Linnaeus Therapeutics Secures Fourth SBIR Award from National Cancer Institute, Boosting Funding to $8.3 Million

Linnaeus Therapeutics Receives Major SBIR Funding

Linnaeus Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical firm focused on innovative oncology solutions, has announced that it has once again been recognized for its groundbreaking work in cancer treatment. The latest achievement comes in the form of a fourth competitive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which adds a generous $2 million grant to its portfolio. This brings the total funding acquired by Linnaeus through SBIR to an impressive $8.3 million.

Targeting Melanoma with Advanced Therapeutics

The funding will primarily support the clinical development of Linnaeus's lead compound, LNS8801. This drug is specifically designed to target the G protein-coupled receptor (GPER), offering a novel approach to treat metastatic cutaneous melanoma, especially in patients who have difficulty with standard immunotherapy.

Patrick Mooney, MD, the CEO of Linnaeus, expressed his excitement regarding the award, stating that it stands as a testament to the strong scientific foundations of LNS8801. He emphasized how such peer-reviewed support helps validate the therapeutic’s development and its efficacy in combating cancer. Furthermore, Dr. Mooney highlighted how this funding will pave the way for further advancements in their clinical studies, providing hope for patients battling this aggressive form of cancer.

Planned Clinical Trials

Looking ahead, Linnaeus aims to initiate a randomized controlled trial later this year, targeting patients with unresectable, treatment-resistant cutaneous melanoma. The anticipated study will enroll 135 biomarker-positive patients who will be treated either with LNS8801 alone, in conjunction with pembrolizumab (a common immunotherapy), or with physician's choice of therapy. By assessing both progression-free survival and overall survival among these groups, the study aims to gather substantial data on LNS8801's effectiveness.

The Science Behind LNS8801

LNS8801 is notable for being an oral and highly specific agonist that robustly activates GPER, which is crucial for its therapeutic action. The drug has demonstrated rapid depletion of c-Myc protein levels in preclinical trials, showcasing significant anti-tumor activity across various cancer types. In existing human studies, LNS8801 has been well tolerated and has shown promising clinical benefits, thereby highlighting its potential as a safe and effective treatment option.

About Linnaeus Therapeutics

Founded in collaboration with the UPstart incubator at the University of Pennsylvania, Linnaeus Therapeutics is dedicated to creating small molecule oncological therapies that hit specific pathways involved in cancer progression. With its innovative approach, the company stands at the forefront of cancer research, committed to transforming patient outcomes through groundbreaking biopharmaceuticals.

As Linnaeus Therapeutics continues to receive backing from prestigious institutions like the National Cancer Institute, the biopsy and oncology community watches closely, hoping for advancements that could change the landscape of cancer treatment for years to come.