SRA737 update

SAREUM HOLDINGS PLC

("Sareum" or "the Company")

Reference to Potential SRA737 Opportunity in Sierra Oncology Investor Call

Cambridge, UK, 6 August 2021 - Sareum Holdings plc (AIM: SAR), the specialist drug development company, notes that Sierra Oncology, the licence holder for SRA737 (a novel Chk1 inhibitor), held an investor call last night at 10pm BST to discuss its newly announced global in-licensing agreement with AstraZeneca for AZD5153, a novel BRD4 BET inhibitor, to expand its myelofibrosis pipeline.

SRA737 was discovered and initially developed by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research in collaboration with Sareum, and with funding from Sareum and Cancer Research UK. SRA737 was licensed to Sierra in September 2016.

In discussing the rationale for adding AZD5153 to its pipeline, Sierra referred to possible pipeline expansion opportunities in other haematologic or solid tumour indications, through potential combinations with SRA737, immune-oncology agents, PARP inhibitors and drugs with other mechanisms of action.

Sierra also noted that AZD5153 had shown preclinical efficacy in combination with a diverse range of agents, and that synergy between AZD5153 and a family of DNA damage response agents, known as ATR inhibitors, suggested potential utility in combination with SRA737.

In its 10-K filing, published yesterday, Sierra reiterated that it is focusing its resources on the development of momelotinib and exploring options to potentially support the continued development of SRA737.

Sareum's CEO, Dr Tim Mitchell, commented:

"It is encouraging to note from Sierra's investor call that, while it has made no commitment towards the further development of SRA737, it sees further potential opportunities for this novel agent following the addition of AZD5153 into its pipeline. We remain optimistic that Sierra will find a solution to advance development of the SRA737 programme in the future."

A recording of Sierra Oncology's investor call can be found at www.sierraoncology.com 

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About Sareum

Sareum is a specialist drug development company delivering targeted small molecule therapeutics to improve the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The Company aims to generate value through licensing its candidates to international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies at the preclinical or early clinical trials stage.

Sareum is advancing internal programmes focused on distinct dual tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) / Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitors through preclinical development as therapies for autoimmune diseases, including the 'cytokine storm' immune system overreaction to Covid-19 and other viral infections, (SDC-1801) and cancer immunotherapy (SDC-1802).

Sareum also has an economic interest in SRA737, a clinical-stage oral, selective Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitor that targets cancer cell replication and DNA damage repair mechanisms. Preliminary Phase 2 and comprehensive preclinical data suggest SRA737 may have broad application in combination with other oncology and immune-oncology drugs in genetically defined patients.

SRA737 was discovered and initially developed by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research in collaboration with Sareum, and with funding from Sareum and Cancer Research UK. SRA737 was licensed by CRT Pioneer Fund (CPF) to Sierra Oncology Inc. Sierra continues to explore options that would enable the development of SRA737 to advance.

Sareum Holdings plc is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, trading under the ticker SAR. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.sareum.com 

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