Duo Oncology Founders Publish in Materials Today
Duo oncology founder-inventors, Drs. Song Li and Jingjing Sun, publish on novel ultrasmall nanomedicine immunotherapy.
PITTSBURGH (PRWEB) January 11, 2023 – Research by Drs. Song Li and Jingjing Sun, Duo Oncology founder and consulting inventor, respectively, recently published work in the prestigious journal, Materials Today. The work titled “Overcoming pancreatic cancer immune resistance by codelivery of CCR2 antagonist using a STING-activating gemcitabine-based nanocarrier” describes the development of a novel ultrasmall nanomedicine that stimulates anti-tumor immunity and blocks the recruitment immunosuppressive immune cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME). This product, named DUO-307, is the second ultrasmall nanomedicine in Duo Oncology’s pipeline and represents the first high drug-loading combination of a chemotherapeutic and immunomodulatory agent to be encapsulated in a nanocarrier capable of penetrating stroma-rich tumors.
The work featured in the publication outlines how the patent-pending gemcitabine-conjugated copolymer nanocarrier micelle (PGEM) can penetrate the dense stroma tissue surrounding pancreatic tumors and activate the DNA-sensing cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway resulted in the production of Type I interferon, recruitment of cytotoxic lymphocytes to the TME, and significant inhibition of tumor growth. In DUO-307, PGEM encapsulates a chemokine receptor type 2 antagonist (CCR2a) that blocks the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells. This enhanced anti-tumor immunity also sensitized tumor infiltrating lymphocytes to treatment with the immune checkpoint inhibitor, anti-programmed death receptor 1 (anti-PD1). Combination therapy of DUO-307 and anti-PD1 resulted in remarkable control over tumor growth in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer with 5/5 mice demonstrating tumor regression and one tumor disappearing completely.
“We are excited about the highly impactful results presented in Materials Today,” said Dr. Sam Rothstein, “DUO-307, in combination with anti-PD1 therapy, has the potential to open new therapeutic avenues for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. Drs. Li and Sun and the entire Duo team continue to think creatively about the development of nanomedicines that provide a multifaceted approach to treating stroma-rich cancers.” Further development and testing of DUO-307 is planned with an eye towards expanding its therapeutic application to other stroma-rich tumors like hepatocellular carcinoma and bladder cancer.
Duo Oncology is continuing in its mission to transform the treatment landscape for patients with stroma-rich cancers. Stromal tissue forms a barrier to standard or large nanomedicines that limits therapy and shortens patient survival. Duo’s ultrasmall nanomedicines effectively penetrate this barrier, carrying potent small molecule combinations to growing cancer cells.
For more information about Duo Oncology and their ongoing nanomedicine development programs, visit DuoOncology.com.
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About Duo Oncology: Duo Oncology’s mission is to redefine the treatment landscape for patients with stroma-rich tumors. The company develops high-potency nanomedicines that penetrate through a tumor's stromal tissue to reach growing cancer cells and extend the lives of, or even cure, cancer patients. Duo’s core innovation is a patent pending chemistry that ties together self-assembling DNA-like bases with environmentally sensitive linkers to form ultrasmall nanomedicines, which carry potent combination payloads all the way to growing cancer cells deep within tumors. The company’s lead nanomedicine (DUO-207, now in IND-enabling studies) treats solid tumors that respond to paclitaxel or gemcitabine therapy, such as pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma. By using known active drug chemistries, DUO-207 offers a streamlined, de-risked development pathway that allows it to begin helping patients years sooner than bespoke therapies. Additional pipeline products use novel active agents to create powerful immunotherapies and precision medicines.
Duo Oncology media contact:
Sam Rothstein, Cofounder and CEO
Email: srothstein@DuoOncology.com
