Targeted protein degradation (TPD*) technologies have demonstrated the potential to produce novel treatment approaches
Surrozen’s current SWEETS bispecific antibodies are unique TPD technologies
Results demonstrated that the two new ASGR-targeted SWEETS bispecific antibodies enhanced Wnt-signal activation through the unique TPD platform
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Surrozen, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRZN), a company pioneering targeted therapeutics that selectively modulate the Wnt pathway for tissue repair and regeneration, announced today publication of data in eLife highlighting the potential to enhance Wnt–signal activation in new targeted SWEETS (Surrozen Wnt signal Enhancer Engineered for Tissue Specificity) bispecific antibodies which utilize a unique protein degradation platform that provides alternatives for future clinical applications (Click: HERE).
This publication presented research that was focused on extending previous work by Surrozen scientists on fusing an RSPO2** mutant protein to an antibody that binds ASGR1*** which led to hepatocyte (liver cell)-specific enhanced signaling, proliferation, and restored liver function in mouse models. In this publication, the authors described the development of two new ASGR bispecific antibodies which revealed distinct epitopes on both ASGR1 and ASGR2 that resulted in a robust and cell-specific Wnt-signal activation. These ASGR-targeted SWEETS molecules represent a unique targeted protein degradation (TPD) platform, that functions via multiple mechanisms, and expands the potential opportunities to treat liver diseases through cell or tissue-specific regenerative therapeutics with enhanced Wnt signal activation.
“This work published in eLIfe provides an important new approach to boost Wnt-signaling through protein degradation technologies and is an important demonstration of our continuing efforts as a company to enhance options available in areas of unmet therapeutic need including severe liver disease,” said Yang Li, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Research at Surrozen.
Surrozen also announced the publication of a review article in iScience (Click: HERE). This review article provided a comprehensive summary of work done by both Surrozen scientists and other researchers in the field on the invention of various Wnt activating platforms. This review highlights the rationales and design rules described so far and the insights learned from the studies of these novel molecules on various tissues. This review highlights the exciting progress made in this emerging field and the potential of Wnt agonists in the treatment of numerous tissue degenerative diseases.
*TPD – Total protein degradation technologies focus on the complex networks of biochemical processes in protein homeostasis and includes removal of damaged proteins and targeted degradation of intracellular, extracellular, and cell-surface proteins with unwanted functions
**RSPO2 = R-spondin 2
***ASGR = asialoglycoprotein receptor
About SZN-043 for Severe Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis
SZN-043 is the first development candidate using Surrozen’s SWEETS™ technology. Surrozen is developing SZN-043 for severe liver diseases, initially focusing on severe alcohol-associated hepatitis. The Company has completed a Phase 1a clinical trial in patients with a history of liver cirrhosis and healthy volunteers. SZN-043 was safe and well tolerated in single or multiple IV doses and demonstrated evidence of target engagement, Wnt signal activation and effects on liver function.
The Phase 1b clinical trial in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis began enrollment in the second quarter of 2024 and the Company expects that proof-of-concept data from this trial may be available in the first half of 2025.
About Wnt Signaling
Wnt signaling plays key roles in the control of development, homeostasis, and regeneration of many essential organs and tissues, including liver, intestine, lung, kidney, retina, central nervous system, cochlea, bone, and others. Modulation of Wnt signaling pathways has potential for treatment of degenerative diseases and tissue injuries. Surrozen’s platform and proprietary technologies have the potential to overcome the limitations in pursuing the Wnt pathway as a therapeutic strategy.
About Surrozen
Surrozen is a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing drug candidates to selectively modulate the Wnt pathway. Surrozen is developing tissue-specific antibodies designed to engage the body’s existing biological repair mechanisms with a current focus on severe liver and eye diseases. For more information, please visit www.surrozen.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “will,” “plan,” “intend,” “potential,” “expect,” “could,” or the negative of these words and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Surrozen’s discovery, research and development activities, in particular its development plans for its product candidate SZN-043 (including anticipated clinical development plans and timelines, and the availability of data, the potential for such product candidate to be used to treat human disease, as well as the potential benefits of such product candidate), and the Company’s partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, including the potential for future success-based development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to mid-single digit to low-double digit royalties on sales. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the management of Surrozen and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Surrozen. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the initiation, cost, timing, progress and results of research and development activities, preclinical and clinical trials with respect to SZN-043, SZN-413 and potential future drug candidates; the Company’s ability to fund its preclinical and clinical trials and development efforts, whether with existing funds or through additional fundraising; Surrozen’s ability to identify, develop and commercialize drug candidates; Surrozen’s ability to successfully complete preclinical and clinical studies for SZN-043, SZN-413, or other future product candidates; the effects that arise from volatility in global economic, political, regulatory and market conditions; and all other factors discussed in Surrozen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Surrozen’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents Surrozen has filed, or will file, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Surrozen presently does not know, or that Surrozen currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Surrozen’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Surrozen anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while Surrozen may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Surrozen specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Surrozen’s assessments of any date after the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
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