Syntrix Completes Initial SX-682 Dosing in Broad Phase 1/2 Cancer Trial Campaign Now Encompassing 5 Solid Cancer Types Plus Myelodysplastic Syndromes

AUBURN, Wash., Oct. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Syntrix Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class product candidates focused on emerging immune control mechanisms in oncology indications, announced today it completed initial SX-682 dosing in Phase 1/2 trials in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and metastatic melanoma.  The drug was well tolerated and absorbed with excellent dose-proportional drug levels in blood. The trials are being conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic and the University of Rochester.

There is a major need for new cancer treatments targeting novel immune control mechanisms in cancer since existing immunotherapies induce a durable response in only a small percentage of patients.  SX-682 is the company's lead drug from its tumor-microenvironment (TME) discovery platform targeting key molecular pathways cancer uses to shield itself from immune attack.  High-profile scientific publications from major cancer centers report SX-682 potently eradicates cancer and extends survival: National Cancer Institute (JCI Insight, J Immunother Cancer), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute (JCI Insight), and MD Anderson (Nature and Cancer Cell).

Based on these promising results, additional Phase 1/2 trials are now also opening for SX-682 in pancreatic cancer at the University of Rochester, in colorectal cancer at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, and in advanced tumors including breast and head and neck cancers at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.

"The CXCR1/2 pathway blocked by SX-682 suppresses anti-tumor immunity," said John Zebala, MD, PhD, president at Syntrix.  "Patients with low CXCR1/2 activity survive significantly longer compared to patients with high activity.  We are hopeful the same effect can be achieved by pharmacologically blocking the pathway with SX-682. We believe the breadth of the SX-682 clinical program positions it for major read-outs."

ABOUT SX-682: SX-682 is a clinical-stage oral allosteric small-molecule inhibitor of CXCR1 and CXCR2 (CXCR1/2).  CXCR1/2 is a "master switch" of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In patients there is an inverse correlation between CXCR1/2 activation and survival. SX-682 has been validated in major tumor models where it exhibits mono-agent activity, extends survival, blocks metastasis, activates infiltration and killing by immune effector cells, and enhances cancer checkpoint and cell therapies.

ABOUT SYNTRIX: Syntrix is a private pharmaceutical company committed to discovering and delivering innovative therapies to treat the most difficult clinical problems. Convergent Science & Strategy. Breakthrough Medicines.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: This release contains forward-looking information that is based on company management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to currently unknown information, risks and circumstances. Actual results may vary from what is projected. Syntrix does not undertake any obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact: Aaron Schuler, PhD, 253-833-8009, x21

SOURCE Syntrix Pharmaceuticals