Xenetic announces R&D collaboration with The Scripps Research Institute

Xenetic Biosciences entered into a Research Funding and Option Agreement with The Scripps Research Institute to advance the development of the Company’s systemic DNase program as well as its DNase-armored CAR T program. The systemic DNase program is expected to be evaluated in combination with existing therapies for the potential treatment of pancreatic carcinoma and other solid tumor indications. Xenetic’s DNase-based oncology platform is designed to target neutrophil extracellular traps, which are weblike structures composed of extracellular chromatin coated with histones and other proteins. NETs are expelled by activated neutrophils, in response to microbial or pro-inflammatory challenges. However, excessive production or reduced clearance of NETs can lead to aggravated inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies, as well as creation and support of pro-tumorigenic niches in the case of cancer growth and metastasis, thereby potentially limiting response to therapy. Under the terms of the Scripps Research agreement, in addition to advancing Xenetic’s existing intellectual property, Xenetic has an option to acquire an exclusive license to any new intellectual property arising from the DNase research program. Xenetic is working toward its planned first-in-human study to evaluate DNase combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors or chemotherapy.