Exhibit 99.1
Surface Oncology Announces Filing of IND for CD39 Targeted Antibody Candidate, SRF617, at Inaugural R&D Day
Details clinical plans for phase 1/1b clinical studies of SRF617 and SRF388 in patients with advanced solid tumors
Shares preclinical data for new, CD112R targeted antibody candidate, SRF813, and its ability to promote NK/T cell activation
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 18, 2019 — Surface Oncology(Nasdaq: SURF), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, today announced that it has submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support the initiation of a phase 1/1b clinical study of SRF617 (targeting CD39). At an inaugural R&D day today, the Company will share progress across its portfolio including clinical development plans for SRF617 and SRF388(IL-27), and preclinical data supporting its new development candidate, SRF813, which targets the recently identified checkpoint protein CD112R to promote natural killer (NK) and T cell activation.
“We welcome this opportunity to dive into the compelling data underpinning our lead programs’ differentiated approaches to overcoming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, as we work to break through and bring the benefits of immunotherapy to more patients suffering with cancer,” said Jeff Goater, chief executive officer of Surface Oncology. “We look forward to furthering the incredible scientific work of our team with the initiation of our phase 1 clinical trials for both SRF617 and SRF388 in early 2020.”
SRF617 is a fully human anti-CD39 antibody designed to promote anti-tumor immunity through a dual mechanism of reducing immunosuppressive adenosine and driving the extracellular accumulation of immunostimulatory ATP within the tumor microenvironment. Due to this dual mechanism, Surface Oncology believes CD39 is the most promising therapeutic target on the adenosine axis, a notable immunosuppressive pathway. The Company’s planned phase 1/1b study will evaluate SRF617 in patients with advanced solid tumors both as a monotherapy and in combination with other cancer therapies.
Surface Oncology also anticipates the filing of an IND for SRF388 before the end of 2019, with the subsequent initiation of a phase 1/1b clinical study in early 2020. The Company has identified particular tumor types, including hepatocellular and renal cell carcinoma, whereIL-27 appears to play an important role in tumor progression. Furthermore, Surface Oncology has identified a potential biomarker associated withIL-27 that may be useful in helping identify patients most likely to respond to SRF388, which has the potential to be the firstIL-27 targeted antibody to enter clinical trials.
“The Surface team is energized by the compelling preclinical datasets across our programs, and is excited about advancing SRF617 and SRF388 into clinical development,” said Rob Ross, M.D., chief medical officer of Surface Oncology. “Both SRF617 and SRF813 havebest-in-class potential related to targeting the adenosine axis and NK cells, respectively, and we believe SRF388 has the ability to inhibit the highly immunosuppressive cytokineIL-27, which gives it the potential to be a potent therapeutic. We look forward to providing clinical updates from the SRF388 and SRF617 programs in late 2020.”
Surface Oncology’s preclinical data demonstrates that SRF813 increases NK and T cell activity, has strong, differentiated preclinical efficacy and promotes immunological memory. Currently, there are no
