CEO Abizer Gaslightwala discusses the Company&#39;s strategic partnership with WuXi XDC and its implications for platform validation and development acceleration  Company highlights accelerated IND timeline for AKTX-101 and

AKTX

Akari Therapeutics Participates in Virtual Investor "What This Means" Interview Discussing Strategic Partnership with WuXi XDC

Akari Therapeutics Partners with WuXi XDC to Advance AKTX-101 Development

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>CEO Abizer Gaslightwala discusses the Company&amp;#39;s strategic partnership with WuXi XDC and its implications for platform validation and development acceleration  Company highlights accelerated IND timeline for AKTX-101 and</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Akari Therapeutics has formed a strategic partnership with WuXi XDC to enhance its antibody drug conjugate (ADC) development capabilities. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the IND filing timeline for AKTX-101 to late 2026, positioning the company strongly within the evolving ADC market landscape and reducing execution risks for clinical studies.</p>
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  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Akari partners with WuXi XDC for ADC platform development.</li><li>IND filing for AKTX-101 is accelerated to late 2026.</li><li>Dialogue showcases partnership validating Akari&#039;s PH1 payload platform.</li><li>Increased ADC market activity noted, enhances Akari&#039;s positioning.</li><li>AKTX-101 aims for first-in-human studies by early 2027.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>WuXi XDC (N/A)</strong>: Partnership enhances Akari&#039;s ADC development efficiency and reduces timeline risk.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This announcement falls under &#039;Corporate Developments&#039; as it represents a critical partnership that directly impacts Akari&#039;s development capabilities and strategic positioning within the biotechnology sector.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Accelerated IND timeline could attract investor interest and boost stock price.</li><li>Strategic partnership validates Akari&#039;s technology, potentially impacting future funding rounds.</li><li>Market activity in the ADC space may catalyze shares around upcoming milestones.</li><li>Clinical study success will drive longer-term valuation and investor confidence.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>AKTX-101 targets Trop2 with the PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload.</li><li>First-in-human clinical trials for AKTX-101 aim to start by early 2027.</li><li>Partnership with WuXi XDC enhances ADC development and manufacturing capabilities.</li><li>IND filing for AKTX-101 is anticipated in late 2026.</li><li>Company specializes in antibody drug conjugates for oncology applications.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Consider AKTX as a buy with potential near-term appreciation leading up to IND submission.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/styles/gnw_nitf.css"></link><p align="center"><em>CEO Abizer Gaslightwala discusses the Company's strategic partnership with WuXi XDC and its implications for platform validation and development acceleration</em></p>  <p align="center"><em>Company highlights accelerated IND timeline for AKTX-101 and positioning within the rapidly evolving ADC landscape</em></p>  <p align="center"><em>Watch the "What This Means" video </em><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=a5-QnmqLYlUGJFlPrJ4DaZz03BbN4F_x_zSbFVA0ppmCTnbYX6zvp6ppwH0V7oc3Fkj5iNMTl_4X6T_SySzoySvi-qCTiih-GVMDLqNE4zg=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></p>  <p align="justify">TAMPA and LONDON, April  09, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: <strong>AKTX</strong>), an oncology biotechnology company developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with novel RNA splicing modulating payloads, today announced that Abizer Gaslightwala, Director, President and CEO of Akari Therapeutics, participated in a <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=aQli50INhtvFv0lgg6bkAGhgOcYte9eCGNtO2BVW6V8nptJJaLhrkxyJXtVXfFookI8cNGGUC_W2rKhYQUTJ5n-dHPmiYNAMbFG9G0VCylVQuSR8ul47uqnLhrbtaKWXQO3GCKMO7aXQ_lDFtjomqw==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Virtual Investor "What This Means" interview</a> focused on the Company's recently announced strategic partnership with <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Rg08qaH_0ISRXNt3_kuTET_EueSlg2G6wK-37nBpsyhIord7PO0gKzlQLdBcnCrNsdRxbWxXlmHT-8KPML0dAA==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WuXi XDC</a>.</p>  <p align="justify">As part of the segment, Mr. Gaslightwala discussed how the strategic partnership with WuXi XDC, a global leader in ADC development and manufacturing, represents an important milestone for Akari and further validates its novel PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload platform. The discussion highlighted how the relationship extends beyond a traditional CDMO engagement, supporting Akari's ability to efficiently advance its ADC programs and strengthen execution across development.</p>  <p align="justify">Mr. Gaslightwala also addressed how the partnership is expected to accelerate the development timeline of Akari's lead program, AKTX-101, with an anticipated IND filing in late 2026. The segment explored how the collaboration enhances Akari's development capabilities, reduces execution risk, and establishes a clearer path toward first-in-human clinical studies.</p>  <p align="justify">In addition, the discussion provided perspective on the broader ADC market, including increasing deal activity and recent large-scale transactions, and how Akari's strategic partnership positions the Company within this evolving landscape. The segment also touched on Akari's long-term development strategy and potential partnering opportunities as it continues to advance its platform.</p>  <p align="justify">The Virtual Investor "What This Means" segment featuring Akari Therapeutics is now available <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=a5-QnmqLYlUGJFlPrJ4DaQjxWDC5_FMVlK6TukPvG5JgI5JKKsCs5uck1mJvsPCGp_2c1teZX8_l8qFWb1gwW0aOYJAt0iKNdrxyhFfXpVw=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>  <p align="justify"><strong>About Akari Therapeutics </strong><br></br>Akari Therapeutics is an oncology biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with a unique payload, PH1, which targets RNA splicing. Utilizing its innovative ADC discovery platform, the Company has the ability to generate ADC candidates and optimize them based on the desired application to any antigen target of interest. Akari's lead candidate, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells with a proprietary linker, enabling it to deliver its novel PH1 payload directly into the tumor with minimal off-target effects. Unlike current ADCs that use microtubule inhibitors and DNA damaging agents as their payloads, PH1 is a novel payload that is a spliceosome modulator designed to disrupt RNA splicing within cancer cells. This splicing modulation has been shown in preclinical animal models to induce cancer cell death while activating both the innate and adaptive immune systems to drive robust and durable activity. In preclinical studies, AKTX-101 has shown to have significant activity and prolonged survival relative to ADCs with traditional payloads. Additionally, AKTX-101 has the potential to be synergistic with checkpoint inhibitors and has demonstrated prolonged survival as both a single agent and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors. The PH1 payload has also been demonstrated to be very active against cancer cells with key oncogenic drivers such as KRAS, BRAF, ARV7, FGFR3 fusions, and others. The Company has initiated IND enabling studies for AKTX-101 with a goal of starting its First-In-Human trial by late 2026/early 2027. Akari is also developing AKTX-102, an ADC candidate targeting CEACAM5 (Carcinoembryonic Antigen-related Cell Adhesion Molecule-5), a well-validated tumor antigen broadly expressed across multiple solid tumors. AKTX-102 is designed to leverage Akari's proprietary PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload and a novel antibody construct to enable differentiated tumor cell killing and immune activation.</p>  <p align="justify">For more information about the Company, please visit <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=WhALsQE27REn2le9ysq1VBBHEMvsBAUpa3yMfcVhzzRChIBkodq_NkIoz9-RdzNgt6pa5CvagA6VqH4zrvR1TR4_yfDrVbQ9f9ccK0O77Wk=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.akaritx.com</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=7jDhjAqGadnTZxhDMsHqHMp3gZG2vn5utyl26eve9NZOQu_aLKQ7PFORdc0MRwRYPeGqBrt2RmHsZ7TEjAJKPA==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">X</a> and <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=fkBq_bolfLJlncLEwnC1CPNTKS7MZZ4WV8CAAkYDXsYTA2H292f5B_zF13Fi1GqfTeDTATW3XJBgtjam_NU29-b6f6qK8bHLCfMJf1uox-Y=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.</p>  <p align="justify"><strong>Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements </strong><br></br><br></br>This press release includes express or implied forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, about the Company that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of the Company. Actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "future," "opportunity" "will likely result," "target," variations of such words, and similar expressions or negatives of these words are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding the ability of the Company to advance its product candidates for the treatment of cancer and any other diseases, and ultimately bring therapies to patients. These statements are based on the Company's current plans, estimates and projections. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific. A number of important factors, including those described in this communication, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect future results and may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include, without limitation: the Company's need for additional capital; the potential impact of unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, costs, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition and losses on the future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the business; risks related to global as well as local political and economic conditions, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; potential delays or failures related to research and/or development of the Company's programs or product candidates; risks related to any loss of the Company's patents or other intellectual property rights; any interruptions of the supply chain for raw materials or manufacturing for the Company's product candidates, including as a result of potential tariffs; the nature, timing, cost and possible success and therapeutic applications of product candidates being developed by the Company and/or its collaborators or licensees; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by the Company, and/or its collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of the Company's product candidates; risks related to competition for the Company's product candidates; and the Company's ability to successfully develop or commercialize its product candidates. While the foregoing list of factors presented here is considered representative, no list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC's website at <a href="http://www.sec.gov" title="www.sec.gov">www.sec.gov</a>. The Company assumes no, and hereby disclaims any, obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release except as required by law.</p>  <p align="justify"><strong>Investor Relations Contact </strong></p>  <p align="justify">JTC Team, LLC <br></br>Jenene Thomas <br></br>908-824-0775 <br></br><u><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=dEZVf2B54gdiiPo4RW0gJGyjWrSS7Cgt3gcYFp58fipJAP2n3oikwllpMWM8r2nnryY5LOO88YMfUY6amwj0NA==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AKTX@jtcir.com</a></u>   </p> <img alt="" class="__GNW8366DE3E__IMG" src="https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=OTY4NjcxOSM3NTI2OTE0IzIwMjAyNjM="></img> <br></br><img alt="" src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/YzliYzA2ZWUtZWUxNi00MzgyLWJmZjEtMjI4YzBlZWI4YjBlLTEwMzE4MzUtMjAyNi0wNC0wOS1lbg==/tiny/Akari-Therapeutics-Plc.png" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></img><p><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d978f50-07a9-40a3-be69-45f51ccd94d9"><img src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/8d978f50-07a9-40a3-be69-45f51ccd94d9/small/akari-logo-1-jpg.jpg" border="0" width="150" height="130" alt="Primary Logo"></img></a></p>

Akari Therapeutics has formed a strategic partnership with WuXi XDC to enhance its antibody drug conjugate (ADC) development capabilities. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the IND filing timeline for AKTX-101 to late 2026, positioning the company strongly within the evolving ADC market landscape and reducing execution risks for clinical studies.

Akari Therapeutics Participates in Virtual Investor "What This Means" Interview Discussing Strategic Partnership with WuXi XDC

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