AbbVie buys Mavupharma to target STING pathway for cancer treatment

By Mateen Dalal

AbbVie Inc., a US-based pharmaceutical company recently announced acquisition of Mavupharma, a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company, which is focused on innovative strategies to target the STimulator of INterferon Genes pathway for the treatment of cancer, cite sources.

For the record, Mavupharma is a Seattle-based drug invention company focused on ground-breaking methods to selectively targeting the STimulator of INterferon Genes pathway along with leveraging the intrinsic immune system to treat cancer. The firm collected $20 Million in Series A financing led by Frazier Healthcare Partners as well as Alpine BioVentures in 2017.

Mavupharma's MAVU-104 drug, is a small molecule inhibitor of Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family member 1(ENPP1) & regulates STimulator of INterferon Genes pathway. Inhibiting ENPP1 activity with MAVU-104 enables highly controlled augmentation of STING signaling in tumors without requirement for injections.

An important role is played by the STimulator of INterferon Genes pathway signaling in the generating an immune response targeted at tumors. Increased STING Signaling have shown capacity in various tumor models. STimulator of INterferon Genes pathway stimulation has the capacity to increase the defenselessness of tumors & broaden treatment options for patients.

Steve Davidsen, Ph.D., V.P. of Oncology Discovery, AbbVie reportedly said that the company’s vision in oncology is to progress in areas of science leading to a strong pipeline of innovative cancer therapies. Mavupharma's platform has the potential to strengthen AbbVie’s immuno-oncology portfolio & is expected to assist in the development of transformative medicines for patients, Davidsen added.

 Michael Gallatin, former president & co-founder of Mavupharma reportedly quoted saying that AbbVie is a leader in oncology and its world-class capabilities will augmented development of Mavupharma’s pipeline of STING modulators.

Gregory Dietsch, Ph.D., former Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder, Mavupharma said that the company has put in a lot of effort in developing the innovative STimulator of INterferon Genes modulators & advancing MAVU-104 towards the clinic and AbbVie is expected to continue to advance these therapies in future.

Source credits: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-enhances-early-stage-oncology-pipeline-with-acquisition-of-mavupharma-300884558.html