Scopus BioPharma Launches Duet Therapeutics
September 02 2021 - 9:15AM
Scopus BioPharma Inc. (Nasdaq:
“SCPS”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company
developing transformational therapeutics for serious diseases with
significant unmet medical need, today announced the launch of Duet
Therapeutics.
Duet Therapeutics integrates the management and
clinical development of the immunotherapy assets of Scopus and
Olimmune, acquired by Scopus in June 2021. Duet is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Scopus.
Joshua R. Lamstein, Chairman of Scopus, stated,
“We are extremely excited to announce the launch of Duet
Therapeutics. The integration of the immuno-oncology assets of
Scopus and Olimmune creates a comprehensive, industry-leading
portfolio of bi-functional cancer-targeting oligonucleotides. Our
highly complementary IP-protected technologies all target STAT3
inhibition. We believe our oligonucleotide technologies are unique,
highly differentiated and superior to other STAT3 inhibitors
currently under development.”
Alan Horsager, Ph.D., President and Chief
Executive Officer of Duet and President — Immuno-Oncology for
Scopus, stated, “Overseeing the integration and clinical
development of Duet’s immuno-oncology platform is an extraordinary
opportunity. It is a privilege to play a key role in integrating
and developing Duet’s drug candidates. Based on the large body of
scientific data, we firmly believe our oligonucleotide platform has
enormous potential to address one of society’s most significant
unmet medical needs — unprecedented treatments, and potentially
cures, for many different types of cancer. I can think of no
greater professional mission than creating new standards of care,
improving patient outcomes and saving lives.”
The Duet Platform is comprised of three
complementary, underpinning technologies:
|
• |
RNA silencing |
CpG-STAT3siRNA |
(“DUET-01”) |
|
• |
Antisense |
CpG-STAT3ASO |
(“DUET-02”) |
|
• |
Protein degradation |
CpG-STAT3decoy |
(“DUET-03”) |
Dr. Horsager added, “The unique
mechanism-of-action of these synthetic oligos comes from
simultaneously targeting two intracellular immune pathways, STAT3
and TLR9. The targeted inhibition of STAT3, a master immune
checkpoint inhibitor, reawakens immune cells and allows for the
full potential of TLR9-driven immune responses.”
DUET-01 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial, as a
monotherapy, for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In 2022, Duet is
targeting to file two INDs for DUET-02 in two separate indications:
genitourinary and head & neck cancers. Duet is also evaluating
combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors.
About Scopus BioPharma
Scopus BioPharma Inc., both directly and through
subsidiaries, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company
developing transformational therapeutics for serious diseases with
significant unmet medical need. The company’s lead drug candidate
is a novel, targeted immuno-oncology RNA therapy for the treatment
of multiple cancers. This drug candidate is highly distinctive,
encompassing both RNA therapy and immunotherapy by synthetically
linking siRNA to an oligonucleotide TLR9 agonist, creating the
potential for targeted gene silencing with simultaneous TLR
stimulation and immune activation in the tumor microenvironment.
Additional STAT3-targeting immunotherapy drug candidates include
bi-functional antisense and protein degradation therapies. In
addition, the company is developing additional drug candidates that
target the endocannabinoid system, including MRI-1867 for the
treatment systemic sclerosis. The company also seeks to identify
additional compelling technologies for potential acquisition,
in-licensing and/or other similar transactions. Receive updates by
following Scopus BioPharma on Twitter here.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking
statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such
forward-looking statements are subject to risks (including those
set forth in the company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2020, as amended, filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”)) and uncertainties which could cause
actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The
company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to
release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking
statements contained herein to reflect any change in the company’s
expectations with respect thereto or any change in events,
conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
Investors should realize that if our underlying assumptions for the
projections contained herein prove inaccurate or that known or
unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could
vary materially from our expectations and projections. Further,
there can be no assurance that the company will identify and/or
consummate any transaction relating to any additional
technologies.
Contacts
Rodd Leeds/David WaldmanCrescendo
Communications, LLCTel: (212) 671-1020Email:
SCPS@crescendo-ir.com
Hugh Burns/Delia Cannan/Nicholas
LeasureReevemarkTel: (212) 433-4600Email: scopus@reevemark.com
Scopus BioPharma (NASDAQ:SCPS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024
Scopus BioPharma (NASDAQ:SCPS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024