Duet Therapeutics Integrates Immunotherapy Assets of Scopus and Olimmune, Acquired by Scopus in June 2021
Integration Creates Comprehensive, Industry-Leading Portfolio of Bi-Functional Cancer-Targeting Oligonucleotides
NEW YORK, Sept. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 Waldman
Crescendo Communications, LLC
Tel: (212) 671-1020
Email: SCPS@crescendo-ir.com
Hugh Burns/Delia Cannan/Nicholas Leasure
Reevemark
Tel: (212) 433-4600
Email: scopus@reevemark.com
