Akari Therapeutics Announces Significant ADS Ratio Change and Provides Oncology Pipeline Update

Key Highlights

• Akari Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AKTX) to change its American Depositary Share (ADS) ratio from 1 ADS = 2,000 ordinary shares to 1 ADS = 80,000 ordinary shares.
• The change is intended to help maintain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirements.
• Effective date for the new ratio is March 31, 2026.
• Shareholders must exchange every forty (40) current ADSs for one (1) new ADS.
• Fractional ADS entitlements will not be issued; proceeds from aggregation and sale of fractions will be distributed to holders.
• No change to the number of underlying ordinary shares; trading symbol remains AKTX.
• Akari provides an update on its innovative oncology pipeline featuring next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with a novel RNA splice modulating payload (PH1).
• Lead candidate AKTX-101, targeting Trop2, is advancing toward First-In-Human trials by late 2026/early 2027.
• Second ADC candidate, AKTX-102, targets CEACAM5, an antigen broadly expressed in multiple solid tumors.

Details of the ADS Ratio Change

Akari Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on oncology and listed on NASDAQ (AKTX), announced a major change to its ADS structure. The company will revise the ratio of its American Depositary Shares from the current 1 ADS representing 2,000 ordinary shares to a new ratio of 1 ADS representing 80,000 ordinary shares. This change is scheduled to take effect on March 31, 2026.

The primary purpose of this adjustment is to enable Akari to remain compliant with the minimum bid price requirements for continued listing on Nasdaq. On the effective date, all ADS holders will need to exchange every forty (40) old ADSs for one (1) new ADS. Deutsche Bank, the depositary bank, will coordinate this exchange on behalf of shareholders.

Importantly, there will be no change to the total number of Akari’s underlying ordinary shares. The company’s ADSs will continue to trade under the ticker symbol “AKTX”. No fractional new ADSs will be issued. Instead, all fractional entitlements will be aggregated and sold, with the net cash proceeds (after deductions for fees, taxes, and expenses) distributed to the affected ADS holders.

Implications for Shareholders

• This ratio change is a price-sensitive event as it may impact the trading price of AKTX ADSs and is designed to help the company avoid delisting due to Nasdaq’s minimum bid rule.
• Shareholders should be aware that the actual price performance post-ratio change is not guaranteed, and the company has explicitly stated it can give no assurances about future ADS price performance.
• Holders should monitor their positions closely and consult with their brokers or financial advisers regarding the exchange process and potential tax implications.

Oncology Pipeline Update

Alongside the corporate action, Akari provided an update on its cutting-edge oncology pipeline:

• Akari is developing next-generation ADCs with a proprietary payload, PH1, designed to target RNA splicing within cancer cells. This is a differentiator from typical ADCs, which often use tubulin inhibitors or DNA damaging agents.
• The lead candidate, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor and utilizes Akari’s proprietary linker to deliver the PH1 payload directly to tumors with minimal off-target effects.
• In preclinical animal models, AKTX-101 showed significant activity and prolonged survival compared to standard ADCs. It also demonstrated synergy with checkpoint inhibitors, promising both as a solo agent and in combination therapies.
• PH1 has been effective against cancer cells with key oncogenic drivers such as KRAS, BRAF, ARV7, and FGFR3 fusions.
• Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling studies for AKTX-101 are underway, with First-In-Human trials targeted for late 2026 or early 2027.
• Akari’s second candidate, AKTX-102, targets CEACAM5, a well-validated tumor antigen present in multiple solid tumors, leveraging the same PH1 payload for enhanced tumor cell killing and immune activation.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risks

Investors should note that this announcement contains forward-looking statements regarding the anticipated ADS ratio change, the company’s strategic goals, pipeline progress, and future trials. These statements are subject to numerous risks, including the need for additional capital, potential delays in R&D, regulatory uncertainties, competitive threats, and macroeconomic volatility. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the company’s forward-looking statements.

For further information, investors can visit www.akaritx.com and connect with Akari Therapeutics on X and LinkedIn.

Contact Information

Investor Relations Contact:
JTC Team, LLC
Jenene Thomas
908-824-0775
[email protected]

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with professional advisers before making any investment decisions. The information herein is based on company press releases and may contain forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected.

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