SELLAS Presents Preclinical Efficacy of SLS009 in ASXL1 Mutated Colorectal Cancer at 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting
MWN-AI** Summary
SELLAS Life Sciences Group (NASDAQ: SLS), a biopharmaceutical firm focused on cancer therapies, has presented promising preclinical data on its investigational drug SLS009 (tambiciclib) at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. The study highlights SLS009's potential as a targeted therapy for colorectal cancer patients with ASXL1 mutations, a category that sees approximately 22,500 new cases annually in the U.S., with a notable 55% frequency of ASXL1 alterations among those with high microsatellite instability.
At the ASCO meeting, SELLAS showcased data from a presentation titled “In vitro efficacy of CDK9 inhibitor tambiciclib (SLS009) in ASXL1 mutated colorectal cancer cell lines.” Results indicated that SLS009 exhibited significant anti-proliferative effects, achieving an IC50 of less than 100 nM in 50% of ASXL1 mutant cell lines tested. Notably, this efficacy was absent in ASXL1 wild-type lines. Among the cell lines with ASXL1 frameshift mutations, 75% demonstrated similar potency, supporting the hypothesis that ASXL1 mutation status could serve as a biomarker for treatment response.
Dr. Dragan Cicic from SELLAS emphasized that SLS009 demonstrated effective concentrations significantly lower than those established as safe in previous trials, suggesting an appealing therapeutic window. The company is concurrently testing SLS009 in a Phase 2 clinical study involving patients with ASXL1 mutations undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), aiming to evaluate its safety and efficacy in conjunction with other agents.
SELLAS remains committed to advancing SLS009 as a viable treatment option for ASXL1-driven cancers, signaling optimism for improved patient outcomes through refined biomarker-driven approaches.
MWN-AI** Analysis
SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLS) has presented promising preclinical findings for its lead candidate SLS009 at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for ASXL1 mutated colorectal cancer. With approximately 22,500 new cases of colorectal cancer annually in the U.S. demonstrating high microsatellite instability, the 55% ASXL1 mutation frequency creates a substantial market opportunity for SLS009.
The data showcased in Chicago reported significant anti-proliferative effects of SLS009 in ASXL1 mutant cell lines, with an impressive 50% showing an IC50 <100 nM. This underscores the drug's potential efficacy and differentiated profile compared to existing therapies, as evidenced by the lack of response in ASXL1 wild-type lines. The clear efficacy observed particularly among cell lines harboring ASXL1 frameshift mutations could support the development of ASXL1 mutation status as a predictive biomarker for treatment response, further refining patient selection criteria.
As of June 2025, SELLAS has initiated a Phase 2 trial evaluating SLS009 in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine in patients with ASXL1 mutations, an essential step towards validating the drug's clinical efficacy. The findings underline a favorable therapeutic window, potentially positioning SLS009 as a first-line treatment option for this specific patient population.
Given the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer and the demand for targeted therapies, SLS009 could represent a significant growth driver for SELLAS. Investors should closely monitor updates from the ongoing trials and any forthcoming regulatory interactions, as successful outcomes could enhance SHARE price and market capitalization. Caution remains essential, as the biopharmaceutical landscape entails inherent risks, including regulatory approvals, market acceptance, and competitive dynamics. Overall, SELLAS presents a compelling investment proposition for those seeking exposure to innovative oncology therapeutics.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- ASCO Presentation Supports SLS009 as a Potential Targeted Therapy for ASXL1 Mutated Colorectal Cancer –
- 22,500 New Cases of Colorectal Cancer with High Microsatellite Instability per Year in the US: 55% ASXL1m Frequency –
NEW YORK, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLS) (“SELLAS” or the “Company”), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for a broad range of cancer indications, today announced preclinical efficacy of SLS009 (tambiciclib) in ASXL1 mutated colorectal cancer lines. The data are featured in a presentation, entitled “ In vitro efficacy of CDK9 inhibitor tambiciclib (SLS009) in ASXL1 mutated colorectal cancer cell lines ” at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, taking place May 30- June 3, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.
In a panel of cell lines, SLS009 demonstrated potent anti-proliferative activity:
- In 50% (4/8) of ASXL1 mutant cell lines showed an IC50<100 nM, compared to 0% (0/4) of ASXL1 wild-type lines
- Among cell lines harboring ASXL1 frameshift mutations (FSMs), 75% (3/4) responded with IC50 <100 nM versus only 12.5% (1/8) in cell lines without FSMs
- All cell lines (3/3) with ASXL1 FSMs in the 637-638 protein region responded to treatment with SLS009
- In cell lines with IC50 <100 nM, 75% (3/4) also demonstrated IC99 values below 100 nM, indicating steep dose response curve
- Importantly, effective concentrations were significantly lower than those achieved in patients treated at the recommended phase 2 dose determined to be safe, suggesting a broad therapeutic window.
“These results provide strong rationale for continued advancement of SLS009 as a potential treatment for ASXL1-mutated cancers,” said Dr. Dragan Cicic, Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer at SELLAS. “The ability to selectively target ASXL1-driven tumors at concentrations well below the known safety threshold opens the door for tolerable and effective therapy. Based on the findings, we believe that ASXL1 mutation status could serve as a potential biomarker for response to SLS009 inhibition, which may allow us to further refine patient selection and improve outcomes. We look forward to presenting these results at ASCO.”
| Poster presentation details: | |
| Title: | In vitro efficacy of CDK9 inhibitor tambiciclib (SLS009) in ASXL1 mutated colorectal cancer cell lines |
| Session Date and Time: | Monday, June 2, 2025, 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CDT |
| Session Title: | Developmental Therapeutics—Molecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology |
| Location: | Hall A - Posters and Exhibits |
| Abstract #: | 3121 |
| Poster Board #: | 436 |
SLS009 is currently being investigated in a Phase 2 open-label, single-arm, multi-center study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SLS009 in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine including AML patients with ASXL1 mutations. Initial clinical safety and efficacy data are available. In addition, the study aims to identify biomarkers for the target patient population and enrichment for further trials. For more information on the study, visit clinicaltrial.gov identifier NCT04588922 .
About SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc.
SELLAS is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapeutics for a broad range of cancer indications. SELLAS’ lead product candidate, GPS, is licensed from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and targets the WT1 protein, which is present in an array of tumor types. GPS has the potential as a monotherapy and combination with other therapies to address a broad spectrum of hematologic malignancies and solid tumor indications. The Company is also developing SLS009 (tambiciclib) - potentially the first and best-in-class differentiated small molecule CDK9 inhibitor with reduced toxicity and increased potency compared to other CDK9 inhibitors. Data suggests that SLS009 demonstrated a high response rate in AML patients with unfavorable prognostic factors including ASXL1 mutation, commonly associated with poor prognosis in various myeloid diseases. For more information on SELLAS, please visit www.sellaslifesciences.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts are “forward-looking statements,” including those relating to future events. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “intend,” or “continue” and other words or terms of similar meaning. These statements include, without limitation, statements related to the GPS clinical development program, including the REGAL study and the timing of future milestones related thereto. These forward-looking statements are based on current plans, objectives, estimates, expectations, and intentions, and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties with oncology product development and clinical success thereof, the uncertainty of regulatory approval, and other risks and uncertainties affecting SELLAS and its development programs as set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in SELLAS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2025 and in its other SEC filings. Other risks and uncertainties of which SELLAS is not currently aware may also affect SELLAS’ forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date hereof. SELLAS undertakes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations, or other circumstances that exist after the date as of which the forward-looking statements were made.
Investor Contact
Bruce Mackle
Managing Director
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
FAQ**
How does the promising preclinical efficacy of SLS009 in ASXL1 mutated colorectal cancer cell lines position SELLAS Life Sciences Group Inc. SLS for potential partnerships or collaborations in oncology research?
What specific outcomes are expected from the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of SLS009 in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine for AML patients, and how might these results impact SELLAS Life Sciences Group Inc. SLS's market valuation?
Given the strong response rates noted in ASXL1 frameshift mutation cell lines, how might SELLAS Life Sciences Group Inc. SLS leverage ASXL1 mutation status as a biomarker to refine its patient population for future trials?
What potential challenges does SELLAS Life Sciences Group Inc. SLS anticipate in gaining regulatory approval for SLS009, and how might these affect the timeline for bringing this therapy to market?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about SELLAS Life Sciences Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SLS).
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