Thetis Announces $2.4 Million SBIR Grant from the NIH to Develop Small Molecule Myeloid Cell Agonist to Treat Pancreatic Cancer (6/2/2023)
ESSEX, CT – (June 2, 2023) – Thetis Pharmaceuticals LLC (“Thetis”), a biopharmaceutical company developing a first-in-class, oral small molecule Resolvin E1-based drug to treat cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases, announced today the receipt of a Fast-Track Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The total SBIR award provides up to $2.4 million to support development of Thetis’ Resolvin-E1 based drug (TP-317) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer..
Gary Mathias, Chief Executive Officer of Thetis, commented, “The NCI grant will support our TP-317 program targeting pancreatic cancer, which is a highly lethal disease with a 5-year survival rate between 5% and 10%. Existing chemotherapy regimens are only modestly effective and have significant side effects and safety issues and immunotherapies have not been effective. Emerging data suggest that pancreatic cancer induces an “immune cold” tumor microenvironment that contributes to disease progression, metastasis, and resistance that can be addressed by the unique mechanism of action of TP-317.”
About TP-317
TP-317 is a patent-protected small molecule drug that delivers Resolvin E1 (RvE1), an endogenous lipid mediator that restores immune homeostasis. Unlike anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-cancer agents that are immuno-suppressive, TP-317 modulates innate and adaptive immune pathways to treat disease without compromising host-protective immunity.
Cancer Program: TP-317 is being developed as an adjunct to immune checkpoint inhibitors in refractory metastatic melanoma and advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and as adjunct to second-line chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Preclinical studies with oral TP-317 have shown potent single-agent activity and enhanced efficacy when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors or chemotherapy.
IBD Program: TP-317 is being developed as first-line, oral therapy for mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease and as second-line, oral therapy for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis in patients who are not well controlled on 5-ASA or corticosteroids. TP-317 also has potential to treat moderate-to-severe IBD as adjunct therapy to standard-of-care biologics or oral immunomodulators. The anticipated high safety premium for TP-317 further supports early intervention in IBD and other immune disorders.
About Thetis Pharmaceuticals
Thetis is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Thetis’ proprietary HEALER™ technology enables the pharmaceutical development of Resolvins, overcoming the stability, manufacturing, and formulation hurdles that have limited their commercial development. Thetis is supported by venture capital investors, NIH, and leading private philanthropies, including the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation.
Disclaimer
TP-317 is an investigational drug product that has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The SBIR Award (R44CA278026) is supported by the National Institute of Cancer of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Statements regarding TP-317 and the SBIR Award are solely the responsibility of Thetis Pharmaceuticals LLC and do not represent the official views of the NIH.
Contact Information
Gary Mathias, CEO
gmathias@thetispharma.com