Evgen Pharma plc

("Evgen" or the "Company")

Collaboration with University of Michigan to evaluate SFX-01 in models of colorectal cancer

Alderley Park, UK - 13 June 2022: Evgen Pharma plc (AIM: EVG), a clinical stage drug development company developing sulforaphane-based medicines for the treatment of cancer and other indications, announces a collaboration with Dr Grace Chen, of the University of Michigan, to investigate the potential anti-tumour effects of the Company's lead asset, SFX-01 in colorectal cancer.

SFX-01 is a patented composition of synthetic sulforaphane and alpha-cyclodextrin. Previous studies of the compound have shown in vivo and in vitro efficacy of the compound in a wide range of cancer cells including breast cancer, glioblastoma and certain blood cancers.

The collaboration with the University of Michigan seeks to evaluate the in vivo effects of SFX-01 in models of colorectal cancer. The effects and mechanism of action of SFX-01 on organoid growth, morphology, stemness and inflammatory markers will also be investigated, using normal and malignant patient-derived organoids and tumour tissue. Initial results are expected at the end of 2023.

Colorectal cancer is considered to be the third most common form of cancer worldwide, with between 1.5-2 million annual diagnoses, and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.  There has also been an alarming global rise in early-onset colorectal cancer occurring in individuals under 50 years of age.  Treating colorectal cancers can be difficult and does not always lead to cure especially in advanced stages.  Therefore, there is a strong need to develop chemoprevention strategies as well as better treatment options.

Dr Huw Jones, Evgen CEO, commented:

"This new project is our fifteenth pre-clinical collaboration to date. Colorectal cancer is a relatively common disease and a cancer type we have not explored extensively. The work of Dr. Chen's group will gain valuable insights into the effects of SFX-01 in models of colorectal cancer. Building on our existing promising data on the mode of action, efficacy and tolerability of our lead asset, we continue to develop our core products to address the widest possible range of indications."

Dr Grace Chen, of the University of Michigan, lead investigator, commented:

"We have seen the encouraging data of SFX-01 in various indications and want to understand more about the potential of Evgen's sulforaphane-synthetising technology in colorectal cancer to help develop prevention strategies especially in high-risk patients and improved treatment options for patients with advanced colorectal cancer."

Evgen's core technology is Sulforadex®, a method for synthesising and stabilising the naturally occurring compound sulforaphane and novel proprietary analogues based on sulforaphane. Sulforaphanes have shown potential benefits in oncology by reducing inflammation and blocking DNA mutation of cancer.

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About Evgen Pharma plc 

Evgen Pharma is a clinical stage drug development company developing sulforaphane based medicines for the treatment of multiple diseases. The Company's core technology is Sulforadex®, a method for synthesising and stabilising the naturally occurring compound sulforaphane and novel proprietary analogues based on sulforaphane. 

The Company's lead asset, SFX-01, is a patented composition of synthetic sulforaphane and alpha-cyclodextrin and has undergone clinical trials for oestrogen-positive (ER+) metastatic breast cancer. It will be entering the clinic in glioma/glioblastoma later in 2022.  In September 2021 the FDA granted Orphan Drug status to SFX-01 in malignant glioma.

The Company also has a wide number of collaborations with leading academic centres in the UK, Europe and AsiaPac as part of the continuing strategy to build the data set of safety and efficacy around the compound. With respect to non-core areas, Evgen signed an outlicensing deal with JuvLife, the dietary products and functional foods division of Juvenescence Ltd, for the development of a naturally-sourced sulforaphane nutritional health supplement, stabilised using Evgen's Sulforadex® technology.

The Company commenced operations in January 2008 and has its headquarters and registered office at Alderley Park, Cheshire.  It joined the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in October 2015 and trades under the ticker symbol EVG.  

For further information, please visit: www.evgen.com