Azitra, Inc. to Provide Key Update on ATR-04 Program During ASCO 2025 Meeting

Azitra, Inc. (NYSE American: AZTR), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, is gearing up to present significant findings on their ATR-04 program at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, set to take place from May 30 to June 3, 2025, in Chicago. The company aims to shed light on their promising therapeutic candidate, ATR04-484, which is designed to address rash complications associated with EGFR inhibitors, a common treatment for various cancers.

Recently, Azitra announced that an abstract outlining the Phase 1/2 clinical trial for ATR04-484 has been accepted for presentation at this prestigious oncology event. CEO Francisco Salva expressed enthusiasm about showcasing the potential of ATR04-484, acknowledging ASCO as the leading platform for cancer research discussions. Salva emphasized the urgency of addressing the dermatological issues that accompany EGFRi treatments, which may cause significant discomfort for patients, both physically and psychologically.

The development of ATR04-484 is noteworthy as it utilizes a specially engineered strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis. This live biotherapeutic product is tailored to be safe through the deletion of antibiotic resistance genes and controlled growth mechanisms. The primary focus of ATR04-484 is to alleviate the skin rashes that can arise from EGFR inhibitors, known to compromise skin immunity and trigger inflammation, often exacerbated by increased levels of IL-36γ and Staphylococcus aureus.

Azitra has received Fast Track designation from the FDA, which aims to expedite the development process for drugs addressing serious conditions and filling unmet medical needs. With plans to begin dosing the first patient in the ATR04-484 trial in the first half of 2025, the company is optimistic about the upcoming study outcomes.

EGFR inhibitors are vital in managing various cancer types, notably non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer, by targeting the EGFR protein essential for cellular growth and survival. However, despite their effectiveness, these medications can frequently lead to significant side effects, including skin-related toxicities that hinder patient adherence to treatment regimens.

In tandem, Azitra's lead program, ATR-12, focuses on an engineered variant of S. epidermidis aimed at treating Netherton syndrome, a rare skin disorder that currently lacks approved therapeutic options and poses severe lifelong challenges.

Azitra’s innovative strategies, leveraging a proprietary platform that houses around 1,500 bacterial strains and supported by advanced AI and machine learning technology, enable the identification and development of effective drug candidates. This approach marks a significant stride in precision dermatology, emphasizing tailored treatments for complex skin conditions.

As the oncology community looks forward to receiving updates from Azitra, the full ASCO abstracts will be disclosed on May 22, 2025. This will provide deeper insights into the achievements within Azitra's ATR04-484 initiative, representing a hopeful advancement in the battle against the adverse effects of cancer treatments.

For more information on Azitra and their developments, please visit their official website: Azitra, Inc..