Calithera Biosciences Announces CB-839 Preclinical Data Selected for Presentation at the 58th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Dec. 02, 2016 -- Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:CALA), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the discovering and developing novel small molecule drugs directed against tumor metabolism and tumor immunology targets for the treatment of cancer, today announced that preclinical data for its lead drug candidate CB-839, the company's novel, orally bioavailable glutaminase inhibitor, will be presented at the 58th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, which is being held from December 3-6, 2016 in San Diego, California. Data to be presented include the following two poster presentations:

Glutaminase Inhibitor CB-839 Enhances Proteasome Inhibitor Sensitivity in Multiple Myeloma Cells
Presenter: Ravyn Thompson, Nathan Dolloff, Medical University of South Carolina
Oral and Poster Abstracts Session 652: Myeloma: Pathophysiology and Preclinical Studies, Hall GH, Abstract 3294
Sunday, December 4, 2016, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PT

Gls Inhibitor CB-839 Modulates Cellular Metabolism in AML and Potently Suppresses AML Cell Growth When Combined with 5-Azacitidine
Presenter: Tianyu Cai, Marina Konopleva, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Oral and Poster Abstracts Session 616: Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Novel Therapy, Hall GH, Abstract 4064
Monday, December 5, 2016, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PT

About Calithera Biosciences

Calithera Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule drugs directed against tumor metabolism and tumor immunology targets for the treatment of cancer.  Calithera’s lead product candidate, CB-839, is a potent, selective, reversible and orally bioavailable inhibitor of glutaminase. CB-839 takes advantage of the pronounced dependency many cancers have on the nutrient glutamine for growth and survival. It is currently being evaluated in Phase 1/2 clinical trials in combination with standard of care agents.  CB-1158 is a first-in-class immuno-oncology metabolic checkpoint inhibitor targeting arginase, a critical immunosuppressive enzyme responsible for T-cell suppression by myeloid-derived suppressor cells.  Arginase depletes arginine, a nutrient that is critical for the activation, growth and survival of the body’s cancer-fighting immune cells, known as cytotoxic T-cells.  CB-1158 is currently in a Phase I clinical trial.  Calithera is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.  For more information about Calithera, please visit www.calithera.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "poised" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The potential product candidates that Calithera develops may not progress through clinical development or receive required regulatory approvals within expected timelines or at all. In addition, clinical trials may not confirm any safety, potency or other product characteristics described or assumed in this press release.  Such product candidates may not be beneficial to patients or successfully commercialized.  The failure to meet expectations with respect to any of the foregoing matters may have a negative effect on Calithera's stock price.  Additional information concerning these and other risk factors affecting Calithera's business can be found in Calithera's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, Calithera disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

CONTACT:
Jennifer McNealey
[email protected]
650-870-1071