#United States #North Chicago #Helix 51 #RFU #Saros Therapeutics

Saros Therapeutics Secures $2 Million Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy

In a significant development for cancer treatment, Saros Therapeutics, based in the Helix 51 biomedical incubator at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU), has been awarded a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Phase II grant of approximately $2 million. This funding aims to enhance a promising novel cancer immunotherapy technology that empowers the immune system to effectively combat cancerous cells that can evade natural defenses.

The funding marks a second round of support for Saros Therapeutics, which previous funding earlier this year propelled the initial stages of their nanoparticle technology research. Their innovative SMP nanoparticle system was recently detailed in a publication in the prestigious journal Science. The latest financial backing will aid further research critical for filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application and advancing to human clinical trials.

Saros is pioneering a treatment approach that focuses on helping the immune system recognize and attack cancerous cells through their unique technology involving nanoparticles. These tiny particles are designed to transport therapeutic compounds directly to immune cells, where they activate natural immune responses against tumors. By utilizing the immune system's STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) pathway, their approach exploits a key component of the body's immune defense mechanisms to seek out and eliminate tumors.

Dr. Janice Urban, the interim executive vice president for research at RFU, expressed enthusiasm regarding this recognition from NCI, stating, "This major acknowledgment of the Saros novel delivery system for metastatic cancer is truly exciting. We look forward to their progress towards an Investigational New Drug application and advancing new therapies to benefit cancer patients."

Saros has been a member of RFU's Helix 51, which is tailored for start-ups and early-stage bioscience companies, since earlier this year. This hub provides essential resources including laboratory space, office environments, and collaborative workspaces designed to foster growth and scientific advancement within Lake County's thriving life sciences sector.

With this new grant, the company plans to ramp up its operations within RFU's Innovation and Research Park, allowing for expanded research activities and physical space for their ongoing initiatives. According to Matt Britz, the CEO of Saros, the company's next-generation immunotherapy platform addresses a vital need: "Saros is advancing a next-generation immunotherapy platform designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancers that do not respond well to today's checkpoint inhibitors. Our formulation is designed to enhance immune activation, protect the drug in circulation, improve delivery into relevant immune cells, and enable intravenous administration for system treatment of metastatic disease."

This recent NCI funding will not only enable Saros to move closer to its goal of submitting an IND application but also represents a hopeful step towards trials involving human subjects. The biotech firm is dedicated to crafting safer and more effective cancer therapies that precisely target innate immune cells by activating the STING pathway.

About Saros Therapeutics

Saros Therapeutics is a preclinical biotechnology enterprise focused on developing proprietary nanoparticle immunotherapies that specifically engage innate immune cells. With an objective to deliver effective cancer treatments, they aim to go beyond the limitations faced by existing treatment methodologies.

About Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to improving health and wellness across the globe through interdisciplinary education for health and biomedical professionals, along with the pursuit of groundbreaking knowledge. Since its inception in Chicago in 1912, RFU has been at the forefront of research in various domains such as neurosciences, diabetes, inherited disorders, and balance-related diseases, embodying the innovative spirit of its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin. The university oversees several colleges including the Chicago Medical School and the College of Pharmacy, and continues to demonstrate excellence in health sciences education and research. To learn more, visit rosalindfranklin.edu.