Roquefort Therapeutics PLC Pre-clinical Update (5586Y)
January 17 2022 - 2:00AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMROQ
RNS Number : 5586Y
Roquefort Therapeutics PLC
17 January 2022
17 January 2022
Roquefort Therapeutics plc
("Roquefort Therapeutics" or the "Company")
Pre-clinical Update
Cancer programme milestone achieved
Roquefort Therapeutics (LSE:ROQ), the Main Market listed biotech
company focused on early-stage opportunities in the biotechnology
sector, is pleased to provide an update on progress with its
wholly-owned subsidiary, LYRAMID, a pre-clinical biotech company
focused on developing first-in-class Midkine inhibiting RNA
therapeutic drugs for the treatment of cancer, chronic inflammatory
and autoimmune disorders, as well as lung diseases such as
COVID-19.
In collaboration with a world leading institution in nucleic
acid-based drug development, the first stage screening of a novel
series of gene silencing reagents targeting Midkine is complete,
with the most promising lead drugs selected. Importantly, the lead
compounds have now been synthesized in preparation for in vitro
experiments to test efficacy in altering cancer cell
properties.
Additional testing is currently being carried out to gather more
data on the efficacy of these lead candidate drugs to modify
Midkine expression. These important results will form the basis of
a provisional patent application covering new innovative IP around
composition of matter of Midkine inhibitors. The Company will
update the market on the patent process in due course.
Collaborations with leading cancer researchers are being
established to assess the ability of the novel Midkine inhibitors
to modify tumour cell behaviour in sophisticated cancer models.
Experimental protocols have been designed that will guide further
preclinical development of the Midkine nucleic acid-based drugs for
oncology.
Recent high-level scientific publications validate Midkine as a
critical factor in modifying the tumour immune microenvironment,
leading to cancer patients' lack of response to immunotherapies.
Reversing resistance to blockbuster immunotherapy drugs (immune
checkpoint inhibitors) is a key focus of LYRAMID's Midkine cancer
programme which will ultimately create better outcomes for
patients.
Stephen West, Executive Chairman, said:
"We have reached an important stage in our development and are
pleased to have identified the lead compounds to progress with in
vitro experiments in cancer cells, a key part of preclinical
research. Additional efficacy testing will help us better
understand and monitor the effects of the compounds on modifying
the activity of Midkine and form the basis of our patent
application. This is a first-in-class drug target with significant
clinical potential and we believe the t argeted delivery of Midkine
inhibiting RNA therapeutic drugs to tumours represents a novel
anti-cancer treatment strategy.
"After establishing efficacy to inhibit Midkine in cancer, this
opens up the significant possibility to target Midkine for other
indications such as Covid-19, anti-inflammatory and autoimmune
disorders. The applicable scope for LYRAMID's area of focus is
diverse, and with licences held for the largest portfolio of
patents on Midkine and a limited competitive landscape, we are
uniquely placed to progress this exciting area of development. We
look forward to updating the market with our progress in due
course."
-Ends-
Enquiries:
Roquefort Therapeutics plc
+44 (0)20 3290
Stephen West (Chairman) 9339
Buchanan (Public Relations)
Ben Romney / Jamie Hooper / George
Beale
+44 (0)20 7466
Optiva Securities Limited (Broker) 5000
+44 (0)20 3411
Christian Dennis 1881
For further information on Roquefort Therapeutics, please visit
www.roquefortinvest.com and @RoquefortTherap on Twitter.
LEI: 254900P4SISIWOR9RH34
About Roquefort Therapeutics
Roquefort Therapeutics (LSE:ROQ) is a Main Market listed biotech
company developing products through the pre-clinical phase prior to
partnering or selling to big pharma. The Company's wholly owned
subsidiary, Lyramid Pty Ltd ("LYRAMID"), is a pre-clinical biotech
company focused on developing first in class Midkine inhibiting RNA
therapeutics drugs for the treatment of cancer, chronic
inflammatory, autoimmune disorder and COVID-19. Recent progress
within mRNA therapeutics has led to a reduction in drug development
timelines and costs, increasing the chance of early value
creation.
Through extensive research resulting in validation through
publication in over 1,000 scientific journals, Lyramid has
identified the potential to exploit the broad therapeutic potential
of Midkine for a number of clinical indications of unmet needs.
Lyramid holds the largest global IP portfolio on Midkine. The
Midkine blocking drug development markets have significant global
market potential (in the multi-billion dollars). LYRAMID's
pre-clinical programme is currently underway with an initial focus
on cancer (including immunotherapy resistance) and COVID-19.
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