Hillstream BioPharma Signs an Exclusive Option Agreement to Advance Next-Generation Anti-MUC1-C Agents for Drug Resistant Cancers
January 31 2023 - 07:11AM
GlobeNewswire Inc.
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 signing an exclusive
option agreement with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to license
technology targeting the MUC1-C oncoprotein.
The MUC1 gene was identified by Dr. Donald Kufe, Distinguished
Physician and Researcher at Dana-Farber and based on its
overexpression in human cancers. Dr. Kufe’s long-standing work has
supported the premise that prolonged activation of MUC1-C in
settings of chronic inflammation promotes cancer.
Dr. Kufe has demonstrated that MUC1-C is necessary for multiple
hallmarks of the cancer cell, including (i) the persister cell (PC)
state, (ii) drug resistance, (iii) immunosuppression, and (iv) poor
clinical outcomes. Importantly, he has found a marked MUC1-C
dependency for cancer stem cells (CSCs) derived from highly
aggressive TNBCs, SCLCs, MCCs and NEPCs. Based on these findings,
MUC1-C has emerged as an exceptional target for cancer treatment
with agents developed in the Kufe laboratory.
Dana-Farber has granted under an exclusive option agreement to
Hillstream Biopharma Inc., certain of its proprietary technology
which if converted to an exclusive license agreement, will allow
Hillstream to develop anti-MUC1-C antibodies to selectively deliver
Hillstream’s Quatramer-based lead candidate HSB-1216 targeting CSC
by the induction of ferroptosis. This approach combining HSB-1216
with conjugation to MUC1-C antibodies is highly synergistic for the
elimination of CSCs, which is needed for long term responses and
cures.
“We look forward to this unique opportunity to work with Dr.
Kufe and Dana-Farber,” said Randy Milby, CEO of Hillstream. “This
agreement allows Hillstream to leverage our Quatramer platform to
advance anti-MUC1-C agents targeting CSCs for the treatment of
highly aggressive tumors, which represents a major unmet need for
patients.”
About Hillstream BioPharma, Inc.Hillstream
BioPharma, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing novel
therapeutic candidates against drug-resistant and devastating
cancers. Hillstream’s most advanced candidate, HSB-1216, expected
to enter clinical trials in 2023, targets ferroptosis, an emerging
new anti-cancer mechanism resulting in iron mediated cell death
(IMCD) for drug resistant and devastating cancers. Hillstream’s
most advanced candidate is HSB-1216, an IMCD modulator, whose
active drug was found to be efficacious in a clinical pilot study
in Germany in drug resistant tumors, including triple negative
breast cancer and epithelial carcinomas. Hillstream intends to
initiate IND discussions with the FDA in first half of 2023.
Hillstream uses Quatramer™, a proprietary tumor targeting platform
which extends duration of action and minimizes off-target toxicity,
with HSB-1216 as well as biologics, mRNA, peptides and other
modalities in the tumor microenvironment. Quatrabody™ conjugates
immuno-oncology targets with greater binding affinity than approved
therapies. Hillstream Quatramers with novel biologics developed
against proprietary undruggable epitopes of PD-1 and other
validated will enter the rapidly growing immuno-oncology
therapeutics market leading with HSB-1940, targeting PD-1, followed
by additional targets including PD-L1, HER-2, TROP-2 and now
MUC1-C. For more information, please
visit: www.hillstreambio.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain 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.com
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