Silexion Completes Data Collection Phase in First-Ever Evaluation of SIL-204 in Clinically Relevant Orthotopic Models; Analysis Underway with Initial Results Expected in Coming Weeks
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silexion Therapeutics Corp. (NASDAQ: SLXN) ("Silexion" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering RNA interference (RNAi) therapies for KRAS-driven cancers, today announced the completion of its initial study evaluating SIL-204 in orthotopic pancreatic cancer models. This milestone represents the first systematic evaluation of SIL-204 administered subcutaneously in clinically relevant pancreatic cancer models.
The study specifically evaluated two critical aspects of SIL-204's potential therapeutic profile:
SIL-204's ability to reduce primary tumor growth when administered systemically in orthotopic pancreatic cancer models, where human tumor cells are implanted directly into the pancreas
SIL-204's capacity to reduce metastatic spread from these orthotopic tumors to secondary organs
"Completing this initial study in orthotopic models represents a significant milestone in our SIL-204 development program," said Mitchell Shirvan, Ph.D., CSO of Silexion. "These clinically relevant models provide substantially more translational value than standard subcutaneous xenograft models, as they better represent both the complex microenvironment of pancreatic tumors and their characteristic metastatic behavior."
The orthotopic models used in this study are designed to more accurately reflect human pancreatic cancer biology by allowing tumors to develop in their native environment. This stands in contrast to subcutaneous xenograft models, where tumors grow beneath the skin rather than in the organ of origin. Importantly, orthotopic pancreatic models demonstrate metastatic spread patterns similar to human disease, enabling evaluation of potential therapies against both primary and metastatic disease.
"We are particularly excited about this initial study because it represents the first evaluation of SIL-204 against both primary tumors and their metastases following systemic administration," said Ilan Hadar, Chairman and CEO of Silexion. "Our team is currently analyzing the data, and we expect to begin reporting results in the coming weeks. We are cautiosly optimistic that the findings could provide important insights into SIL-204's potential to address both localized and metastatic pancreatic cancer, which could significantly broaden its therapeutic applications."
The Company anticipates sharing initial results from the study in March 2025. These results will inform Silexion's development strategy for SIL-204.
About Silexion Therapeutics Silexion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SLXN) is a pioneering clinical-stage, oncology-focused biotechnology company developing innovative RNA interference (RNAi) therapies to treat solid tumors driven by KRAS mutations, the most common oncogenic driver in human cancers. The company's first-generation product, LODER™, has shown promising results in a Phase 2 trial for non-resectable pancreatic cancer. Silexion is also advancing its next-generation siRNA candidate, SIL-204, designed to target a broader range of KRAS mutations. The company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of therapeutic innovation in oncology, with a focus on improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. For more information please visit: https://silexion.com
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