CorriXR Therapeutics, Inc., a pioneering oncology-focused biotherapeutics company, has secured a $1 million investment from the State of Delaware to advance its innovative CRISPR-based gene therapy platform targeting solid tumors. The funding represents a significant milestone for the company as it prepares for its first-in-human clinical trial.
Novel NRF2-Targeting Approach
CorriXR is developing genetic medicines that utilize a patented non-viral gene editing tool to disable transcription factor NRF2, which controls more than 200 genes responsible for creating a pro-oncogenic tumor microenvironment. The knockout of NRF2 disrupts cancer cell survival mechanisms and sensitizes tumors to standard of care treatments.
"We're excited to have the State of Delaware participate in our Series A financing round as we advance toward our first-in-human clinical trial," said Eric Kmiec, Ph.D., founder and CEO of CorriXR. "This investment will be critical as we complete preclinical studies, scale-up manufacturing, and prepare our investigational new drug (IND) submission."
Broad Therapeutic Potential
The company's platform is being developed as a monotherapy, neoadjuvant treatment, or in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy. CorriXR's technology has potential applications in over 30 types of squamous cell carcinomas, with the lead program focusing particularly on head and neck and lung cancers.
The approach aims to improve treatment efficiency at lower doses, increase patient eligibility, and reduce treatment dropouts due to side effects, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
Delaware's Innovation Investment
This investment marks the first $1 million disbursement from the Delaware Accelerator & Seed Capital Program (DASCP), one of four programs awarded under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) federal program from the U.S. Treasury Department. The Division of Small Business is administering Delaware's $60.9 million SSBCI award aimed at providing access to capital for start-up and early-stage businesses.
"Our first $1 million investment is proof that Delaware's path to becoming the Mid-Atlantic hub for Innovation is well underway," said Delaware Division of Small Business Director CJ Bell. "Supporting companies like CorriXR to scale isn't just good business – it's the blueprint for turning that vision into reality."
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer emphasized the strategic importance of the investment, stating, "This is how Delaware wins the future, with CorriXR demonstrating the power of turning research into real solutions. By working closely with experts at the Gene Editing Institute, CorriXR is making promising CRISPR therapies a reality for patients faster than ever."
