Stromatis Pharma
Industry: Cancer/fibrosis pharmaceuticals
Stromatis Pharma is developing a secreted frizzle-related protein 2 (sFRP2) antagonist for reverting stromal stellate cells. Such cells encourage inflammation and the thickening of scar tissue to create areas “friendly” to tumor growth; Stromatis’s antagonist aims to bring the cells back to their quiescent states. The treatment is a novel therapeutic for cancers and fibrotic diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis and liver cirrhosis.
In normal circumstances, fibrotic tissue can surround a tumor, protecting it from effective chemotherapy or immune-oncology treatments. Stromatis’s treatment can prevent or significantly slow this process, rendering tumors easier to treat.
Stromatis has already produced monoclonal antibodies against sFRP2. Studies are underway to evaluate the biological effects and anti-tumor activity in animal models. The current focus is on the specific treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
This potential drug is positioned to be the first therapeutic antibody against sFRP2.
