BioXcel Therapeutics to Present Data on [BXCL701] at the 24th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat


BRANFORD, Conn., Oct. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioXcel Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel drugs targeting immuno-oncology and neurological and psychiatric diseases, today announced the presentation of new data supporting the Company’s lead immuno-oncology product candidate, [BXCL701], at the 24th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat, being held October 5-7, in Washington, DC.

The research will be presented by Dr. Vince O’Neill, Chief Medical Officer of BioXcel Therapeutics, during a poster session at the conference. The findings from multiple studies demonstrate that [BXCL701], a dipeptidyl peptidases (DPP) inhibitor, can synergistically inhibit tumor growth in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors by increasing cytokine levels and immune-cell modulation in relevant cancer models. This effect is modulated by inhibition of DPP8/9 and Fibroblast Activator Protein (FAP), which affect neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) at numerous stages of disease progression.

Poster: Synergy Between [BXCL701], a DPP Inhibitor, and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Discovered Using AI and Big Data Analytics

Author:  Vince O’Neill
Date:  Thursday, October 5, 2017
Time:  8:30 – 11:00 p.m. ET
Location:  Ambassador Ballroom

Dr. O’ Neill stated, “We had previously identified the tremendous potential of [BXCL701] as a tumor inhibitory agent in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Mechanistic studies suggest that [BXCL701] also has potential to induce anti-tumor effect in NEPC, an aggressive tumor type observed in roughly 20-30% of patients treated with androgen inhibitors, Zytiga and Xtandi (ADT).  We believe that [BXCL701] modulates the activity of multiple immune pathways, including stimulator of interferon genes (STING), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis which are known to play a role in the progression of CRPC and NEPC, representing a unique opportunity for advancing the treatment of these patients. Our plan is to initiate an open label proof of concept trial to further understand the clinical activity of [BXCL701] as monotherapy and in combination with Keytruda in NEPC patients.”

The Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat is the foremost scientific conference in the world on the biology and treatment of prostate cancer. The PCF Scientific Retreat aims to understand prostate cancer biology and the advances in the treatment landscape. The conference is attended by leading clinical and basic research scientists, as well as senior leadership of business, government agencies and the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

About BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (BTI):
BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. is engaged in the development and advancement of the next wave of medicines, initially targeting the treatments in oncology and CNS diseases. The company’s lead therapeutic candidates are [BXCL701], a DPP8-9/FAP inhibitor with broad potential application in oncology indications, both as a monotherapy and in combination with immuno-oncology agents, and [BXCL501], a proprietary sublingual formulation of an anesthetic for the treatment of acute agitation, with the potential to expand into other neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The company’s strategy is to apply a drug re-innovation approach to develop therapeutic candidates with a high probability of clinical and regulatory success. For more information, please visit www.bioxceltherapeutics.com.

Contact Information:
The Ruth Group for BioXcel:
Lee Roth / Janhavi Mohite
646-536-7012 / 7026
lroth@theruthgroup.com / jmohite@theruthgroup.com