Karolinska Development’s portfolio company Dilafor recruits first patient to Phase 2a study of tafoxiparin in women diagnosed with preeclampsia

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – October 27, 2021. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) announces today that the portfolio company Dilafor, a drug development company focusing on the development of tafoxiparin for obstetric indications, has enrolled the first patient in a clinical Phase 2a study with tafoxiparin in pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Dilafor has now enrolled the first patient in a Phase 2a pilot study that will investigate whether treatment with subcutaneously administered tafoxiparin can improve the outcome of preeclampsia. To explore the treatment efficacy and clinical benefit, ultrasound examinations of the mother and fetus as well as measurment of a panel of established biomarkers for preeclampsia will be performed.

The exploratory, open label, randomized, parallel-group, Phase 2a pilot study will evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of daily subcutaneous tafoxiparin treatment from the time of diagnosis for up to 4 weeks. The study is planned to include 23 pregnant women in 26 to 34 weeks of gestation who are diagnosed with preeclampsia. The pregnant women will be randomized to either subcutaneous injection of tafoxiparin and standard of care or only standard of care, which is usually symptomatic treatment with anti-hypertensive drugs.

“The unmet medical need in preeclampsia is enormous, and due to the complexity of the condition it remains a signficant hurdle in women’s health and obstretics. We welcome Dilafor’s initiative to investigate the potential of tafoxiparin in this challenging medical condition and are looking forward to take part of the Phase 2a study results", comments Viktor Drvota, CEO of Karolinska Development.

Preeclampsia is diagnosed in 5–8% of all pregnant women globally and can lead to severe fetal and maternal complications. One third of cases are severe in degree with extreme risk of preterm birth and maternal and fetal sequela. Long-term vascular complications, including stroke and cardiovascular problems, are reported early in life in women with a history of preeclampsia. The condition consistently remains among the top three causes of maternal death in both high-income and low-income countries.

Karolinska Development's direct ownership in Dilafor amounts to 1% and indirect ownership interest via KDev Investment in Dilafor amounts to 30%.

For further information, please contact:

Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com

Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

TO THE EDITORS

About Karolinska Development AB

Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients' lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

Karolinska Development has a portfolio of ten companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

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• KD Dilafor start phase 2a ENG 27 Oct

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