The startup is developing a biotechnology treatment that targets the enzyme system responsible for the proliferation of cancer stem cells to prevent metastatic disease. This platform specifically aims to reduce the incidence of metastatic breast cancer and other related cancers, including ovarian and pancreatic cancers, through a focused preclinical and clinical drug development program.
Funding
$4.7M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Despite advances in cancer treatment, recurrence remains a significant challenge due to the persistence of dormant cancer cells that are resistant to initial therapies. These dormant cells can later seed metastatic disease, leading to treatment failure.
Solution
EpiAxis Therapeutics is developing epigenetic therapies to overcome treatment resistance and prevent cancer recurrence. Their lead program targets lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) combined with the CoRest axis, an epigenetic eraser enzyme, using a dual mechanism. This approach targets dormant cancer cells that seed recurrence while simultaneously reinvigorating exhausted immune cells to improve cancer clearance. Inhibition of LSD1 reprograms cancer cells, validated by Phase 1 proof-of-concept study.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes oncologists and patients with cancers that are prone to recurrence and metastasis, such as breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers.
Features
- Dual-action epigenetic therapy targeting LSD1 and CoRest axis.
- Targets dormant, chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells.
- Reinvigorates exhausted immune cells for improved cancer clearance.
- Potential application in metastatic settings and in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy.
- Intellectual property covers targeting of LSD1 in combination with other cancer treatments.
- Additional projects targeting PKC theta and PD1/PDL1.