SHANGHAI & SUZHOU, China & GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elpiscience Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (�Elpiscience�), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing life-changing immuno-oncology therapies for cancer patients worldwide, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial of ES014, a first-in-class anti-CD39xTGF-? bispecific antibody (bsAb). The principal investigator of the study is Professor Lu Shun, Director of Oncology Department of Shanghai Chest Hospital.

ES014 simultaneously targets the CD39-adenosine and TGF-? pathways, aiming to convert the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) into an immune-friendly one. Adenosine and TGF-? are two key immunosuppressive pathways within the TME. TGF-?, frequently expressed on solid tumors, suppresses T cell activation and induces CD39 expression, the rate-limiting enzyme in the ATP-adenosine pathway. ES014 is designed to have the following functions: 1. It blocks suppressive adenosine generation through CD39 inhibition while maintaining high levels of immune-stimulatory extracellular ATP, the substrate of CD39; 2. ES014 simultaneously neutralizes TGF-?, leading to activation of T cells and blockade of Treg differentiation while avoiding or minimizing systemic immunotoxicity.

�We are excited to have initiated the trial of this novel drug candidate. I�m proud of our highly committed team for their exceptional execution of the project. ES014 has shown strong single-agent anti-tumor efficacy in PD-1 non-responsive animal model. We look forward to seeing positive impact in cancer patients, � said Dr. Steve Chin, Chief Medical Officer of Elpiscience.

�I�m glad to lead the clinical study of ES014 in China. We have observed significant immune-promoting and tumor killing effect by ES014 in our ex vivo model of pleural effusion and ascites samples from patients with cancer. I am excited to move ES014 now to clinical study to investigate its safety and preliminary clinical signal in human,� shared Professor Lu.

About Elpiscience

Elpiscience is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing life-changing immuno-oncology therapies for cancer patients worldwide. The company�s innovative approach is focused on removing immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment, by targeting the adenosine pathway and myeloid checkpoints. A pipeline of novel molecules has been developed using its proprietary platforms including a powerful Bispecific Macrophage Engager (BiME^�) technology that connects and activates macrophages for solid tumor killing without causing cytokine storms.

For more information, please visit www.elpiscience.com.

Contacts

BD inquiries:
[email protected]

Investor inquiries:
[email protected]

Media inquiries:
[email protected]