Xenetic Biosciences Extends R&D Collaboration with Scripps Research for DNase Platform

Xenetic Biosciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to pioneering immuno-oncology technologies for challenging cancer types, recently announced the extension of their Research Funding and Option Agreement with The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). This collaboration focuses on advancing Xenetic's systemic DNase I combined with CAR T-cell therapies. The company's DNase-based oncology platform aims to mitigate the effects of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cancer treatment.

Xenetic’s research is centered on combining systemic DNase I with anti-CD19 and anti-EGFR CAR-T cells. This combination is currently undergoing preclinical testing in models of CD19-expressing hematological cancers and EGFR-expressing metastatic melanoma. Initial studies by TSRI demonstrated that DNase I, when used alongside CAR T cells, significantly reduces tumor size, lowers the number of metastatic sites, and substantially extends survival compared to CAR-T cell monotherapy. This effect is attributed to DNase I's ability to degrade NETs, which increases the infiltration of T and CAR-T cells into tumors and diminishes the immunosuppressive environment surrounding the tumor.

The collected preclinical data underscores the pivotal role that NETs play in CAR-T cell efficiency, suggesting that DNase I could enhance therapeutic outcomes for patients receiving CAR-T cell therapy. Xenetic’s DNase-based platform targets NETs, which are chromatin structures expelled by neutrophils that contribute to cancer progression and immune suppression. Studies have shown that reducing NETs with recombinant human DNase I can improve the efficacy of various cancer treatments, including immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy, and chemotherapy, in animal models.

James Parslow, Interim CEO and CFO of Xenetic, emphasized the value of the ongoing partnership with Scripps and the potential of their DNase-based platform to expand its application. The extended agreement with Scripps Research also grants Xenetic the option to exclusively license any new intellectual property arising from the DNase research efforts. Xenetic is moving forward with plans to develop their DNase-based oncology program into Phase 1 clinical trials, targeting pancreatic carcinoma and other advanced solid tumors.

Xenetic Biosciences is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments through their DNase platform, which focuses on neutralizing NETs implicated in tumor growth and immune evasion. The company’s systemic DNase program is poised to enter clinical stages as an adjunctive therapy for pancreatic and other advanced cancers.

By leveraging their proprietary technology and the expertise at Scripps, Xenetic aims to pave the way for new immuno-oncology treatments that address some of the most challenging cancer indications. The extended collaboration underscores Xenetic’s dedication to advancing their innovative DNase-based therapies and potentially broadening their application to improve patient outcomes in the oncology field.