Surface Oncology Announces First Fully Human CD47 Antibody Entering Clinical Development In 2017

SRF231 Demonstrates Preclinical Anti-tumor Activity Presented at SITC 2016

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Surface Oncology, an immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, will present preclinical data on SRF231, a fully human CD47 antibody, at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer’s (SITC) annual meeting. Results from preclinical studies demonstrate that SRF231 is efficacious in preclinical in vivo models through macrophage-mediated anti-tumor activity. SRF231 is the lead compound in the Company’s growing pipeline and the first option target in the strategic collaboration with Novartis under which Surface has the option to retain US development and commercial rights.

“SRF231 is the first clinical candidate in our pipeline of next-generation immunotherapies and will be entering clinical trials in 2017. The results highlight SRF231’s potential as a best-in-class antibody for hematological and solid tumors”

“SRF231 is the first clinical candidate in our pipeline of next-generation immunotherapies and will be entering clinical trials in 2017. The results highlight SRF231’s potential as a best-in-class antibody for hematological and solid tumors,” said Detlev Biniszkiewicz, PhD, President and CEO of Surface Oncology. “This is the first of many Surface programs targeting the tumor microenvironment that could result in lasting benefits for patients who do not respond to the first-generation of immunotherapies.”

CD47 is an important immune escape mechanism exploited by multiple tumor types, making it a target with broad therapeutic potential. CD47 acts as a macrophage checkpoint or “don’t eat me” signal that prevents cells from being eliminated by a macrophage-mediated process called phagocytosis. Tumor cells can evade phagocytosis by overexpressing CD47. SRF231 blocks CD47 and makes tumor cells vulnerable to macrophage attack.

Results presented in the SITC poster (#423) demonstrate that SRF231 binds with high affinity to CD47, stimulates phagocytosis of cancer cells in vitro, and has potent in vivo anti-tumor activity, both as monotherapy and in combination with standard of care. These data also demonstrate that SRF231 does not induce detectable hemagglutination or phagocytosis of red blood cells in vitro, a potentially important safety advantage. These findings support its clinical development in hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

ABOUT SURFACE ONCOLOGY

In order to re-activate a patient’s immune response to cancer, Surface Oncology is developing next-generation immunotherapies targeting the tumor microenvironment. Our broad attack has the potential to convert patients’ non-responsive ‘cold’ tumors into immune-active ones. We are committed to advancing our diverse pipeline of immunotherapies to bring more cures to patients who do not benefit from existing cancer treatments. To accomplish this, Surface’s world-class team is working with scientific founders, our network of leading academic collaborators, and a robust scientific platform integrating tumor immunology, antibody characterization, and translational science. Headquartered in the heart of Cambridge’s Kendall Square, Surface was financed by an industry-leading syndicate of venture investors and entered a global strategic collaboration with Novartis in 2016 under which Novartis gained an exclusive worldwide license for one of Surface’s leading programs and options to license up to three additional programs. Surface has the option to co-develop and retain U.S. commercialization rights for two of the collaboration programs.

For more information, visit www.surfaceoncology.com.