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Kadmon Acquires First-in-Class Ras Antagonist from Concordia Pharmaceuticals

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Salirasib (KD032) is a first-in-class direct Ras antagonist designed to inhibit overactive cell growth in cancer caused by various Ras proteins, including H-Ras and K-Ras. Constitutively active Ras, caused by mutations in the Ras family of proto-oncogenes, is present in one-third of human cancers, making it the single most prevalent abnormality of human proto-oncogenes. Mutant forms of Ras are found in approximately 35% to 40% of colorectal cancers, 70% to 90% of pancreatic cancers, and 20% to 25% of non-small cell lung cancers. KD032 has demonstrated significant reduction of Ras levels in a wide array of established cancer models. Additionally, KD032 has demonstrated promising clinical activity and tolerability in combination with gemcitabine in a Phase 1/2 trial in advanced pancreatic cancer and as monotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer.

"KD032 is a valuable addition to our pipeline, as it fits with our development philosophy of concentrating on novel therapeutics and therapeutic combinations which can materially impact the treatment of serious diseases," stated Samuel D. Waksal, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kadmon. "KD032 antagonizes a family of proteins that sits at the center of the cell's proliferation mechanism and is responsible for advancing the signals currently targeted by some of the most important anti-cancer therapies, including EGFR antagonists. Its use in combination with these therapies holds the potential to dramatically affect the resistance mechanisms of some of the most prevalent cancers, including K-Ras mutant colorectal cancer. We look forward to the further development of KD032."

"Kadmon is developing an impressive pipeline of novel therapeutics, and we are proud to see KD032 now included among its oncology product candidates," stated Reginald Hardy, President of Concordia. "Our agreement with Kadmon recognizes KD032's potential and provides the resources, leadership and expertise to rapidly advance this program through the clinic."

MTS Health Partners L.P. acted as financial advisor to Concordia.