Hillstream BioPharma Announces Collaboration with Sapien Biosciences in Cancer Treatments
June 27 2022 - 8:27AM
Hillstream BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: HILS) (“Hillstream” or the
“Company”), a biotechnology company developing novel therapeutic
candidates targeting ferroptosis, an emerging new anti-cancer
mechanism resulting in iron mediated cell death for drug resistant
and devastating cancers, today announced a collaboration with
Sapien Biosciences to evaluate the synergy of HSB-1216 with immune
checkpoint inhibitors.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and
Ferroptosis
Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) induces the
effector function of T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
Activated T cells accumulated in TME then kill tumor cells mainly
by enhancing cell death through the granzyme pathway and by
releasing interferon gamma (IFN) from CD8+ T cells. Ferroptosis is
a newly defined form of cell death, that is different than
apoptosis, necrosis or autophagy, and results from iron-dependent
accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species or lipid
peroxidation.
Recent studies published [Nature, 569 (7755):270-274, 2019]
describe that immunotherapy-activated CD8+ T cells enhance
ferroptosis-specific lipid peroxidation in tumor cells leading to
the anti-tumor effect of immunotherapy. Activated CD8+ T cells by
treatment with ICIs promote tumor cell lipid peroxidation and
thereby sensitize tumor cells to ferroptosis inducers through IFN.
The study concluded that inducing the Ferroptotic pathway in
combination with checkpoint blockade is a potential synergistic
therapeutic approach.
“We are initiating studies, in collaboration with Sapien
Biosciences, to determine the synergy between HSB-1216, our
ferroptosis inducer and nivolumab, an anti-PD1 antibody,” said
Randy Milby, Hillstream’s Chief Executive Officer. “In addition, we
will also study the potential synergistic effects of HSB-1216 with
the recently approved Bristol Myers Squibb drug Opdualag®
(nivolumab + relatlimab), a fixed dose combination of an anti-PD1
MAb + anti-LAG3 MAb, to demonstrate that targeting a
ferroptosis-associated metabolism in tumors may improve the
efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.”
“We are excited to extend our collaboration with Hillstream
Biopharma to evaluate potential synergy between their HSB-1216
molecule and ICIs using our expertise in establishing patient
tissue-derived cell models in oncology, immunology and
Immune-oncology,” said Dr. Jugnu Jain, CEO, Sapien
Biosciences. “Previously, Sapien demonstrated potent anti-cancer
activity of HSB-1216 in primary triple negative breast cancer cells
which were presented at AACR 2020.”
About Hillstream BioPharma Inc.
Hillstream BioPharma, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing
novel therapeutic candidates targeting ferroptosis, an emerging new
anti-cancer mechanism resulting in iron mediated cell death for
drug resistant and devastating cancers. Hillstream’s most advanced
candidate is HSB-1216, an IMCD modulator, targeting a variety of
solid tumors. The active drug in HSB-1216 was found to be
efficacious in a clinical pilot study in Germany in devastating
cancers, including triple negative breast cancer and epithelial
carcinomas. Hillstream intends to start a clinical study with
HSB-1216 in 2022 to expand upon the existing early clinical
proof-of-concept. Hillstream uses Quatramer™, our proprietary tumor
targeting platform, to enhance the uptake of HSB-1216 in the tumor
microenvironment with an extended duration of action and minimal
off-target toxicity. In addition, Trident Artificial Intelligence,
Hillstream’s artificial intelligence precision medicine platform,
is used to identify biomarkers in our clinical programs to target a
specific patient segment most likely to benefit. For more
information, please visit www.hillstreambio.com.
About Sapien Biosciences Private Limited
Sapien Biosciences, founded in 2012 and headquartered in India,
is a joint venture between Apollo Hospitals and Saarum Innovations
that has created one of the 10- largest multi-disease biobanks in
the world. Sapien uses its patient samples and rich datasets to
help biotech companies validate novel drug targets, drugs and
diagnostics that translate into better clinical outcomes. Sapien’s
trademarked services and products include 1) OncoblocTM, a
systematic collection of pathology blocks with complete demographic
and diagnostic data, 2) OncoPrimeTM, a panel of primary cells
derived from cancer patient tissues, cultured as 2D or 3D spheres
to test novel drugs, 3) TruCellTM, a panel of primary cells derived
from all types of normal or disease samples such as
cancer-associated fibroblasts, dendritic cells, 4) TruSkinTM , cell
& molecular assays using normal human skin to test novel
formulations and drugs, 5) TruDataTM , real world treatment and
outcomes data of Indian cancer patients including genotype data,
and 6) Clinical diagnostics that are developed at Sapien or with
partners to personalize therapy. For more information, please
visit: https://sapienbio.co.in/
Forward Looking StatementsCertain statements in
this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements
may be identified using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,”
“forecast,” “estimated” and “intend” or other similar terms or
expressions that concern Hillstream’s expectations, strategy, plans
or intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on
Hillstream’s current expectations and actual results could differ
materially. There are several factors that could cause actual
events to differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not
limited to, clinical trials involve a lengthy and expensive process
with an uncertain outcome, and results of earlier studies and
trials may not be predictive of future trial results; our clinical
trials may be suspended or discontinued due to unexpected side
effects or other safety risks that could preclude approval of our
product candidates; risks related to business interruptions,
including the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus, which could
seriously harm our financial condition and increase our costs and
expenses; dependence on key personnel; substantial competition;
uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; dependence upon
third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA
clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations.
Investors should read the risk factors set forth in our Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2021 and our periodic reports filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While the list of
factors presented here is considered representative, no such list
should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential
risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant
additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as
of the date hereof, and Hillstream does not undertake any
obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent
events or circumstances.
Investor Relations Contact:Email:
investorrelations@hillstreambio.comwww.hillstreambio.com
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