oncology pipeline.

Simultaneously, the company canceled an aggregate of 2,200,000 incentive stock options previously granted on July 19, 2024, to a director. These options had an exercise price of $1.10 per share and were set to expire on July 19, 2029. The director did not receive any new options under the current grant. The cancellation may reflect a shift in compensation strategy or the director's personal circumstances.

The grants and cancellations are part of Helix's ongoing efforts to manage its equity compensation while focusing on its core business: developing treatments for hard-to-treat cancers. Helix's lead candidate, Tumor Defense Breaker L-DOS47, is an antibody-enzyme conjugate targeting CEACAM6-expressing tumors, having completed Phase Ib studies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The company is also advancing next-generation bi-specific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) based on the same targeting foundation.

Additionally, Helix has two pre-IND candidates: LEUMUNA, an oral immune checkpoint modulator for post-transplant leukemia relapse, and GEMCEDA, an oral gemcitabine prodrug with bioavailability comparable to IV administration, designed to expand treatment options for advanced cancers. These candidates highlight Helix's commitment to innovative therapies addressing significant unmet medical needs.

The stock option adjustments do not directly impact the company's clinical programs but signal management's confidence in future value. Investors may view the cancellation of options with a lower exercise price as a positive, reducing potential dilution. However, the new grants at a higher price reflect current market conditions.

Helix's forward-looking statements caution that actual results may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in its filings on SEDAR+. The company's ability to execute its strategy depends on successful clinical development, regulatory approvals, and market adoption.

For more information, visit Helix's website at https://www.helixbiopharma.com/.