Stingray Therapeutics

About Stingray Therapeutics

Stingray Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company established in 2018, is focused on developing next-generation immunotherapies to treat cancer. The company was co-founded by Jonathan Northrup and Dr. Sunil Sharma. Northrup, who serves as CEO, brings extensive experience from executive roles at companies like Eli Lilly, and has co-founded three other successful biotech firms. Dr. Sharma, the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, is a clinical oncologist with deep experience in translational therapeutics, having been the primary investigator for over 150 phase 1-2 cancer clinical trials. This is the third cancer company Northrup and Sharma have built together.

Stingray Therapeutics operates in the immuno-oncology market, developing oral medicines that stimulate the innate immune system. Unlike first-generation immunotherapies that target adaptive immunity, Stingray's approach aims to activate innate immunity, which may make more types of tumors responsive to treatment and provide more durable cures. The company's business model is centered on the discovery, preclinical, and clinical development of its drug candidates. Revenue generation will likely be realized through partnerships, licensing agreements with larger pharmaceutical companies, or the eventual commercialization of its therapies.

The company's lead drug candidate is SR-8541A, an orally administered small molecule designed to inhibit ENPP1 (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1). ENPP1 is a protein found on the surface of cancer cells that suppresses the immune system by breaking down a key signaling molecule, 2'3'-cGAMP, before it can activate the STING pathway in nearby immune cells. By inhibiting ENPP1, SR-8541A allows the STING pathway to be activated, which promotes immune cell infiltration and attacks the tumor. High levels of ENPP1 are associated with immune suppression, metastasis, and poor patient outcomes in various cancers. SR-8541A is currently in Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Preclinical studies have shown that it has a synergistic effect with radiation and potentially with checkpoint inhibitors.