Lantern Pharma Reaffirms Leadership Stability Amid False Third-Party Claims, Warns Investors Against Market Misinformation
Lantern Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging artificial intelligence to transform oncology drug development, has issued a firm and detailed response to a misleading third-party report that falsely claimed a change in its executive leadership. The company categorically denied the allegations, reaffirming that Panna Sharma continues to serve as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors.
The statement comes at a critical time for the company, as it continues to advance its AI-powered drug development pipeline and prepares to report its latest financial and operational results. Lantern Pharma emphasized that the claims circulating on an unverified website are entirely unfounded and appear to be a deliberate attempt to misinform investors and disrupt market confidence.
Immediate Response to False Claims
According to Lantern Pharma, the third-party article inaccurately alleged that Sharma had stepped down from his leadership roles within the company. The organization swiftly refuted this claim, stating that no such decision has been made, discussed, or even considered by either management or the Board.
The company underscored that no official communication—whether through regulatory filings, press releases, or investor disclosures—has indicated any change in leadership. In fact, Lantern described the report as baseless and potentially malicious in intent, raising concerns about the broader implications of misinformation in financial markets.
Lantern’s leadership moved quickly to clarify the situation, recognizing the importance of transparency and accuracy in maintaining investor trust. In its official statement, the company reiterated that Sharma remains fully engaged in leading all aspects of the business, including strategic planning, operational execution, and the advancement of its oncology-focused clinical programs.
Continued Leadership of Panna Sharma
Sharma’s role within Lantern Pharma remains unchanged. As President, CEO, and Director, he continues to oversee the company’s growth trajectory and the development of its proprietary AI platform, RADR®, which is central to its approach to drug discovery.
Lantern Pharma made it clear that Sharma has no intention of stepping down and has not been asked to do so by the Board. His leadership is considered integral to the company’s mission of reducing the cost and time associated with developing cancer therapeutics through data-driven methodologies.
Further reinforcing this point, the company confirmed that Sharma is scheduled to lead its upcoming investor webcast, where he will present the company’s fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results. This engagement underscores both his active role in the organization and the Board’s continued confidence in his leadership.
Board of Directors Expresses Full Confidence
The company’s Board of Directors also issued a strong statement of support. Donald Jeff Keyser, Chairman of the Board, emphasized that the Board maintains full confidence in Sharma’s leadership and strategic vision.
Keyser highlighted the company’s recent progress under Sharma’s direction, including advancements in its clinical pipeline and the expansion of its AI-driven capabilities. Among these achievements is the clearance of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a Phase 1 clinical trial targeting pediatric central nervous system (CNS) cancers through Lantern’s subsidiary, Starlight Therapeutics.
This milestone reflects the company’s commitment to addressing complex and underserved areas in oncology, particularly through innovative applications of artificial intelligence. The Board’s endorsement signals stability at the highest level of governance, countering any narrative suggesting internal disruption.
At the same time, Keyser expressed concern over what appears to be a coordinated attempt to mislead investors. He indicated that the company is taking the situation seriously and is prepared to pursue corrective actions to protect both its shareholders and its reputation.
Concerns Over Market Manipulation
Lantern Pharma’s response also highlights a broader issue facing publicly traded companies: the risk of misinformation influencing market behavior. False or misleading reports—particularly those related to executive leadership—can have immediate and significant impacts on stock prices and investor sentiment.
The company cautioned investors to remain vigilant and to critically evaluate the sources of information they rely on. Lantern urged stakeholders to depend exclusively on verified communications, including filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and official updates published through its investor relations channels.
By issuing this warning, Lantern aims to mitigate potential confusion and ensure that investment decisions are based on accurate, reliable data rather than unverified claims.
Active Investigation and Potential Legal Action
In response to the incident, Lantern Pharma has launched an internal investigation to determine the origin and dissemination of the false report. This includes examining whether there was any coordinated trading activity associated with the publication of the article, which could indicate an attempt to manipulate the company’s stock.
The company has made it clear that it intends to pursue all available legal remedies if wrongdoing is identified. This may include referring the matter to regulatory authorities for further investigation and enforcement.
Such actions reflect a growing trend among publicly listed companies to take a more proactive stance against misinformation, particularly in an era where digital platforms can rapidly amplify unverified content.
Lantern’s approach signals a commitment not only to defending its corporate integrity but also to maintaining a fair and transparent market environment for its investors.
Focus on Operational Progress and Innovation
Despite the distraction caused by the false report, Lantern Pharma continues to focus on its core mission: advancing oncology drug development through artificial intelligence. The company’s RADR® platform integrates large-scale biological, clinical, and pharmacological data to identify potential drug candidates more efficiently than traditional methods.
This approach aims to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with bringing new cancer therapies to market. By leveraging machine learning and advanced analytics, Lantern seeks to improve the probability of success in clinical trials while targeting specific patient populations with precision therapies.
The company’s pipeline includes multiple clinical-stage programs, each designed to address unmet needs in oncology. Recent developments, such as the IND clearance for the STAR-001 program, demonstrate tangible progress and reinforce the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Upcoming Financial Results and Webcast
Looking ahead, Lantern Pharma is preparing to release its fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results. The company will host a webcast on March 30, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, during which management will provide a comprehensive review of its performance and strategic initiatives.
Sharma will lead the discussion, offering insights into the company’s financial health, operational achievements, and future outlook. The webcast is also expected to include updates on key clinical programs and further developments related to the RADR® platform.
For investors, this event represents an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the company’s trajectory and to hear directly from its leadership team.
Reinforcing Trust Through Transparency
Lantern Pharma’s swift and decisive response to the false report underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability. By addressing the issue head-on, the company aims to reassure investors and maintain confidence in its leadership and strategic direction.
In an increasingly complex information landscape, the ability to distinguish between credible and unreliable sources is more important than ever. Lantern’s emphasis on official communications serves as a reminder of the value of verified information in making informed investment decisions.
The recent misinformation surrounding Lantern Pharma highlights the challenges that companies face in managing their public narratives in the digital age. However, the company’s clear and comprehensive response demonstrates resilience and a strong commitment to protecting its stakeholders.
With leadership stability reaffirmed, ongoing advancements in its AI-driven oncology pipeline, and a proactive approach to addressing misinformation, Lantern Pharma remains focused on its mission to revolutionize cancer treatment through technology.
As the company moves forward, its ability to maintain transparency, execute on its strategic goals, and safeguard investor trust will be critical in navigating both market dynamics and the broader healthcare landscape.
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