VANCOUVER, Washington, April 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) ("CytoDyn" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage oncology company advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor with therapeutic potential across multiple indications, including metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (“mTNBC”) and colorectal cancer (“mCRC”), today announced the successful enrollment and initial dosing of the first participant in its Expanded Access Program (EAP) for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

The EAP is designed to provide eligible patients access to leronlimab outside of a clinical study setting. The program is intended for patients who have exhausted available treatment options and are not eligible for ongoing or planned clinical studies, in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.

“Dosing the first patient in our EAP marks an important step in making leronlimab available to individuals with urgent unmet medical needs, while also advancing our understanding of CCR5 biology in the treatment of aggressive cancers,” said Jacob Lalezari, M.D., CEO of CytoDyn. “Data generated through this program may further inform how CCR5 inhibition influences the tumor microenvironment, including its potential role in modulating PD-L1 expression and supporting combination approaches with immune checkpoint inhibitors.”

“For patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer who have exhausted standard treatment options, expanded access programs can provide additional avenues for care,” said Namita Chittoria, M.D., Assistant Professor at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah, and a member of CytoDyn’s Scientific Advisory Board. “Leronlimab is an investigational therapy being evaluated in this difficult-to-treat setting, and access outside of a clinical study may offer a meaningful option for select patients - both as an additional treatment opportunity and as a way to preserve valuable time with family. Beyond individual use, these programs also inform our understanding of emerging therapies.”

In addition to providing compassionate access, the EAP is expected to generate real-world insights into the biological activity of leronlimab in heavily pretreated patients. Recent data, presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, highlight the potential role of CCR5 inhibition in modulating the tumor microenvironment in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, with observed associations in PD-L1 expression and broader immune signaling pathways. Together, these findings provide a scientific foundation for the EAP and support continued exploration of leronlimab as a strategy to enhance responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies.

To support execution of the program, the Company has engaged With Every Patient (WEP Clinical) as the clinical research organization to support program execution, including patient identification, site coordination, and regulatory compliance. The EAP is now open for physician referrals, and CytoDyn expects to expand participation as additional sites are activated. The program will operate under applicable U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, and additional information for physicians and eligible patients, including referral details, is available on the Company’s website at www.cytodyn.com.

About CytoDyn

CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the mechanism of action of leronlimab, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact
CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts
David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com

The investor webcast will highlight CytoDyn’s latest scientific, clinical, operational, and financial progress, as well as calendar 2026 priorities and upcoming milestones. Dr. Jacob P. Lalezari, CEO of CytoDyn, will be joined by Pashtoon M. Kasi, M.D., M.S., Medical Director of GI Oncology, City of Hope Orange County, Irvine, California, and Robert E. Hoffman, Chief Financial Officer of CytoDyn.

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. PT

Registration and Access Link

This is a livestream presentation. Attendees are advised to log in ahead of the start time. The Company will host a live Q&A session during the webcast; questions may be submitted in advance to ir@cytodyn.com.

Following the conclusion of the webcast, a replay will be available for approximately 30 days on the investor relations section of the Company’s website.

About CytoDyn

CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the mechanism of action of leronlimab, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact
CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts
David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com

VANCOUVER, Washington, April 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) ("CytoDyn" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage oncology company advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor with therapeutic potential across multiple indications, including metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (“mTNBC”) and colorectal cancer (“mCRC”), today announced that new clinical data from its ongoing Phase 2 study in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) were presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17–22, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center.

The presentation highlighted findings supporting CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab as a strategy to modulate the tumor microenvironment, enhance immune engagement, and improve outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), particularly in combination with standard-of-care therapies.

Metastatic colorectal cancer remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in patients with refractory disease who have progressed on multiple prior lines of therapy. While standard regimens such as TAS-102 in combination with bevacizumab provide modest benefit, treatment resistance and immune evasion continue to limit durable responses. Results presented at AACR demonstrate that CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab may enhance anti-tumor activity by modulating the tumor microenvironment and improving immune engagement.

“Preliminary results from our ongoing Phase 2 study suggest that CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab may enhance both biomarker and clinical responses in heavily pretreated mCRC patients,” said Pashtoon M. Kasi, M.D., M.S., Medical Director of GI Oncology, City of Hope Orange County, Irvine, California. “Real-time assessment of novel liquid biopsy biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, and cancer-associated macrophage-like cells in blood, along with integrated evaluation of tumor tissue and the tumor microenvironment, is providing insights that conventional imaging and traditional assessment methods cannot capture.”

Key findings from the ongoing Phase 2 mCRC study include:

• Among pre-screened patients with evaluable samples (N=33), CCR5 expression was detected in 100% of cases, supporting its potential as a therapeutic target in mCRC.
• Early clinical and biomarker responses were observed, including rapid and substantial reductions in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), with median declines of approximately 70% by week 2 across evaluable patients (N=19).
• The combination regimen has been well tolerated, with no leronlimab-related dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) observed, and escalation to 700 mg dosing underway.
• The study continues to enroll toward full enrollment, reflecting significant unmet need in previously treated mCRC.

“Building on the translational and clinical data presented earlier in the week in mTNBC, these findings further support CCR5 as a key regulator of the tumor microenvironment across solid tumors,” said Jacob P. Lalezari, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of CytoDyn. “The early biomarker and clinical signals observed in our ongoing Phase 2 mCRC study reinforce the potential of leronlimab-based combination approaches to enhance immune engagement and address resistance in heavily pretreated patients.”

The poster presentation titled “Preliminary results of a phase 2 study of leronlimab in combination with TAS-102 and bevacizumab in previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer” was presented by Dr. Kasi on April 21, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT (Poster #6466). A copy of the poster will be made available on CytoDyn’s website under the Publications & Posters section.

About CytoDyn
CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the mechanism of action of leronlimab, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact
CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts
David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com

VANCOUVER, Washington, April 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) ("CytoDyn" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage oncology company advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor with therapeutic potential across multiple indications, including metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (“mTNBC”) and colorectal cancer (“mCRC”),” today announced the completion of enrollment in its Phase 2 clinical study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06699836) evaluating leronlimab in combination with trifluridine and tipiracil (TAS-102) plus bevacizumab in patients with CCR5-positive, microsatellite stable (MSS), relapsed/refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), also known as CLOVER – CCR5-targeting Leronlimab With Oral Chemotherapy and VEGF-inhibitor Enriched Regimen.

The open-label, randomized, two-arm, multi-center study is evaluating leronlimab in combination with trifluridine and tipiracil (TAS-102) plus bevacizumab in patients who have progressed following prior standard therapies. With enrollment now complete, CytoDyn will advance the study through treatment and follow-up, with resulting data expected to inform the program’s development strategy and potential next steps.

“Completing enrollment in this Phase 2 study marks an important milestone for CytoDyn and for the continued development of leronlimab in oncology,” said Dr. Jacob Lalezari, Chief Executive Officer of CytoDyn. “We are grateful to the patients, investigators, and clinical sites whose commitment made completion of enrollment possible and look forward to evaluating the study results.”

“CLOVER is designed to prospectively assess the activity of leronlimab in combination with an established regimen in a difficult to treat and highly refractory patient population with microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer, ” said Pashtoon M. Kasi, M.D., M.S., Principal Investigator of the study and Medical Director of GI Oncology, City of Hope Orange County, Irvine, California. “With enrollment now complete, the study is well positioned to generate meaningful insights in this patient population with a high unmet need.”

The CLOVER study builds on emerging clinical and translational findings from CytoDyn’s ongoing Phase 2 mCRC program, including data being presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026. Preliminary results demonstrated early signals of clinical and biomarker activity with leronlimab in combination with TAS-102 and bevacizumab, including rapid reductions in circulating tumor DNA and modulation of immune-related markers. These findings support further evaluation of CCR5 inhibition as a strategy to enhance anti-tumor activity in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Leronlimab is a monoclonal antibody targeting CCR5, a receptor involved in immune cell trafficking and tumor biology. By blocking CCR5, leronlimab may help modulate the tumor microenvironment and enhance the activity of existing therapies in difficult-to-treat cancers.

CytoDyn plans to share topline data from the study as they become available.

About the Phase 2 mCRC Study (NCT06699836)
This Phase 2 clinical study is an open-label, randomized, two-arm, multi-center study evaluating leronlimab in combination with trifluridine and tipiracil (TAS-102) plus bevacizumab in patients with CCR5-positive, microsatellite stable (MSS), relapsed/refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), also known as CLOVER – CCR5-targeting Leronlimab With Oral Chemotherapy and VEGF-inhibitor Enriched Regimen.

Approximately 60 patients were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to receive either 350 mg or 700 mg of leronlimab in combination with standard-of-care therapy. Eligible participants are adults with histologically confirmed mCRC who have progressed following prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, anti-VEGF therapy, and, where appropriate, anti-EGFR therapy.

The primary endpoint of the study is objective response rate (ORR), as defined by RECIST v1.1 criteria. Secondary endpoints include safety and tolerability, duration of response, and overall survival. Patients will be followed for up to 12 months.

About CytoDyn
CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the mechanism of action of leronlimab, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact
CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts
David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com

VANCOUVER, Washington, April 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) ("CytoDyn" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage oncology company advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor with therapeutic potential across multiple indications, including metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (“mTNBC”) and colorectal cancer (“mCRC”), today announced that new clinical and translational data in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) were presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17–22, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center.

The presentation highlighted emerging evidence supporting CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab as a strategy to modulate the tumor microenvironment, enhance immune responsiveness, and improve outcomes in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC).

Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer remains an aggressive disease with limited treatment options and poor long-term survival. While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated benefit in select patients, many tumors exhibit low PD-L1 expression and resistance to immunotherapy. Preclinical and clinical findings presented at AACR show that CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab modulates immune checkpoint signaling, potentially sensitizing tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

“Our findings suggest that CCR5 plays a key role in immune exhaustion and therapy resistance pathways in TNBC,” said Richard G. Pestell, M.D., Ph.D., FRCP, AO, Lead Consultant in Preclinical and Clinical Oncology at CytoDyn. “Induction of PD-L1 predicts response to immune checkpoint therapy. Leronlimab-mediated CCR5 inhibition induced PD-L1 expression and reduced key mediators of immune suppression, including sB7-H3 and sTyro3 signaling. These data support the hypothesis that leronlimab may help prime tumors for immune checkpoint therapy and improve clinical outcomes in patients with otherwise limited therapeutic options.”

Key findings from baseline tumor biology and leronlimab treatment analysis in TNBC include:

• Across breast cancer cohorts (N=1,096), CCR5 expression correlated with gene signatures of T-cell immune exhaustion and immune infiltration.
• CCR5 expression was enriched in TNBC subtypes associated with immune modulation, including mesenchymal-like immune-altered (MLIA) and immunomodulatory (IM) subtypes.
• In TNBC cell models, CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab increased PD-L1 expression, suggesting a potential mechanism to enhance responsiveness to PD-L1-targeted therapies.
• Proteomic analyses demonstrated that CCR5 activity promotes expression of immune checkpoint mediators, including sB7-H3 (CD276) and Tyro3 signaling, both associated with resistance to ICIs; these effects were attenuated with leronlimab.
• In a retrospective analysis of 28 patients with mTNBC, leronlimab treatment was associated with induction of PD-L1 in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs).
• Higher leronlimab dose, PD-L1 induction, and use in combination or sequence with ICIs were associated with improved patient survival outcomes.
• Notably, 17.9% (5/28) of heavily pretreated patients remain alive after more than 60 months of follow-up.
  
  

“These results reinforce the potential role of CCR5 as a critical regulator of the tumor microenvironment in TNBC,” said Jacob P. Lalezari, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of CytoDyn. “The observed induction of PD-L1 and association with long-term survival in mTNBC support continued clinical development of leronlimab in combination approaches designed to enhance immune response and overcome treatment resistance.”

Dr Pestell is the first author of the poster presentation titled “Leronlimab induces PD-L1 expression and is associated with long term survival with an ICI in PD-L1 low metastatic TNBC” on April 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT (Poster #1033). A copy of the poster will be made available on CytoDyn’s website under the Publications & Posters section.

About CytoDyn
CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the mechanism of action of leronlimab, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact
CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts
David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com

Details of the poster presentations are as follows:

“We are encouraged by the continued progress being made as we advance leronlimab and explore its potential applications across solid tumors,” said Jacob Lalezari, M.D., CEO of CytoDyn. “The research being presented at AACR reflects the growing body of scientific work examining CCR5 biology and its role in the tumor microenvironment. Together, these studies help deepen our understanding of how leronlimab may enhance immune responses and inform our broader strategy to develop new treatment approaches for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.”

A copy of the presentations will be made available on CytoDyn’s website under the Publications & Posters section after it is presented at the symposium.

About CytoDyn
CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the mechanism of action of leronlimab, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact
CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts
David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com

Leronlimab demonstrates synergy with standard-of-care therapies, supports plan for prospective combination study

VANCOUVER, Washington, March 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) ("CytoDyn" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage oncology company advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor with therapeutic potential across multiple indications, including metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (“mTNBC”) and colorectal cancer (“mCRC”), today announced the presentation of new preclinical and translational data supporting the potential role of CCR5 inhibition in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) at AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Brain Cancer, held March 23-25, in Philadelphia.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with poor survival and limited effective treatment options. Standard therapies such as radiation and temozolomide (TMZ) often face resistance, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown limited benefit. Molecular profiling has shown that the tumor “core” of GBM is frequently characterized by a hypoxic, mesenchymal and immunosuppressive environment that contributes to treatment resistance. The data presented evaluate the role of CCR5 in these tumor core features and explore whether CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab may enhance responses to standard-of-care therapies.

“Our findings show that CCR5 expression correlates with glycolytic and hypoxic tumor core signatures, as well as markers of T-cell exhaustion,” said Professor Richard Pestell, M.D., Ph.D., FRCP, AO, Lead Consultant in Preclinical and Clinical Oncology at CytoDyn. “Importantly, CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab enhanced tumor cell killing when combined with temozolomide or radiation, support further clinical evaluation of leronlimab as a potential adjunct to standard-of-care therapy in glioblastoma.”

“These data, including the intriguing but preliminary results from a preclinical study in GBM, reinforce observations from other clinical and preclinical studies that demonstrate a striking impact of leronlimab in solid tumor oncology,” said Dr. Jacob Lalezari, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of CytoDyn. “These data outline a potential role for CCR5 in glioblastoma, where resistance to standard therapies remains a major unmet need. The observed synergy with temozolomide or radiation, combined with its association with immunosuppressive tumor core signatures, supports current plans to initiate a pilot study evaluating leronlimab in glioblastoma.”

Key findings:

• In primary GBM tumors (N=154), CCR5 expression was significantly elevated compared to normal brain tissue and correlated with poor prognosis.
• CCR5 expression aligned with tumor “core” rather than “leading edge” gene signatures and correlated with hallmarks of glycolysis, hypoxia, inflammatory response, and the mesenchymal (MES) GBM subtype.
• CCR5 expression was associated with T-cell exhaustion markers (PD-1, PD-L1, TIM3, PTX3) and immune suppressive mediators including S100A4. Single-cell sequencing confirmed expression of CCR5 and its ligand CCL5 within the GBM tumor microenvironment and tumor glial metabolic subtypes.
• In human GBM cell lines, CCR5 abundance increased upon neurosphere formation. CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab or maraviroc demonstrated functional synergy with temozolomide, enhancing tumor cell killing. Pretreatment with leronlimab also enhanced radiation-induced cytotoxicity.
• Metabolic profiling using Seahorse analysis showed that CCR5 inhibition reduced oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in a dose-dependent manner, consistent with modulation of glycolytic and metabolic programs that contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
  
  

The poster, titled “CCR5 inhibition with the human monoclonal antibody leronlimab enhances temozolomide- and radiation-induced killing of glioblastoma multiforme cells,” was presented by Ritika Harish on March 23, 2026, from 7:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. EDT (Poster #A002). A copy of the poster will be made available on CytoDyn’s website under the Publications & Posters section.”

Leronlimab has previously demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical studies and has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier in non-human primate models. Together with encouraging long-term survival observations in metastatic breast cancer in combination immunotherapy settings, these findings support continued investigation of CCR5 blockade across solid tumor indications.

About CytoDyn
CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the mechanism of action of leronlimab, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact
CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts
David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com

The demand from both new and current investors highlights confidence in CytoDyn’s clinical progress and its versatile development strategy in immuno-oncology, exploring a number of potential roles for leronlimab – the Company’s first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor.

“The successful completion of this financing in a challenging capital markets environment reflects meaningful investor support for our clinical strategy,” said Robert E. Hoffman, CFO of CytoDyn. “The financing strengthens our balance sheet and is expected to fund current operations into 2027, supporting continued advancement of our clinical programs and strategic priorities. We appreciate the support of both new and existing investors, which underscores confidence in the continued development of leronlimab and its potential role in oncology, as we remain focused on disciplined execution and long-term value creation.”

Net proceeds from the financing will primarily support the advancement of CytoDyn’s clinical development programs, including ongoing and planned trials, regulatory engagement, and data analysis. Additional funds may be allocated toward manufacturing readiness, regulatory and compliance infrastructure, and general working capital.

For more information on the Company’s recent fundraising activities, including key terms and conditions of some of the agreements, please see CytoDyn’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2026.

About CytoDyn

CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the success of the fundraising initiative, the anticipated benefits and timelines discussed above, the mechanism of action of leronlimab, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact

CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts

David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.  
Russo Partners, LLC 
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com 

Durable Clinical Observations and Favorable Safety Profile Observed in Heavily Pretreated mTNBC Patients

VANCOUVER, Washington, Feb. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) ("CytoDyn" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage oncology company advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor with therapeutic potential across multiple indications, including metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (“mTNBC”) and colorectal cancer (“mCRC”), today announced that new preclinical, translational, and clinical data supporting leronlimab’s proposed role in the treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer was presented at the AACR Immuno-Oncology Conference (AACR IO), held February 18-21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Leronlimab is being evaluated for its ability to modulate the tumor immune microenvironment by targeting the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer progression and immune resistance. The data presented explore mechanisms of immune checkpoint resistance in TNBC and offer insight into how CCR5 blockade may enhance responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (“ICIs”).

“In this study, we continued to explore how CCR5 signaling may contribute to immune checkpoint resistance in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by integrating patient-derived datasets with molecular, cellular, and translational analyses involving leronlimab,” said Professor Richard Pestell, M.D., Ph.D., FRCP, AO, Lead Consultant in Preclinical and Clinical Oncology at CytoDyn. “Mechanistic findings suggest that CCR5 blockade with leronlimab may modulate pathways associated with T-cell exhaustion and PD-L1/PD1 regulation, providing a mechanistic rationale for combination strategies with immune checkpoint inhibitors.”

Key findings:

• Across multiple TNBC patient gene expression datasets, CCR5 expression correlated with elevated cytotoxic T-lymphocyte signatures and T-cell exhaustion profiles, identifying immune states potentially amenable to CCR5 inhibition.
• PD-L1 and PD1, the abundance of which correlates with improved response to immune checkpoint therapies, was increased by leronlimab.
  • In cell culture and histology analyses, CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab increased the abundance of PD-L1 in breast cancer cells.
  • In Rhesus monkeys, leronlimab induced PD1 in T cells.
• CCR5 activity was associated with the secretion of immunosuppressive mediators from triple-negative breast cancer cells, [sB7-H3 (CD276), BAFF (sTNFSF13B), and sTyro3], which were significantly reduced following leronlimab treatment.
• In a pooled retrospective clinical analysis of 28 heavily pretreated patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer from three clinical trials, leronlimab demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no therapy-limiting toxicities, and 5 of 28 patients (17.9%) remain alive after a median follow-up of more than 63 months.

“These data strengthen the clinical case for leronlimab in metastatic TNBC by aligning mechanistic insights with encouraging safety and long-term survival observations, while adding important clinical perspective to the emerging role of CCR5 inhibition in this disease,” said Dr. Jacob Lalezari, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of CytoDyn. “The consistency of the mechanistic and clinical findings supports our decision to continue the clinical development and investigation of leronlimab, including further evaluation in combination immunotherapy settings.”

Associate Professor Xuanmao Jiao of the Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Center at the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute presented the poster, titled “Leronlimab is associated with long‑term survival in metastatic TNBC: Enhancing PD-L1 expression, ICI response, and the role of T cell exhaustion,” on February 19, 2026, from 12:15 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. PST. A copy of the poster will be made available on CytoDyn’s website under the Publications & Posters section.

About CytoDyn
CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the mechanism of action of leronlimab, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact
CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts
David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com

The benefactor, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has a longstanding interest in patient access initiatives, the potential of leronlimab, and how the Company’s recent data and mechanism of action theories might serve to offer experimental avenues to patients who have exhausted all approved treatment options. This strategic funding initiative will enable CytoDyn to set up and administer a program to expand access to leronlimab for a group of eligible patients, as determined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, with advanced disease but who do not otherwise meet the enrollment criteria for the Company’s ongoing clinical trials.

“We are honored by this benefactor’s commitment to accelerating patient access to promising cancer therapies such as leronlimab,” said Jacob Lalezari, M.D., CEO of CytoDyn. “This support allows us to responsibly broaden the availability of leronlimab while continuing to advance our promising clinical programs as we generate data to inform future regulatory pathways.”

With Every Patient (WEP Clinical) has been engaged to serve as the clinical research organization (CRO) for the EAP, and the Company expects to formally open the program for patient referral in March 2026, assuming FDA’s allowance of the Company's revised protocol submission. In addition to providing compassionate access to patients who have exhausted other treatment options and are otherwise unable to participate in the Company's upcoming Phase 2 trial, the EAP program will serve as another potential avenue to observe PD-L1 induction following treatment with leronlimab, and thereby – in theory – opening a treatment pathway towards sustained remission when combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (“ICI”). The EAP will operate under applicable FDA guidelines, and additional information for physicians and eligible patients will be available on the Company’s website (www.cytodyn.com) as the program is rolled out in the coming weeks.

About CytoDyn

CytoDyn is a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CCR5 receptor, a key regulator of immune function implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Guided by a mission to improve patients’ quality of life through therapeutic innovation, CytoDyn is committed to integrity, responsibility, and service as it works to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.cytodyn.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, mechanism of action, clinical development programs, clinical trial results, product development, market position, future operating and financial performance, and business strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these statements, which are based on current expectations of future events. For important information about these statements and our Company, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the assumptions, expectations and projections expressed in any forward-looking statements, the reader should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, including the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CytoDyn Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments except as required by applicable law.

Corporate Contact

CytoDyn Inc.
ir@cytodyn.com

Media Contacts

David Schull or Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
CytoDyn@russopartnersllc.com