Empathy in Medicine Initiative Announces Student Chapter Program to Empower High School and College Students in Healthcare Leadership




Empathy in Medicine Initiative Announces Student Chapter Program to Empower High School and College Students in Healthcare Leadership

EMI launches Student Chapter Program to support students in starting empathy-focused healthcare clubs and community projects

Empathy in Medicine Initiative (EMI) Image

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Empathy in Medicine Initiative (EMI) today announces the launch of its Student Chapter Program, a timely opportunity for high school and college students to engage in structured, empathy-centered activities in healthcare. This initiative comes at a time when students are increasingly seeking meaningful extracurriculars for premed preparation, leadership experiences, and community service opportunities. The program enables students to start EMI chapters in their schools, offering practical resources to implement workshops, events, and community projects focused on empathy in medicine.

Founded by Kevin Lin, a student at Great Neck South High School in Great Neck, New York, EMI is a student-led nonprofit dedicated to fostering empathy and communication in healthcare. The Student Chapter Program is designed to provide students with a structured and ethical framework to lead initiatives, create measurable impact, and develop skills that are crucial for future healthcare professionals.

Practical Resources to Launch Chapters

The Student Chapter Program equips students with comprehensive tools and resources to make establishing and managing a chapter straightforward and effective. Resources include detailed meeting and event guides that provide step-by-step instructions and templates for organizing workshops, events, and discussion sessions that prioritize empathy in healthcare communication. Students also receive communication scripts and training materials designed to help them facilitate exercises that develop active listening, compassionate communication, and patient-centered understanding. In addition, community project toolkits offer clear guidance on planning and implementing community-based service projects that promote awareness and education on empathy in medicine.

These resources aim to reduce the challenges students often face when trying to start healthcare-related clubs, providing a practical roadmap to start a medical/healthcare club while maintaining ethical standards and measurable outcomes.

Demonstrated Demand Among Students

EMI’s platform currently serves 233 registered users and has received 73 chapter applications, with 69 pending or under review, demonstrating strong interest among students seeking structured, impactful ways to engage with healthcare and develop leadership skills. This traction illustrates the growing demand for organized programs that enable young people to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of empathy in medicine.

“Too many students want to do meaningful healthcare-related service and leadership, but they do not have a clear structure to start,” said Kevin Lin, founder of the Empathy in Medicine Initiative and a student at Great Neck South High School in Great Neck, New York. “Our chapter program gives high school and college students a practical toolkit to launch empathy-focused clubs and projects that create measurable impact in their schools and communities.”

Why the Program Matters Now

The launch of the Student Chapter Program comes at a moment when healthcare communication and empathy are increasingly recognized as essential skills for future healthcare providers. While many students are motivated to pursue premed paths and healthcare service, they often lack structured avenues to explore these interests. EMI’s program addresses this gap by providing a scalable, ethical framework that fosters leadership, service, and measurable impact in student communities.

Through the program, students can document their initiatives and outcomes, demonstrating their commitment to patient-centered communication and leadership in healthcare. This approach not only benefits their personal and academic development but also strengthens the broader healthcare community by emphasizing the importance of empathy and communication skills in medical practice.

Empathy-Focused Chapter Activities

EMI chapters are designed to be adaptable to the unique needs of each school and community. Activities include communication skills workshops where students learn techniques for active listening, empathetic dialogue, and effective communication with peers and community members. Chapters may also host empathy-centered events such as seminars, speaker sessions, or interactive exercises that highlight the role of empathy in patient care. Additionally, students can organize community service and education projects in collaboration with local healthcare organizations, schools, or nonprofits to raise awareness about compassionate healthcare practices.

By providing these opportunities, EMI ensures that chapters can operate with meaningful structure while cultivating skills that are essential for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Leadership, Service, and Measurable Impact

The Student Chapter Program not only fosters skill development but also allows students to take on leadership roles, organize meaningful initiatives, and track the impact of their activities. Students gain organizational and leadership experience while managing a student-led chapter, participate in projects that generate tangible outcomes in schools and local communities, document their activities for college applications or premed extracurricular portfolios, and contribute to building a culture of empathy in healthcare that extends beyond the classroom.

These elements combine to provide a unique platform where students can learn, lead, and make a measurable difference, reinforcing the relevance of empathy in medicine as a core value in healthcare education and practice.

A Timely Initiative for Students

With the increasing emphasis on empathy, communication, and leadership in premedical and healthcare education, EMI’s launch of the Student Chapter Program represents a timely announcement for students seeking meaningful engagement. The initiative addresses a growing need among young people for structured, practical ways to contribute to healthcare-related service and leadership while cultivating skills that will be essential throughout their professional journeys.

“This program provides a pathway for students who are passionate about healthcare and service but don’t know where to start,” said Kevin Lin. “By offering a structured toolkit and clear guidance, EMI enables students to launch initiatives that have real impact, not just for their own growth, but for the communities they serve.”

How to Get Involved

Students interested in starting a chapter, accessing resources, or applying to participate can visit https://empathyinmedicine.org/. EMI offers guidance throughout the application process and ongoing support as chapters develop, grow, and execute their programs.

About the Empathy in Medicine Initiative (EMI)

Founded by Kevin Lin, a student at Great Neck South High School in Great Neck, New York, the Empathy in Medicine Initiative is a student-led nonprofit committed to promoting empathy and communication in healthcare. EMI provides students with practical resources, leadership opportunities, and structured programs that foster measurable impact in healthcare-related initiatives. Through the Student Chapter Program, EMI supports high school and college students in developing critical skills, contributing to their communities, and preparing for careers in medicine and healthcare.

The organization emphasizes that empathy in medicine is not just a professional skill, but a vital component of community health and patient well-being. EMI’s programs provide students with the tools, structure, and mentorship necessary to integrate these values into real-world projects, helping shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Media Contact:
Empathy in Medicine Initiative (EMI)
Kevin Lin
contact@empathyinmedicine.org
https://empathyinmedicine.org/Home

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/17e7ceeb-5f8c-4f5b-b534-1a8f946687ae

Linnaeus Therapeutics Awarded Up to $22 Million from ARPA-H to Advance LNS8801 for Healthspan Preservation




Linnaeus Therapeutics Awarded Up to $22 Million from ARPA-H to Advance LNS8801 for Healthspan Preservation

ARPA-H PROSPR program to support accelerated development of LNS8801 to promote healthy aging

HADDONFIELD, N.J., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Linnaeus Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held company focused on the development and commercialization of small molecule therapeutics for diseases of aging, today announced it has been awarded a contract of up to $22 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). As part of the PROactive Solutions for Prolonging Resilience (PROSPR) program, Linnaeus will advance its lead drug-candidate, LNS8801, for the preservation of healthspan.

This award will support a multiphase translational PROSPR research program designed to accelerate the development and evaluation of interventions that maintain physical and cognitive function and delay age-associated functional decline. The program will assess whether activation of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) with LNS8801 can preserve Intrinsic Capacity, defined as the integrated physical and cognitive abilities that underpin independence and resilience later in life.

“Real-world data suggesting that women experience more favorable outcomes compared to men across multiple diseases of aging inspires our work at Linnaeus,” said Christopher Natale, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Linnaeus Therapeutics and Principal Investigator on the award. “The PROSPR program will support studies that directly assess whether LNS8801 can preserve Intrinsic Capacity and improve healthspan.”

LNS8801 is a first-in-class, only-in-class, oral, selective agonist of GPER with clinical evidence of biological activity across multiple physiological systems implicated in age-related functional decline and cancer. Under the PROSPR program, Linnaeus will conduct preclinical aging studies followed by a randomized clinical study in healthy older adults. These efforts will incorporate functional assessments, physiological and molecular biomarkers, and emerging measures of biological aging to enable efficient evaluation of healthspan-related outcomes.

The program builds on prior clinical experience with LNS8801 in oncology, where more than 100 patients have been treated in a phase 1/2 study. In this study, LNS8801 demonstrated an exceptional safety and tolerability profile. Clinical data strongly suggest improved survival in patients with cancer, as well as clinically meaningful improvements in cardiometabolic measures, including LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, Hb1AC, and weight loss. These data support further investigation of LNS8801 in multiple diseases of aging.

“LNS8801 has a mechanism of action expected to provide benefits in multiple organ systems,” said Patrick Mooney, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Linnaeus Therapeutics. “ARPA-H’s evaluation of our data and subsequent award validates the promise of LNS8801 to potentially prevent diseases of aging and will enable a rigorous program to translate that promise into clinically meaningful improvements in healthspan-predictive outcomes.”

“Since cardiometabolic health naturally declines with age, the preliminary data suggesting LNS8801 improves these in humans is compelling,” says Andrew Brack, ARPA-H Program Manager and creator of the PROSPR program. “That’s why we’re excited to see whether this treatment will improve Intrinsic Capacity and healthspan.”

This ARPA-H–supported work could establish a new preventive approach to medicine, preserving function and independence, rather than treating age-related diseases after decline has occurred. There are significant potential benefits for public health and healthcare sustainability.

About LNS8801

LNS8801 is an orally bioavailable, highly selective agonist of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). In preclinical studies, GPER activation by LNS8801 has demonstrated activity across multiple biological pathways relevant to cancer, cardiometabolic health, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and tissue resilience.

In ongoing clinical studies in patients with advanced cancers, LNS8801 monotherapy has been safe and well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed. Clinical data have demonstrated target engagement and evidence of clinical activity, and a predictive biomarker associated with response has been identified. These findings, together with emerging cardiometabolic observations in patients treated with LNS8801, support continued evaluation of LNS8801 beyond oncology.

About Linnaeus Therapeutics

Linnaeus Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel small-molecule therapeutics targeting G protein-coupled receptors. The company was founded based on discoveries originating at the University of Pennsylvania and launched in partnership with the UPstart incubator at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Center for Innovation (PCI). Linnaeus is supported by Kairos Ventures, Penn Medicine Co-Investment Fund at the University of Pennsylvania, and GenHenn Capital. Linnaeus is advancing LNS8801 across oncology and emerging healthspan-related indications through an integrated translational and clinical development strategy.

Media Contact:
Sarah Hall
6 Degrees
(215) 313-5638
shall@6degreespr.com

Research in carrot and cherry crops to strengthen local food security




Research in carrot and cherry crops to strengthen local food security

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As climate change continues to disrupt Canada’s agricultural stability, Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) is funding two research collaborations to protect the future of our food. By applying genomic data to the early stages of carrot and cherry breeding, researchers will help BC growers to adapt and stay competitive in a rapidly changing environmental and economic climate.

“Pairing genomic tools with grower and sector insights cuts years off the timeline to climate-ready crops,” says Dr. Federica Di Palma, Genome BC’s Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Research and Innovation. “These projects will strengthen local food security and ensure a more resilient economy for British Columbia.”

Cultivating new cherry varieties

British Columbia produces 95% of Canada’s cherries. In 2024, the country exported more than 1,000 metric tons of cherries, valued at over $12 million. However, recent production declines due to extreme weather events are seriously impacting the industry.

A solution is to breed new cherry varieties with stable production under the shifting environmental pressures in the region. Traditional methods of cultivation, however, can take up to 30 years, a timeline that is simply too slow for today’s climate reality.

A collaboration between Dr. Letitia Da Ros, a genomics research scientist from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), and Erin Wallich, an Intellectual Property Manager from Summerland Varieties Corp. is using genomics to dramatically shorten this timeframe.

The team at AAFC will validate new genomic technologies that can induce early flowering and shorten the decades-long breeding process. They believe that this can lead to greater access to new varieties that can adapt to a rapidly changing climate.

“We are hoping for new varieties bred to handle regional stress, even during temperature extremes,” states Dr. Da Ros, the project’s Lead Researcher, “while also working toward staggered fruit production to ensure cherries are available throughout the growing season.”

Wallich brings expertise in commercialization to the table. “Currently, 36 cherry varieties grown worldwide are Canadian Intellectual Property, generating millions of dollars in royalties each year. These revenues are reinvested into new technologies, variety development and commercialization efforts that help to maintain BC’s competitive edge globally.”

Seeding local knowledge into local carrots

This project aims to increase seed diversity and provide BC carrot growers with varieties that are suitable for BC’s organic growing conditions and climate. It is led by Professor Loren Rieseberg from the University of British Columbia and Aabir Dey from SeedChange, a charitable nonprofit that supports farmers and seed research projects worldwide.

This team will identify genetic markers in wild and traditional varieties of carrots that are associated with the adaptation to various stresses, including water shortages, heat and low-nutrient soils. These markers will be used to improve locally developed carrot varieties, making the plants better at handling stress, such as extreme temperature or drought.

Through SeedChange, the researchers partner with the Canadian Organic Vegetable Project, a network of farmers and seed growers who will participate in the breeding process and provide feedback based on their experiences. This connection also reduces the lag between varietal release and adoption.

“We’re making the most of the inherent knowledge that local farmers have and want them to lead in variety development,” Dey says. “They know what works best on their farms and the flavour and appearance traits that contribute to marketability. We will assess their feedback alongside characteristics like yield, weed competition and how seeds germinate.”

Ultimately, the team wants to provide better seed choices to growers based on location. Using varieties suited to specific regions and environments can reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides, thus supporting the growing organics industry in BC.

“Most vegetable seeds used in Canada are bred internationally,” explains Professor Rieseberg. “This is an opportunity to increase our local breeding capacity, give BC a competitive edge and reduce our reliance on international suppliers.”

These collaborations represent a vital investment in local food security, boosting the provincial economy by helping BC growers produce the resilient crops needed for tomorrow.

About Genome British Columbia

Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years, growing a world-class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1.1 billion in direct co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding more than 600 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public.

Contact:
Genie Tay, Communications Specialist, Genome BC 
gtay@genomebc.ca 
604.895.0663 

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals to Participate in the Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference




Catalyst Pharmaceuticals to Participate in the Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Catalyst” or “Company”) (Nasdaq: CPRX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on in-licensing, developing, and commercializing novel medicines for patients living with rare and difficult-to-treat diseases, today announced that Rich Daly, President and CEO of Catalyst, along with other members of Catalyst’s management team, will participate in the upcoming Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, being held in Miami, Florida.

Presentation Details
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Presentation: 3:30 PM ET
Webcast Link

The webcast will be available under the Investors section on the Company’s website, www.catalystpharma.com, and a replay will be available for at least 30 days.

About Catalyst Pharmaceuticals
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPRX) is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of patients with rare diseases. With a proven track record of bringing life-changing treatments to the market, we focus on in-licensing, commercializing, and developing innovative therapies. Guided by our deep commitment to patient care, we prioritize accessibility, ensuring patients receive the care they need through a comprehensive suite of support services designed to provide seamless access and ongoing assistance. Catalyst maintains a well-established U.S. presence, which remains the cornerstone of our commercial strategy, while continuously evaluating strategic opportunities to expand our global footprint. Catalyst, headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Most Successful Company in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and on the 2025 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list as one of North America’s Fastest-Growing Companies.

For more information, please visit Catalyst’s website at www.catalystpharma.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Catalyst’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. A number of factors, including those factors described in Catalyst’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2024 and its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), could adversely affect Catalyst. Copies of Catalyst’s filings with the SEC are available from the SEC, may be found on Catalyst’s website, or may be obtained upon request from Catalyst. Catalyst does not undertake any obligation to update the information contained herein, which speaks only as of this date.

Source: Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

CONTACT: Contact information:

Investor Contact
Melissa Kendis, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(305) 420-3200
IR@catalystpharma.com

Media Contact
Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D., Russo Partners, LLC
(646) 249-6817
Ignacio.Guerrero-Ros@russopartnersllc.com   

Kyverna Therapeutics Appoints Biotech Leaders Sravan Emany and Andrew Miller to Board of Directors




Kyverna Therapeutics Appoints Biotech Leaders Sravan Emany and Andrew Miller to Board of Directors

Sravan Emany brings capital markets and commercial-stage, rare disease expertise as the Company advances towards commercialization

Andrew Miller adds deep clinical development and product approval experience to support Kyverna’s next phase of growth

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases, today announced the appointments of Sravan K. Emany and Andrew Miller, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Emany will assume the role of Audit Committee Chair, following the transition of Dan Spiegelman from this position, who has stepped down from the Board.

“We are pleased to welcome Sravan and Andrew to our Board of Directors at a pivotal moment in Kyverna’s evolution,” said Warner Biddle, Chief Executive Officer of Kyverna Therapeutics. “Sravan brings decades of financial and strategic leadership, with experience building and scaling rare disease cell and gene companies for commercial success. Additionally, Andrew has a proven track record as an R&D and operational leader across every stage of a company’s lifecycle. I look forward to working closely with both of them as we lead the advancement of autoimmune CAR T and position Kyverna for long-term success.”

“Sravan and Andrew strengthen the Board as Kyverna enters its next phase of growth, bringing experience in capital strategy, clinical development, and operations to support long-term value creation,” said Christi Shaw, Executive Chair of Kyverna Therapeutics. “I would also like to thank Dan Spiegelman for his contributions during Kyverna’s formative years.”

Mr. Emany is an accomplished financial leader, currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Beam Therapeutics. Prior to this role, Mr. Emany served as the CFO and Chief Operating Officer at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. Earlier, he served as Corporate Vice President, Commercial Excellence and Chief Strategy Officer of Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation. Mr. Emany also has a long tenure in investment banking, with roles of increasing responsibility at Bank of America and BofA Securities, formerly Bank of America Merrill Lynch, culminating in his service as Managing Director in the mergers and acquisitions group, where he led numerous mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare sector. He also served in various other financial roles, including with Goldman Sachs Group and Morgan Stanley. Mr. Emany currently serves on the Board of Directors of Assertio Holdings, Inc. He holds an M.A. in International Relations and International Economics from The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a B.A. in International Relations from The Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Miller is a highly accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with expertise in research and development and corporate strategy. Dr. Miller was recently named to Time Magazine’s 100 Next Generation Leaders and 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2025. Most recently, Dr. Miller was the Founder and President of R&D at Karuna Therapeutics prior to its $14B acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2024. He was the lead inventor of Karuna’s KarXT, now marketed as COBENFY for treatment of schizophrenia, and previously served as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer and as a member of Karuna’s Board of Directors. Dr. Miller currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at Progentos Therapeutics and as an advisor to Google Ventures, General Atlantic, Vida Ventures, Longwood Fund and the One Mind Foundation. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

About Kyverna Therapeutics
Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on liberating autoimmune patients through the curative potential of cell therapy. Kyverna’s lead autologous CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy candidate, miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101), has demonstrated the potential to fundamentally change the treatment paradigm across multiple B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Kyverna is advancing its potentially first-in-class neuroimmunology franchise with its recently completed registrational trial in stiff person syndrome and an ongoing registrational trial for generalized myasthenia gravis. The Company is also harnessing other KYSA trials and investigator-initiated trials, including in multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, to inform the next priority indications. Additionally, its next generation pipeline includes CAR T-cell therapies deploying novel innovations to improve patient access and experience. For more information, please visit https://kyvernatx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” The words, without limitation, “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these or similar identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, those related to: Board transition matters; Kyverna’s growth; Kyverna’s ability to lead the advancement of autoimmune CAR T; the potential for long term success and value creation; Kyverna’s advancement towards commercialization; and Kyverna’s potentially first-in-class neuroimmunology franchise. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including uncertainties related to market conditions, the possibility that the past track records of Kyverna and its personnel may not be repeated or indicative of future success and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Kyverna’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that Kyverna has filed or may subsequently file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the current expectations of Kyverna’s management team and speak only as of the date hereof, and Kyverna specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information, please visit https://kyvernatx.com.

Contact:
Investors: InvestorRelations@kyvernatx.com
Media: media@kyvernatx.com

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals to Participate in the Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference




Catalyst Pharmaceuticals to Participate in the Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Catalyst” or “Company”) (Nasdaq: CPRX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on in-licensing, developing, and commercializing novel medicines for patients living with rare and difficult-to-treat diseases, today announced that Rich Daly, President and CEO of Catalyst, along with other members of Catalyst’s management team, will participate in the upcoming Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, being held in Miami, Florida.

Presentation Details
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Presentation: 3:30 PM ET
Webcast Link

The webcast will be available under the Investors section on the Company’s website, www.catalystpharma.com, and a replay will be available for at least 30 days.

About Catalyst Pharmaceuticals
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPRX) is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of patients with rare diseases. With a proven track record of bringing life-changing treatments to the market, we focus on in-licensing, commercializing, and developing innovative therapies. Guided by our deep commitment to patient care, we prioritize accessibility, ensuring patients receive the care they need through a comprehensive suite of support services designed to provide seamless access and ongoing assistance. Catalyst maintains a well-established U.S. presence, which remains the cornerstone of our commercial strategy, while continuously evaluating strategic opportunities to expand our global footprint. Catalyst, headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Most Successful Company in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and on the 2025 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list as one of North America’s Fastest-Growing Companies.

For more information, please visit Catalyst’s website at www.catalystpharma.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Catalyst’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. A number of factors, including those factors described in Catalyst’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2024 and its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), could adversely affect Catalyst. Copies of Catalyst’s filings with the SEC are available from the SEC, may be found on Catalyst’s website, or may be obtained upon request from Catalyst. Catalyst does not undertake any obligation to update the information contained herein, which speaks only as of this date.

Source: Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

CONTACT: Contact information:

Investor Contact
Melissa Kendis, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(305) 420-3200
IR@catalystpharma.com

Media Contact
Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D., Russo Partners, LLC
(646) 249-6817
Ignacio.Guerrero-Ros@russopartnersllc.com   

Artiva Biotherapeutics Announces Appointment of Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer and Award of Inducement Grant




Artiva Biotherapeutics Announces Appointment of Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer and Award of Inducement Grant

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTV) (Artiva), a clinical-stage biotechnology company whose mission is to develop effective, safe and accessible cell therapies for patients with devastating autoimmune diseases and cancers, today announced the appointment of Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Huston brings proven expertise in capital allocation, operational execution and global commercialization to support Artiva as it advances AlloNK in autoimmune diseases and continues building an organization positioned for long-term value creation.

“We are delighted to welcome Thad to Artiva as he brings strong late-stage development and commercial expertise to our leadership team,” said Fred Aslan, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Artiva Biotherapeutics. “AlloNK has the potential to deliver deep B-cell depletion with biologics-like convenience. This is an important time for Artiva as we prepare to receive feedback from the FDA on a potential pivotal trial and share clinical efficacy data in rheumatoid arthritis in the first half of this year. Thad brings a valuable combination of financial discipline, operational rigor and commercial insight as we approach key clinical and regulatory milestones.”

“I’ve seen firsthand both the clinical impact and complexity of traditional cell therapies,” said Mr. Huston. “What excites me about AlloNK is its potential to deliver deep B-cell depletion in a consistent, scalable, outpatient-ready format with improved cost efficiency and broader reach. I look forward to partnering with the team as we advance AlloNK in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases and position Artiva for sustained growth.”

Mr. Huston has more than 30 years of global leadership experience spanning finance, commercial strategy, business development and operations across public companies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices. Most recently, he served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Galapagos, where he led finance, commercial, operations, quality, IT and business development through the company’s strategic transition to an oncology-focused cell therapy organization. Previously, he led finance and IT at Kite Pharma, where he drove strategic planning and operational initiatives to support growth and profitability. He has also held senior leadership roles at LivaNova and Johnson & Johnson, including group chief financial officer responsibilities in medical devices and finance leadership roles across international markets. Mr. Huston holds a B.S. in finance from Pennsylvania State University and is a certified management accountant.

Inducement Grant
In connection with the appointment of Mr. Huston as Artiva’s Chief Financial Officer, Artiva’s Board of Directors approved a new employment inducement grant to Mr. Huston of 220,000 restricted stock units (the “Inducement Grant”).

The restricted stock units approved under the Inducement Grant will be granted pursuant to Artiva’s 2025 Inducement Plan (the “Inducement Plan”), with the grant effective immediately following, and contingent on, the filing of a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the shares issuable under the Inducement Plan. The restricted stock units will vest over four years, with 25% of the underlying shares vesting on February 15, 2027, and 1/12th of the remaining shares vesting quarterly thereafter, subject to Mr. Huston’s continued employment on each such date. The restricted stock units are subject to the terms and conditions of the Inducement Plan and the terms and conditions of the restricted stock unit notice and agreement covering the grant.

Artiva will grant the restricted stock units as an inducement material to Mr. Huston’s employment with Artiva in accordance with Nasdaq listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

About Artiva Biotherapeutics
Artiva is a clinical-stage biotechnology company whose mission is to develop effective, safe and accessible cell therapies for patients with devastating autoimmune diseases and cancers. Artiva’s lead program, AlloNK^® (also known as AB-101), is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf, non-genetically modified, cryopreserved NK cell therapy candidate designed to enhance the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity effect of monoclonal antibodies to drive B-cell depletion. AlloNK is currently being evaluated in three ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of B-cell driven autoimmune diseases, including a company-sponsored basket trial across autoimmune diseases that includes rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s disease and an investigator-initiated basket trial in B-cell driven autoimmune diseases. Artiva’s pipeline also includes CAR-NK candidates targeting both solid and hematologic cancers. Artiva was founded in 2019 as a spin out of GC Cell, formerly GC Lab Cell Corporation, a leading healthcare company in the Republic of Korea, pursuant to a strategic partnership granting Artiva exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Asia, Australia and New Zealand) to GC Cell’s NK cell manufacturing technology and programs. 

Artiva is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information, please visit www.artivabio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the appointment of Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer of Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) and the Company’s mission, product candidates (including their potential continued development, future commercialization, and transformative treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions), positioning for sustained growth, clinical trials, pipeline, and strategic partnerships. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the events or circumstances referred to in the forward-looking statements may not occur. These and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results to differ from current expectations are discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this press release is given. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Investors
Noopur Batsha Liffick, MPH
NBL LifeSci Advisory LLC
ir@artivabio.com

Media
Jessica Yingling, Ph.D.
Little Dog Communications Inc.
jessica@litldog.com

Source: Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Kyverna Therapeutics Appoints Biotech Leaders Sravan Emany and Andrew Miller to Board of Directors




Kyverna Therapeutics Appoints Biotech Leaders Sravan Emany and Andrew Miller to Board of Directors

Sravan Emany brings capital markets and commercial-stage, rare disease expertise as the Company advances towards commercialization

Andrew Miller adds deep clinical development and product approval experience to support Kyverna’s next phase of growth

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases, today announced the appointments of Sravan K. Emany and Andrew Miller, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Emany will assume the role of Audit Committee Chair, following the transition of Dan Spiegelman from this position, who has stepped down from the Board.

“We are pleased to welcome Sravan and Andrew to our Board of Directors at a pivotal moment in Kyverna’s evolution,” said Warner Biddle, Chief Executive Officer of Kyverna Therapeutics. “Sravan brings decades of financial and strategic leadership, with experience building and scaling rare disease cell and gene companies for commercial success. Additionally, Andrew has a proven track record as an R&D and operational leader across every stage of a company’s lifecycle. I look forward to working closely with both of them as we lead the advancement of autoimmune CAR T and position Kyverna for long-term success.”

“Sravan and Andrew strengthen the Board as Kyverna enters its next phase of growth, bringing experience in capital strategy, clinical development, and operations to support long-term value creation,” said Christi Shaw, Executive Chair of Kyverna Therapeutics. “I would also like to thank Dan Spiegelman for his contributions during Kyverna’s formative years.”

Mr. Emany is an accomplished financial leader, currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Beam Therapeutics. Prior to this role, Mr. Emany served as the CFO and Chief Operating Officer at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. Earlier, he served as Corporate Vice President, Commercial Excellence and Chief Strategy Officer of Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation. Mr. Emany also has a long tenure in investment banking, with roles of increasing responsibility at Bank of America and BofA Securities, formerly Bank of America Merrill Lynch, culminating in his service as Managing Director in the mergers and acquisitions group, where he led numerous mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare sector. He also served in various other financial roles, including with Goldman Sachs Group and Morgan Stanley. Mr. Emany currently serves on the Board of Directors of Assertio Holdings, Inc. He holds an M.A. in International Relations and International Economics from The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a B.A. in International Relations from The Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Miller is a highly accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with expertise in research and development and corporate strategy. Dr. Miller was recently named to Time Magazine’s 100 Next Generation Leaders and 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2025. Most recently, Dr. Miller was the Founder and President of R&D at Karuna Therapeutics prior to its $14B acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2024. He was the lead inventor of Karuna’s KarXT, now marketed as COBENFY for treatment of schizophrenia, and previously served as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer and as a member of Karuna’s Board of Directors. Dr. Miller currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at Progentos Therapeutics and as an advisor to Google Ventures, General Atlantic, Vida Ventures, Longwood Fund and the One Mind Foundation. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

About Kyverna Therapeutics
Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on liberating autoimmune patients through the curative potential of cell therapy. Kyverna’s lead autologous CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy candidate, miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101), has demonstrated the potential to fundamentally change the treatment paradigm across multiple B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Kyverna is advancing its potentially first-in-class neuroimmunology franchise with its recently completed registrational trial in stiff person syndrome and an ongoing registrational trial for generalized myasthenia gravis. The Company is also harnessing other KYSA trials and investigator-initiated trials, including in multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, to inform the next priority indications. Additionally, its next generation pipeline includes CAR T-cell therapies deploying novel innovations to improve patient access and experience. For more information, please visit https://kyvernatx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” The words, without limitation, “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these or similar identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, those related to: Board transition matters; Kyverna’s growth; Kyverna’s ability to lead the advancement of autoimmune CAR T; the potential for long term success and value creation; Kyverna’s advancement towards commercialization; and Kyverna’s potentially first-in-class neuroimmunology franchise. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including uncertainties related to market conditions, the possibility that the past track records of Kyverna and its personnel may not be repeated or indicative of future success and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Kyverna’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that Kyverna has filed or may subsequently file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the current expectations of Kyverna’s management team and speak only as of the date hereof, and Kyverna specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information, please visit https://kyvernatx.com.

Contact:
Investors: InvestorRelations@kyvernatx.com
Media: media@kyvernatx.com

Artiva Biotherapeutics Announces Appointment of Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer and Award of Inducement Grant




Artiva Biotherapeutics Announces Appointment of Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer and Award of Inducement Grant

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTV) (Artiva), a clinical-stage biotechnology company whose mission is to develop effective, safe and accessible cell therapies for patients with devastating autoimmune diseases and cancers, today announced the appointment of Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Huston brings proven expertise in capital allocation, operational execution and global commercialization to support Artiva as it advances AlloNK in autoimmune diseases and continues building an organization positioned for long-term value creation.

“We are delighted to welcome Thad to Artiva as he brings strong late-stage development and commercial expertise to our leadership team,” said Fred Aslan, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Artiva Biotherapeutics. “AlloNK has the potential to deliver deep B-cell depletion with biologics-like convenience. This is an important time for Artiva as we prepare to receive feedback from the FDA on a potential pivotal trial and share clinical efficacy data in rheumatoid arthritis in the first half of this year. Thad brings a valuable combination of financial discipline, operational rigor and commercial insight as we approach key clinical and regulatory milestones.”

“I’ve seen firsthand both the clinical impact and complexity of traditional cell therapies,” said Mr. Huston. “What excites me about AlloNK is its potential to deliver deep B-cell depletion in a consistent, scalable, outpatient-ready format with improved cost efficiency and broader reach. I look forward to partnering with the team as we advance AlloNK in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases and position Artiva for sustained growth.”

Mr. Huston has more than 30 years of global leadership experience spanning finance, commercial strategy, business development and operations across public companies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices. Most recently, he served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Galapagos, where he led finance, commercial, operations, quality, IT and business development through the company’s strategic transition to an oncology-focused cell therapy organization. Previously, he led finance and IT at Kite Pharma, where he drove strategic planning and operational initiatives to support growth and profitability. He has also held senior leadership roles at LivaNova and Johnson & Johnson, including group chief financial officer responsibilities in medical devices and finance leadership roles across international markets. Mr. Huston holds a B.S. in finance from Pennsylvania State University and is a certified management accountant.

Inducement Grant
In connection with the appointment of Mr. Huston as Artiva’s Chief Financial Officer, Artiva’s Board of Directors approved a new employment inducement grant to Mr. Huston of 220,000 restricted stock units (the “Inducement Grant”).

The restricted stock units approved under the Inducement Grant will be granted pursuant to Artiva’s 2025 Inducement Plan (the “Inducement Plan”), with the grant effective immediately following, and contingent on, the filing of a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the shares issuable under the Inducement Plan. The restricted stock units will vest over four years, with 25% of the underlying shares vesting on February 15, 2027, and 1/12th of the remaining shares vesting quarterly thereafter, subject to Mr. Huston’s continued employment on each such date. The restricted stock units are subject to the terms and conditions of the Inducement Plan and the terms and conditions of the restricted stock unit notice and agreement covering the grant.

Artiva will grant the restricted stock units as an inducement material to Mr. Huston’s employment with Artiva in accordance with Nasdaq listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

About Artiva Biotherapeutics
Artiva is a clinical-stage biotechnology company whose mission is to develop effective, safe and accessible cell therapies for patients with devastating autoimmune diseases and cancers. Artiva’s lead program, AlloNK^® (also known as AB-101), is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf, non-genetically modified, cryopreserved NK cell therapy candidate designed to enhance the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity effect of monoclonal antibodies to drive B-cell depletion. AlloNK is currently being evaluated in three ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of B-cell driven autoimmune diseases, including a company-sponsored basket trial across autoimmune diseases that includes rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s disease and an investigator-initiated basket trial in B-cell driven autoimmune diseases. Artiva’s pipeline also includes CAR-NK candidates targeting both solid and hematologic cancers. Artiva was founded in 2019 as a spin out of GC Cell, formerly GC Lab Cell Corporation, a leading healthcare company in the Republic of Korea, pursuant to a strategic partnership granting Artiva exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Asia, Australia and New Zealand) to GC Cell’s NK cell manufacturing technology and programs. 

Artiva is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information, please visit www.artivabio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the appointment of Thad Huston as Chief Financial Officer of Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) and the Company’s mission, product candidates (including their potential continued development, future commercialization, and transformative treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions), positioning for sustained growth, clinical trials, pipeline, and strategic partnerships. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the events or circumstances referred to in the forward-looking statements may not occur. These and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results to differ from current expectations are discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this press release is given. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Investors
Noopur Batsha Liffick, MPH
NBL LifeSci Advisory LLC
ir@artivabio.com

Media
Jessica Yingling, Ph.D.
Little Dog Communications Inc.
jessica@litldog.com

Source: Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc.