Silenseed

Silenseed, now known as Silexion Therapeutics, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops RNA interference (RNAi) based cancer drugs and delivery systems. The company was co-founded in 2008 by its CEO, Dr. Amotz Shemi. Before Silenseed, Dr. Shemi was the Senior VP at Medinol, a company specializing in cardiac stents, and also served as CEO for other technology companies in Israel.

The company's core technology focuses on silencing the KRAS gene, an oncogene that plays a role in cell division and is a driver in many cancers, including pancreatic, lung, and prostate cancer. Silenseed developed a proprietary drug delivery system called LODER™ (LOcal Drug EluteR), a miniature, biodegradable polymeric matrix that encapsulates the siRNA drug. This implant is placed directly into a solid tumor, often using a standard endoscope, where it protects the siRNA from enzymatic degradation and releases the drug slowly and continuously over several months. This method targets the mutated KRAS oncogene, which was previously considered an undruggable target, by inhibiting its expression and thereby stopping the growth of cancer cells. The company's main product candidate, siG12D-LODER, has undergone Phase I/IIa clinical trials for treating locally advanced pancreatic cancer, showing it was well-tolerated and demonstrated evidence of halting tumor progression.

Silenseed's business model involves in-house development and cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) production, with a strategy for out-licensing and collaborations. The company has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for its pancreatic cancer treatment. Over the years, Silenseed has raised funds from private investors and pursued a Nasdaq IPO, though the initial attempt in 2014 was later withdrawn. In 2021, the company signed a significant joint venture agreement with Guangzhou Sino-Israel Bio-Industry Investment Fund (GIBF) to establish a Chinese subsidiary to develop and market its products in the region, including a $7.8 million investment from GIBF. The company is now publicly traded on NASDAQ under Silexion Therapeutics.

Keywords: RNAi therapy, drug delivery system, oncology, pancreatic cancer, KRAS inhibitors, biopharmaceutical, clinical-stage, solid tumors, gene silencing, LODER, siG12D-LODER, Silexion Therapeutics, Amotz Shemi, targeted therapy, local drug delivery, biodegradable implant, clinical trials, orphan drug, cancer research, cGMP manufacturing