Hematology Oncology of Indiana’s M. Sarfraz Nawaz, MD, investigated improvement in approaches to febrile neutropenia in cancer patients.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, July 11, 2024—Local medical oncologist M. Sarfraz Nawaz, MD, co‑authored a quality improvement research project on febrile neutropenia that was accepted and presented at the 21st International Ultmann Chicago Lymphoma Symposium in Chicago, which was held April 19 through April 20. 

The research project “Neutropenic Patient Care at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – Indianapolis” investigated improving the care of patients with febrile neutropenia. This dangerous complication in cancer patients increases their risk of serious infections, leading to higher mortality rates among this segment and an increased strain on healthcare resources.

This research project aims to create a standard precaution protocol for hospitalized neutropenic patients, improve education and investigate its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes through new interventions. Over the next six months, the ongoing study will collect data on inpatient admissions with neutropenia billing codes to inform the development of this standardized protocol, ultimately leading to better care for these vulnerable patients.

“It was an esteemed honor to share our research and findings with the distinguished audience who attended the symposium,” said Dr. Nawaz. “The selection process was rigorous, and having our study chosen significantly validated the project’s value to the field. Sharing the stage with my colleagues and presenting our findings at the symposium was a significant learning experience. It fostered a sense of personal growth and reinforced the importance of contributing to advancing knowledge in lymphoma treatment.”

The International Ultmann Chicago Lymphoma Symposium is an industry-leading annual conference focused on the science and clinical care of lymphoma. Attendees include medical oncologists, advanced nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, residents, fellows and the Chicago academic community.

“Congratulations to Dr. Nawaz on having the opportunity to share this vital research at the symposium,” said Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, AON’s chief medical officer. “Seeing our physicians contributing to advancing medical knowledge is always exciting. Here at AON, we foster a culture of research and scholarly exchange — both of which serve as core values. Encouraging participation in studies and sharing the findings allow us to improve patient care at our own practices and influence the collective understanding of healthcare and cancer care on a wider scale.”

Dr. Nawaz is a Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at community practice Hematology Oncology of Indiana, a partner practice of the American Oncology Network (AON) (OTCQX: AONC). He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Marion University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

For more information about AON, visit www.AONcology.com. For more information about Dr. Nawaz or Hematology Oncology of Indiana, visit www.hematologyoncologyin.com.

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About American Oncology Network

American Oncology Network (AON) (OTCQX: AONC) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 240 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. For more information, please visit www.AONcology.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

 

About Hematology Oncology of Indiana

Hematology Oncology of Indiana is a community-based medical oncology and hematology practice providing treatment for patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. Through compassionate care that centers around the patient, we strive to provide the best possible experience to patients and their families throughout the healthcare journey. Learn more at www.hematologyoncologyin.com.

 

Contact:

Karen Riley Sawyer, Director of Marketing and Communications
American Oncology Network
Karen.Sawyer@AONcology.com

FORT MYERS, Fla., June 10, 2024 – American Oncology Network, Inc.  (AON) (OTCQX: AONC), a rapidly-growing network of community-based oncology practices, today announced it has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. AON previously traded on NASDAQ.

The OTCQX Best Market provides value and convenience to U.S. investors, brokers and institutions seeking to trade AONC. The OTCQX Best Market is OTC Markets Group’s premier market for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. It offers investors transparent trading in companies that meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with U.S. securities laws. OTCQX quality standards provide a strong baseline of transparency, as well as the technology and regulation to improve the information and trading experience for investors.

“We’re pleased to qualify for the OTCQX Market to provide investors transparent trading at OTC Markets Group’s highest tier,” said Todd Schonherz, AON’s chief executive officer. “Trading on OTCQX will provide shareholders transparency and convenience as we continue to expand our reach and provide patients quality, affordable, and accessible cancer care in communities across the nation. We are confident in the long-term value creation opportunity of our business as we look forward to continuing to update the market on our performance in the coming quarters.”

Class A Common Stock of American Oncology Network, Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “AONC.” Warrants of American Oncology Network, Inc. begins trading today on the OTCQB under the symbol “AONCW.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

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About OTC Markets Group, Inc.

OTC Markets Group, Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX^® Best Market, OTCQB^® Venture Market and Pink^® Open Market.

Our OTC Link^® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading.  Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets. OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

About American Oncology Network, Inc.

American Oncology Network, Inc. (AON) (OTCQX: AONC) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 240 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. Learn more at www.AONcology.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events including future financial or operating performance of American Oncology Network, Inc. (“AON”). Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or AON’s future financial or operating performance. For example, projections of future revenue and other metrics are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by AON and its management, are inherently uncertain and are inherently subject to risks, variability and contingencies, many of which are beyond AON’s control. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (1) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; (2) costs related to operating as a public company; (3) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (4) the possibility that AON may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (5) AON’s estimates of expenses and profitability; and (6) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in AON’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024, as amended, and in its quarterly reports and current reports subsequently filed with the SEC. AON cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive or exhaustive and investors should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, including projections, which speak only as of the date made. If any of these risks materialize or AON’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that AON does not presently know or that AON currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect AON’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. New AON anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause AON’s assessments to change. However, while AON may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, AON specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, unless required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing AON’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. AON does not give any assurance that AON will achieve its expectations. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Investor Contact:
Solebury Strategic Communications
Investors@AONcology.com

Media Contact:

Karen Riley Sawyer
Karen.Sawyer@AONcology.com

AON physicians and leaders present their latest cancer findings with fellow thought leaders at the annual conference.

FORT MYERS, Fla., June 4, 2024 – American Oncology Network (AON) (Nasdaq: AONC), one of the nation’s fastest-growing networks of community oncology practices, is pleased to announce that several research studies, co-authored by AON physicians and leaders, were accepted at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2024 Annual Meeting. The meeting was held from May 31 to June 4 in Chicago.

The following abstracts were selected for either poster discussions, presentations or online publication after rigorous review. 

• Ruemu Ejedafeta Birhiray, MD, of Hematology Oncology of Indiana, co-authored the following studies:
  • “Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of odronextamab versus investigator’s choice in previously untreated follicular lymphoma (OLYMPIA-1).” 
  • “Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of odronextamab plus chemotherapy versus rituximab plus chemotherapy in previously untreated follicular lymphoma (OLYMPIA-2).” 
• Ralph V. Boccia, MD, FACP, of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, co-authored the following studies:
  • “Correlation of baseline ENPP1 and cGAS expression in advanced solid tumors with intratumoral immune activation and clinical outcomes after treatment with the first-in-class oral ENPP1 inhibitor RBS2418, alone or in combination with pembrolizumab.” 
  • “Outcomes of advanced/metastatic breast cancer (aMBC) treated with BRIA-IMT, an allogeneic whole cell immunotherapy.” 
  • “Subcutaneous epcoritamab (SC epcor) administered outpatient (outpt) for relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL): Results from phase 2 EPCORE NHL-6.” 
• Arvind Chaudhry, MD, PhD, of Summit Cancer Centers, co-authored the following studies:
  • “BELLWAVE-010: A phase 3 study of nemtabrutinib plus venetoclax versus venetoclax plus rituximab (VR) in previously treated patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).” 
  • “BELLWAVE-011: Phase 3 randomized trial of nemtabrutinib versus ibrutinib or acalabrutinib in untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma.” 
  • “Phase 1 trial of TU2218, TGFβ-RI and VEGF-R2 dual inhibitor in monotherapy and combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors.”
  • “YL202/BNT326, a HER3-targeted ADC, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer: Preliminary results from a first-in-human phase I trial.” 
  • “A phase I/II, open-label, multicenter study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of HB0036 in patients with advanced solid tumors.” 
• Christopher Chay, MD, of Messino Cancer Centers, co-authored the following study:
  • “Alliance A222001: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled phase II study of oxybutynin versus placebo for the treatment of hot flashes in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy.” 
• Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, of Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute and AON’s chief medical officer, and Brian Mulherin, MD, of Hematology Oncology of Indiana, co-authored the following study:
  • “Assessing quality of care in early stage resected stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): An evaluation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) testing and adjuvant (adj) therapy (tx).” 
• Tamara Weinberg, RN, BSN, OCN, ONN-CG, AON’s pharmacy RN supervisor, authored the following study, which will be published only on the ASCO website:
  • “Can a medically integrated oncology pharmacy decrease waste and avoidance?”

“It is always an honor to share our research and latest findings with our fellow colleagues at events such as this one,” said Dr. Boccia who also serves as chairperson of the AON Research Committee. “The ASCO platform allows us to connect with like-minded oncologists and other healthcare leaders and accelerate the impact of our work. By contributing to the collective knowledge of clinical oncology, we are dedicated to the advancement of the field and improving patient care and outcomes.”

“Investing in oncology research is not just about developing new drugs or treatment approaches,” said Dr. Divers. “It is about pushing the boundaries of our understanding of cancer and identifying its vulnerabilities. Every piece of knowledge gained through dedicated research efforts brings us closer to developing personalized treatment plans, improving early detection, and ultimately, finding a cure for the devastating disease. We are proud to be contributing to this critical endeavor, and the ASCO annual meeting plays a vital role in accelerating the pace of scientific progress.”

“We are thrilled to have several of our esteemed physicians/leaders present their groundbreaking studies at the ASCO Annual Meeting,” said Todd Schonherz, AON’s chief executive officer. “This event gathers the brightest minds in clinical oncology and having our physicians and leaders represented is a tremendous honor. At AON, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. We empower our physicians/leaders to push the boundaries of the field, and their participation is a testament to their dedication to improving oncology and achievements in the industry. These presentations not only showcase their expertise but also contribute valuable insights to the advancement of cancer care for years to come.”

ASCO is a leading professional organization for oncology physicians and professionals. The annual meeting brings together oncology physicians and thought leaders for networking opportunities and more than 145 hours of educational and informational sessions.

AON has many practices that are actively engaged in groundbreaking clinical research initiatives, with four sites designated as strategic research sites for Sarah Cannon Research Institute. As part of our commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care, AON practices provide opportunities for participation in over 150 clinical trials. These services are conveniently accessible at a community level, ensuring patients receive cutting-edge treatments close to home, enhancing their overall cancer journey.

For more information about AON, visit www.AONcology.com.

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About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) (Nasdaq: AONC) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 240 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. Learn more at AONcology.com.

Contact for more information:
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of Marketing
American Oncology Network
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

Board-certified physician Charles Wendling, Jr., MD, joins the physician team.

ASHEVILLE, N.C., June 3, 2024 – Community oncology practice Messino Cancer Centers, a partner practice of American Oncology Network (AON) (Nasdaq: AONC), is pleased to welcome Board-certified physician Charles Wendling, Jr., MD, to its physician care team. Dr. Wendling is available to see new and existing patients at the Asheville clinic.

Dr. Wendling is Board-certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. He received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport and completed an internship and residency at Creighton University Medical Center. He then finished a hematology-oncology fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Wendling has been a practicing physician for over 25 years, specializing in hematology and medical oncology for over 15 years. He has experience treating a wide range of cancer and blood disorders; however, he is focused on cancerous and non-cancerous hematologic conditions.

“I am excited to join the physician team at Messino Cancer Centers,” said Dr. Wendling. “In exploring the practice, I quickly learned that Messino’s goals closely aligned with my patient care goals, making it an easy decision to join the team. Community oncology practices are critical to the health and well-being of its residents. Cancer clinics like Messino’s give patients access to high-quality care, services and therapies. I am passionate about ensuring accessible cancer care and believe that I will be able to have a greater impact in the community setting alongside the other Messino physicians.”

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Wendling to Messino Cancer Centers,” said Christopher Chay, MD, Board-certified medical oncologist at Messino. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our practice that will complement our already-established expertise and care. We eagerly look forward to working with him to continue delivering the best possible patient care.”

“On behalf of AON, I am excited to welcome Dr. Wendling to Messino Cancer Centers and the network,” said Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, AON’s chief medical officer. “He has an impressive background that will undoubtedly be valuable to patients. Additionally, his commitment to community oncology and elevating the care provided in these settings match AON’s mission, vision and patient-first care approach. We are confident that Dr. Wendling will be an asset to the team.”

For more information about AON, visit www.aoncology.com. For more information about Messino Cancer Centers, visit messinocancercenters.com.

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About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) (Nasdaq: AONC) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 240 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. Learn more at www.AONcology.com.

About Messino Cancer Centers
Messino Cancer Centers provides treatment for adult patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. Messino Cancer Centers is grounded in the Western North Carolina region and devoted to providing personalized care of the highest quality to patients in community settings, close to where they live and work and where their loved ones are close by. We are proud of our 30-year history of providing the highest quality cancer treatment that is based on research and focused on the whole person. Learn more at messinocancercenters.com.

Contact for more information:
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of Marketing
American Oncology Network

FORT MYERS, Fla., May 21, 2024 – American Oncology Network (“AON” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AONC), a rapidly growing network of community-based oncology practices, announced today its decision to voluntarily delist its Class A common stock and warrants from The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”). The Company’s decision to delist its securities from Nasdaq was recommended to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company by a Special Committee (the “Special Committee”) of the Board comprised solely of independent directors.

The Company intends to file a Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to delist its Class A common stock and warrants from Nasdaq and to deregister its Class A common stock and warrants under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on or about May 31, 2024, and as a result, the Company expects that the last trading day of its Class A common stock and warrants on Nasdaq will be on or about June 7, 2024.

In making its determination, the Special Committee concluded that delisting the Company’s securities from Nasdaq is in the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders. The Special Committee’s recommendation and the Board’s decision were the product of careful review and consideration of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, (1) the lack of research coverage of the Company by securities and industry analysts, (2) the lack of an active trading market for its securities on Nasdaq, and (3) the required personnel resources and expenses relating to continued Exchange Act and Nasdaq disclosure and reporting requirements and related regulatory burdens, which have resulted and would continue to result in significant operating expense and attention of the Company’s management team.

Todd Schonherz, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “AON has delivered an impressive five-year revenue CAGR of 42% and continues to experience strong momentum with the addition of 40 providers and four new practices to the network year-to-date. AON is in a healthy financial position with a robust balance sheet of over $100 million in cash and short-term securities as of March 31, 2024. While going public allowed us to raise growth capital and provide equity to key stakeholders, we believe that we will be better positioned to maximize shareholder value going forward by delisting.”

Following the delisting of the Company’s common stock and warrants from Nasdaq, the Company expects that its common stock and warrants will be quoted for trading on a market operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. (the “OTC”) so that a trading market may continue to exist for such securities. There is no guarantee, however, that a broker will continue to make a market in the common stock and warrants.

About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) (Nasdaq: AONC) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 240 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. Learn more at www.AONcology.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company’s strategy, intentions to voluntarily delist its securities from Nasdaq and any anticipated results of such actions. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “would” and other similar words and expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations as of the date of this press release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Many important factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including, but not limited to, future liquidity of the Company’s securities, the Company’s continued growth, changes in the Company’s board of directors and executive management, and the Company’s dependence on its executive management team. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024, as amended on April 29, 2024, and the Company’s other filings with the SEC. These SEC filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. We do not give any assurance that we will achieve our expectations.

Investor Contact:
Solebury Strategic Communications
Investors@AONcology.com