Xenetic extends research collaboration with University of Virginia

Xenetic (XBIO) Biosciences has extended its previously announced Research Funding Agreement with the University of Virginia to advance the development of its systemic DNase program through 2025. Xenetic’s DNase-based oncology platform is designed to target neutrophil extracellular traps, which are weblike structures composed of extracellular chromatin coated with histones and other proteins. In cancer, NETs are expelled by activated neutrophils into the tumor microenvironment and blood, thereby promoting cancer spread, local and systemic immunosuppression, as well as cancer-associated thrombosis. Reduction of NETs burden via application of Xenetic’s proprietary recombinant human DNase I has been shown to improve efficacy of immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy and chemotherapy in preclinical animal models. Under the terms of the Agreement, in addition to advancing Xenetic’s existing intellectual property, Xenetic has an option to acquire an exclusive license to any new intellectual property arising from the DNase research program. Allan Tsung, MD, a member of the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board and Chair of the Department of Surgery at the UVA School of Medicine, will continue to oversee the research conducted under the Agreement. Xenetic is working toward its planned first-in-human study to evaluate DNase combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors or chemotherapy.