Fannin Partners Secures Major Grants for Ewing Sarcoma Drug Development

Fannin Partners, LLC, based in Houston, has recently been awarded two critical grants aimed at propelling their innovative therapy development for Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer primarily affecting children and adolescents. These grants come from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) and the Faris Foundation, organizations that are focused on advancing medical research and improving outcomes for young cancer patients.

Ewing sarcoma presents a significant challenge due to the limited treatment options available for patients, particularly those whose condition recurs or becomes resistant to standard therapies. Fannin's breakthrough approach focuses on the targeted Raptamer-Drug Conjugate (RapDC) therapy that aims to improve the effectiveness of treatment for this devastating disease. The RapDCs are designed to target IL1RAP, a key receptor commonly found on the surface of Ewing sarcoma cells, allowing for a more direct and powerful attack on the cancer.

The concept of RapDC therapy builds on the principles of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), but with a cutting-edge twist. Instead of utilizing antibodies, Fannin employs fully synthetic Raptamers. These tailored molecules bind specifically to internalizing cell surface proteins and can deliver toxic agents straight into cancer cells, thus enhancing the therapeutic effect while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissues.

Dr. Asha Virani, the founder and Chief Angel Officer of the Faris Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for Fannin's innovative platform. She emphasized the urgent need for transformative solutions in Ewing sarcoma treatment, highlighting the support from CDMRP as validation of their scientific approach. This partnership with the Faris Foundation underscores the collaborative effort required to push the boundaries of cancer research.

Fannin's managing partner, Dr. Atul Varadhachary, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the financial backing from both organizations. He pointed out the stark reality that therapeutic innovation for relapsed Ewing sarcoma has been limited over the years, making these grants pivotal in fostering a new era of treatment options tailored specifically for pediatric patients.

These funds will enable Fannin to accelerate the development of their synthetic RapDC platform, steering it towards a next-generation targeted therapy that promises greater precision and programmability than existing treatment modalities. Such philanthropic support is especially crucial in the realm of pediatric cancer research, where traditional commercial funding paths may not adequately meet the unique needs associated with rare conditions.

The recent grants also signify an expansion of Fannin’s portfolio in pediatric oncology, which includes clinical development programs like the CD127 antibody initiative for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and ongoing studies for osteosarcoma. Moreover, the versatility of the Raptamer platform extends beyond Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma and sets the stage for creating targeted therapeutics across various disease contexts, potentially transforming treatment landscapes in oncology and other therapeutic fields.

About Raptamer Therapeutics

Raptamer Therapeutics, a proprietary platform of Fannin, is designed for precision therapeutics discovery. By leveraging fully synthetic Raptamer technology, the platform enables researchers to create highly specific and programmable therapeutic agents that can be customized to target disease-associated receptors.

About Fannin

Founded in 2014, Fannin Partners has established itself as a dynamic player in the life sciences sector. With a growing portfolio of programs at varying stages of development, including four currently in clinical trials, Fannin utilizes both internal and external funding sources to advance its innovative therapeutic pipeline. They have successfully secured over $295 million in investments, including more than $85 million designated for grant funding. Fannin is committed not only to therapeutic advancements but also to empowering local life sciences entrepreneurs through development initiatives.

For more information, visit www.FanninInnovation.com.