Phio Pharmaceuticals Presents New In Vivo Data at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting Showing Dual-Targeting INTASYL Offers Increased Efficacy and Safety Potential Over Other Therapeutic Approaches

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., June 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Nasdaq: PHIO), a biotechnology company developing the next generation of immuno-oncology therapeutics based on its proprietary self-delivering RNAi (INTASYL™) therapeutic platform, today announced positive in vivo data that provide further evidence on the utility of its INTASYL™ self-delivering RNAi therapy platform in the field of immuno-oncology. The new study data show how INTASYL can be easily deployed to target multiple proteins and provide evidence of the synergy of the Company's pipeline products. In the study, INTASYL specifically dual-targeting BRD4 and PD-1 elicited complete tumor responses in an in vivo hepatoma model, and significantly outperformed the efficacy of small molecule and antibody treatments towards the same targets.  

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In this study, the Company assessed the efficacy of mouse/human BRD4-targeting INTASYL PH-894 as monotherapy or co-formulated with mouse PD-1 targeting INTASYL mPH-762, in treating a subcutaneous Hepa1-6 model of murine hepatoma in C57BL/6N mice. Positive controls included JQ-1, a small molecule inhibitor of BRD4 and anti-mouse PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or both treatments.

"We are excited by these new in vivo study results presented at ASCO today, which highlight the potential of INTASYL as a mono- or dual-targeting therapy platform. By using doses that were well below the optimal single agent therapeutic dose identified in previous animal studies, we can obtain very high efficacy by dual-targeting BRD4 and PD-1. Even at these suboptimal concentrations, the dual-targeting INTASYL compound elicited complete responses in 83% of mice, and outperforming JQ-1 and anti-PD-1 mAb treatments, either used individually or in combination. Data from the study also suggests that the dual targeting INTASYL treatment resulted in a superior safety profile, as compared to the JQ-1 and anti-PD-1 mAb treatments," stated Dr. Simon Fricker, Phio's VP of Research. He added, "These data further support our message that INTASYL can outperform other therapeutic approaches, and that synergistic drug combination approaches can be easily executed with a single INTASYL formulation."

A poster further detailing the data presented at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting titled "INTASYL™ self-delivering RNAi therapy specifically dual-targeting BRD4 and PD-1 elicits complete tumor responses and evidence of synergy in a subcutaneous Hepa1-6 model of murine hepatoma in C57BL/6N mice" will be made available on the "Investors – Events and Presentations" section of the Company's website (click here).

About Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Nasdaq: PHIO) is a biotechnology company developing the next generation of immuno-oncology therapeutics based on its self-delivering RNAi (INTASYL™) therapeutic platform. The Company's efforts are focused on silencing tumor-induced suppression of the immune system through its proprietary INTASYL platform with utility in immune cells and the tumor micro-environment. Our goal is to develop powerful INTASYL therapeutic compounds that can weaponize immune effector cells to overcome tumor immune escape, thereby providing patients a powerful new treatment option that goes beyond current treatment modalities. For additional information, visit the Company's website, www.phiopharma.com.  

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. These statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the impact to our business and operations by the coronavirus pandemic, results from our preclinical and clinical activities, the development of our product candidates, the ability to obtain future financing, the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors, including, but not limited to, market and other conditions and those identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the caption "Risk Factors" and in other filings the Company periodically makes with the SEC. Readers are urged to review these risk factors and to not act in reliance on any forward-looking statements, as actual results may differ from those contemplated by our forward-looking statements. Phio does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect a change in its views, events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Contact Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp.
[email protected] 

Investor Contact 
Ashley R. Robinson 
LifeSci Advisors 
[email protected] 

SOURCE Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Related Links

www.phiopharma.com