Lantern Pharma urges reliance on official disclosures amid concerns over potential market manipulation
Lantern Pharma Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology firm specializing in AI-driven oncology drug development, has issued a detailed public statement addressing and refuting a false third-party report that circulated earlier in the day. The misleading article, published on an unverified external platform, incorrectly claimed that Panna Sharma had stepped down from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company.
According to Lantern, the claim is entirely baseless and appears to have been deliberately crafted to mislead investors and disrupt market confidence. The company emphasized that no such announcement has been made through its official communication channels, nor has any decision been taken by its Board of Directors regarding a leadership change.
In its clarification, Lantern unequivocally confirmed that Panna Sharma continues to serve as President, CEO, and a member of the Board. He remains actively involved in guiding the company’s strategic direction, overseeing day-to-day operations, and advancing its portfolio of AI-enabled oncology programs. The company further stated that Sharma has neither expressed any intention to step down nor been asked to relinquish his responsibilities.
Reinforcing this position, Lantern pointed to its previously announced corporate schedule, noting that Sharma is set to lead the company’s upcoming investor webcast on March 30, 2026. During this session, he will present the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results, along with updates on clinical progress and technological advancements. This planned appearance underscores the continuity of leadership and operational stability within the organization.
The company also made it clear that neither its executive leadership nor its Board has approved, discussed, or initiated any CEO transition. Any reports suggesting otherwise were described as inaccurate and lacking credibility. Lantern stressed that such misinformation can have serious implications for investors and the broader market, particularly in a sector as sensitive as biotechnology, where corporate developments often influence valuation and investor sentiment.
Donald Jeff Keyser, Chairman of the Board, issued a strong statement expressing full confidence in Sharma’s leadership. He highlighted the company’s ongoing progress under Sharma’s direction, including the advancement of a robust clinical pipeline and continued innovation in AI-driven drug discovery. Among recent milestones, Keyser উল্লেখed the clearance of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a pediatric central nervous system cancer therapy being developed by Starlight Therapeutics, a Lantern subsidiary.
Keyser also addressed the broader implications of the false report, describing it as a troubling attempt to mislead investors and potentially manipulate market activity. He indicated that the company is taking the situation seriously and is prepared to pursue corrective actions to address the dissemination of inaccurate information.
Lantern’s statement included a cautionary note to investors, urging them to exercise vigilance when encountering unverified or unofficial sources of information. The company advised stakeholders to rely exclusively on its official disclosures, including filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and press releases published on its investor relations platform. This guidance reflects a broader concern within financial markets about the growing prevalence of misinformation and its potential impact on stock prices.
In response to the incident, Lantern has initiated an internal investigation to determine the origin and distribution channels of the false report. The company is examining whether the publication was part of a coordinated effort, potentially involving trading activity designed to exploit market reactions. Such practices, if confirmed, could constitute violations of securities laws and trigger regulatory scrutiny.
Lantern indicated that it is considering all available legal avenues to address the situation, including potential referrals to regulatory authorities. The company’s proactive stance signals its commitment to maintaining transparency, protecting shareholder interests, and preserving the integrity of the market.
Beyond addressing the misinformation, Lantern reaffirmed its focus on advancing its core mission: leveraging artificial intelligence to transform cancer drug development. Central to this effort is its proprietary RADR® platform, which integrates vast datasets to identify and prioritize drug candidates with higher probabilities of success. By combining machine learning with biological insights, the platform aims to reduce both the cost and timeline associated with bringing new oncology therapies to market.
The company’s pipeline includes multiple clinical-stage programs targeting various cancer types, with an emphasis on precision medicine approaches. These initiatives are designed to match therapies with specific genetic and molecular profiles, potentially improving treatment outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. The continued development of these programs remains a key priority for Lantern’s leadership team.
The upcoming webcast on March 30, 2026, will provide investors with a comprehensive overview of the company’s recent performance and future outlook. Management is expected to discuss financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, as well as progress across its clinical portfolio. Updates on the evolution of the RADR® platform are also anticipated, offering insights into how the company is expanding its technological capabilities.
Lantern’s response to the false report highlights the challenges faced by publicly traded companies in managing information in the digital age. The rapid spread of unverified content can create confusion and volatility, making it essential for organizations to respond swiftly and decisively. By issuing a clear and detailed statement, Lantern aims to restore confidence and ensure that investors have access to accurate and reliable information.
At the same time, the incident underscores the importance of due diligence for investors. In an environment where information is widely accessible but not always credible, distinguishing between verified disclosures and unsubstantiated claims is critical. Lantern’s emphasis on official communication channels serves as a reminder of the role that transparency and accountability play in maintaining trust within financial markets.
Looking ahead, the company appears focused on both addressing the immediate situation and continuing its long-term growth strategy. With leadership stability reaffirmed and key initiatives progressing, Lantern is positioning itself to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-driven drug development while safeguarding its reputation and shareholder value.
In summary, Lantern Pharma’s statement provides a comprehensive rebuttal to the false claims regarding its leadership, reinforces confidence in its executive team, and outlines the steps being taken to investigate and respond to the incident. By combining transparency, legal diligence, and a continued commitment to innovation, the company is working to mitigate the impact of misinformation and maintain momentum in its mission to advance cancer therapeutics.
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