Empyrean Therapeutics, Inc. has acquired a first-in-class Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR-2) antagonist molecule, EMS-312, from Eos Therapies, Inc. in October 2024. This strategic acquisition aims to accelerate the development of a novel cancer drug targeting aggressive cancers, including brain, pancreatic, and breast cancers.
EMS-312: A Promising TLR-2 Antagonist
EMS-312, currently in the pre-investigational new drug (pre-IND) phase, is undergoing comprehensive in vivo validation. Empyrean Therapeutics plans to utilize its research and development infrastructure and global network to expedite the molecule's progression toward human clinical trials and market availability. The molecule has been granted patents in all major global markets.
"This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Empyrean Therapeutics," said Kal Fishman, CEO of Empyrean Therapeutics. "Our EMS-312 small molecule exhibits excellent target affinity, potency, drug-like properties, oral bioavailability, brain uptake, efflux pump avoidance, and it satisfies lead criteria. We are thrilled to integrate it into our pipeline and are committed to advancing it swiftly through the development phases. Our goal is to offer new hope to patients worldwide who are battling some of the most aggressive forms of cancer."
Collaboration and Transition
Eos Therapies and Empyrean Therapeutics collaborated to ensure a seamless transition of all intellectual property, associated research data, and compound materials to Empyrean Therapeutics’ labs at the Center for Novel Therapeutics in La Jolla, California.
Doug Bonhaus, PhD, CEO of Eos Therapies, stated, "We are very pleased to have completed this transaction with Empyrean Therapeutics, and we look forward to seeing this promising therapeutic candidate advance as a potential first-in-class new treatment for cancer."
About Empyrean and Eos Therapies
Empyrean Therapeutics, Inc. focuses on developing groundbreaking therapies to transform cancer treatment. Their mission involves harnessing innovative science to create life-changing medications for patients facing the toughest cancers.
Eos Therapies is a San Diego-based company specializing in the discovery and clinical development of small molecule Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) antagonists for treating Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Eos Therapies is currently advancing the TLR2/9 antagonist, Eos-003, through preclinical development.
