Report Cites Dr. Song Li’s Work in Nature Nanotechnology
Trade journal Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News (GEN) has reported on the ongoing research of Duo Oncology Founder, Dr. Song Li. Their article highlights Dr. Li’s recent publication in Nature Nanotechnology titled “Targeting Xkr8 via nanoparticle-mediated in situ co-delivery of siRNA and chemotherapy drugs for cancer immunochemotherapy”.
The article describes a large nanoparticle formulation, which provides novel immunotherapy using a combination of fluorouracil, oxoplatin, and a novel siRNA that blocks the production of Xkr8, a protein responsible for the expression of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the surface of cancer cells. At the cell’s surface, PS acts as an immunosuppressant, depressing the immune response and increasing the risk of relapse. All three therapies were formulated in a nanoparticle whose surface was covered with chondroitin sulfate and PEG to aid in movement out of blood vessels and into tumors. The lab’s novel nanoparticle was tested in two murine cancer models and in both cases the nanoparticle arrested tumor growth and invigorated the anti-tumor immune response.
“We are excited for the recognition of Dr. Song Li’s ongoing research,” said Dr. Sam Rothstein, “The Xkr8 mechanism provides a novel approach to augmenting anti-tumor immunotherapy and is a strong endorsement of Dr. Li’s tireless work on new therapies that better address the needs of cancer patients.” Duo Oncology is continuing in its mission to transform the treatment landscape for patients with stroma-rich cancers. Stromal tissue forms a barrier to therapy that shortens patient survival. Duo’s ultrasmall nanomedicines effectively penetrate this barrier, carrying potent small molecule combinations to growing cancer cells. Our team has expanded Duo’s platform chemistry in recent studies to formulate siRNA into ultrasmall nanoparticles. Pilot studies of these ultrasmall siRNA nanomedicines have produced exciting results that encourage continued program development.
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
