Key Takeaways
- Siren Biotechnology received an $8M grant from CIRM for its SRN-101 therapy targeting high-grade glioma.
- The funding will support clinical trials following FDA approval for investigational use of SRN-101.
- High-grade gliomas, including glioblastoma, are challenging cancers that necessitate innovative treatment approaches.
Grant to Advance Innovative Cancer Therapy
Siren Biotechnology has announced the receipt of an $8M non-dilutive CLIN2 grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). This funding aims to support the clinical development of SRN-101, Siren’s leading investigational AAV immuno-gene therapy specifically designed for high-grade glioma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer.
This grant comes shortly after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Siren’s first Investigational New Drug (IND) application, allowing the company to begin a Phase 1/2 trial involving adult patients with recurrent high-grade glioma. The funding from CIRM will be vital in conducting the trial and evaluating SRN-101’s effectiveness in this patient population.
Siren’s SRN-101 is based on its Universal AAV Immuno-Gene Therapy platform, which aims to deliver immune-modulating treatments directly to tumors for more effective and lasting outcomes. The program has also received multiple designations from the FDA, including Fast Track and Orphan Drug, in recognition of its potential benefits to patients with limited treatment options.
Nicole K. Paulk, PhD, Founder, CEO, and President of Siren Biotechnology, expressed gratitude to CIRM for its support, emphasizing the urgency of addressing high-grade gliomas and the critical need for innovative therapies.
High-grade gliomas, such as glioblastomas, represent some of the most challenging and lethal brain tumors, with current treatment options like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy often providing minimal relief. Therefore, advancements in therapy are crucial for improving patient outcomes in this difficult-to-treat category.
CIRM’s long-standing mission is to fund stem cell and gene therapy research to accelerate the development of treatments for patients facing unmet medical needs. The agency was established with voter support and has allocated $8.5 billion in funding through propositions aimed at supporting biomedical research in California.
For more information about Siren Biotechnology, visit their website. They are committed to advancing cancer treatment through their innovative immuno-gene therapy platform aimed at improving existing therapeutic approaches.
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