TheraCryf plc

("TheraCryf", the "Company" or the "Group")

Publication of peer reviewed data on the radiosensitising effects of SFX-01 in Rhabdomyosarcoma

Alderley Park, UK - 10 July 2024: TheraCryf plc (AIM: TCF), the clinical stage drug development company focussing on oncology and neuropsychiatry, has been informed that its collaborators at Sapienza University of Rome, have had their work investigating the radiosensitising effects of SFX-01 in Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma in childhood, accepted for publication in the peer reviewed journal, BMC Cancer.

A radiosensitising agent is a drug that makes tumour cells more sensitive to radiation therapy, enhancing its effectiveness.

The work was carried out by Prof. Francesco Marampon of the Department of Radiotherapy and Dr Simona Camero of Prof. Francesca Megiorni's research group at the Department of Experimental Medicine at the Sapienza University of Rome.

The publication brings together positive data sets shared earlier this year where SFX-01 was shown to be effective, in-vitro as well as in-vivo, in reducing the growth of tumour cells grown in a laboratory setting and tumour masses in a mouse model of RMS. Both studies highlighted the potential for additional and in some cases synergistic (a more positive outcome than would be expected by simply adding the two agents together) effects of SFX-01 when used alongside radiotherapy which is the current standard of care treatment for patients.

Dr Helen Kuhlman, TheraCryf's CBO, commented:

"The collaboration with Prof. Marampon's group has generated great insight into the potential of SFX-01 as a radiosensitising agent and the mechanisms by which it may be exerting its anti-tumour effects. I'd like to take this opportunity to commend the work of the Sapienza group for the quality of the data produced and the stimulating discourse around SFX-01 and its potential for development as a therapeutic option for these patients who currently have few alternatives."

Prof. Francesco Marampon, of Università Sapienza di Roma, Lead Investigator, added:

"We are delighted that our data has been accepted by the esteemed publication, BMC Cancer. RMS has been treated in the same way for many years, and research suggests that the disease requires the increased local sensitisation of the tumours to improve treatment options, therefore, the results from our in-vitro and in-vivo data is very exciting. We are looking forward to taking the research further forward with TheraCryf." 

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue and can develop in muscle, fat, blood vessels, or in any of the other tissues that support, surround and protect the organs of the body. RMS can occur at any age, but most often affects children. The prognosis and treatment options depend on the type of rhabdomyosarcoma, where it starts, tumour size and whether the cancer has spread. Treatment is usually with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Currently, the long-term outcomes in patients with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma remain poor.

SFX-01 is a patented composition of synthetic sulforaphane and alpha-cyclodextrin. TheraCryf has already completed three trials of SFX-01 in patients, demonstrating good safety data, including a positive open label trial in metastatic breast cancer using the prototype capsule formulation. 

TheraCryf's core technology is Sulforadex®, a method for synthesising and stabilising sulforaphane and novel proprietary analogues based on sulforaphane. Sulforaphanes have shown potential benefits in neurodevelopmental disorders, oncology and inflammatory conditions. SFX-01, TheraCryf's lead asset, is the only stabilised sulforaphane suitable for clinical research and eventual approval as a medicine.

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About TheraCryf plc

TheraCryf is the clinical stage drug development company focussing on oncology and neuropsychiatry. The Company has a broad clinical and preclinical pipeline in indications including glioblastoma* neurodevelopmental disorders, addiction, anxiety and narcolepsy* [*orphan indications].

Its strategy is to generate compelling data sets to preclinical and/or clinical proof of concept and partner its clinical programmes with mid-size to large pharma for larger trials and commercialisation. As well as a number of industry partnerships with companies, including Stalicla SA, in neurodevelopmental disorders.  The Company has sourced know how for programmes from companies such as Shire (now Takeda).

TheraCryf has worked with and has ongoing collaborations with major universities and hospitals such as the University of Manchester, La Sapienza (Università di Roma), the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Kings College London and University of Connecticut.

The Company has its headquarters and registered office at Alderley Park, Cheshire. It is listed on AIM in London and trades under the ticker symbol TCF. 

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