Scopus BioPharma Inc. (NASDAQ: SCPS) has announced the Duet Therapeutics’ launch, which it acquired in June this year as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Duet Therapeutics integrates clinical development and management of Olimmune and Scopus’s immunotherapy assets.
Scopus delighted to launch Duet Therapeutics
“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,” said Scopus chairman Joshua R. Lamstein.
Scopus Immuno-Oncology president and Duet CEO Alan Horsager said, “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.”
DUET Platform comprises three technologies
The Duet Platform comprises three underpinning, complementary technologies, including RNA silencing CpG-STAT3siRNA (DUET-01), Protein degradation CpG-STAT3decoy (DUET-03), and Antisense(CpG-STAT3ASO (DUET-02). DUET-01 is a B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma monotherapy in phase 1 study. Duet is planning to file an IND for DUET-02 in two different indications, including head & neck cancers and genitourinary. In addition, the subsidiary is equally studying combination therapies using checkpoint inhibitors.
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.”
