Scandion Oncology is a Danish biotech company that aims to develop a combination treatment for drug-resistant and serious cancers. This is done by evaluating the lead candidate SCO-101 in phase II and Ib studies CHORUS and PANTAXThese studies are focused on metastatic colon and pancreatic cancer, two diseases where drug resistance is found in approximately 90 percent of patients.
SCO-101 has been shown to have the potential to inhibit drug resistance in cancer patients. Scandion hopes that SCO-101 will increase the effectiveness of today's standard treatment and thereby provide a greater clinical effect. The goal of the combination treatment is to give patients longer survival and a better quality of life.
Study activities are progressing well.
On the way to this goal, 2022 was a year in which Scandion demonstrated its ability to conduct international clinical studies. In the year-end report for 2022, with an emphasis on Q4, the CEO highlights Francois Martelet The CORIST and PANTAX studies are proceeding as planned with continuous patient recruitment. Topline data from PANTAX are therefore expected, as previously estimated, before the end of H1 2023. The study aims to determine an optimal dosage of SCO-101 in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel.
CORIST is now in phase three of a total of four planned phases, and up to 36 patients will be included in this phase. Through a dose escalation schedule where SCO-101 is combined with FOLFIRI Scandion hopes to explore the candidate's full potential and demonstrate maximum impact in part three. The company expects to announce topline results from this part of the study in Q3 2023.
Cost efficiency and financing
During Q4, Scandion also focused on streamlining its costs, which is important for a company like Scandion – not least in the current market climate. Among other things, the company reduced its workforce, which is now considered small but highly capable thanks to its deep expertise. Shortly after the end of the quarter, in January 2023, Scandion also announced that it had appointed co-founder Jan Stenvang as Chief Scientific Officer, SCO, and member of the management team. Stenvang's focus will be to continue to lead the company's research and early development activities, planning and executing the development of SCO-101, and exploring potential new indications. Read more here.
The news of Stenvang's new position followed the company's other co-founder, Nils Brunner, in October took a seat on the board. Read more hereThus, both co-founders have important positions in the company as it advances towards several important expected clinical milestones in 2023. The company Finally, the report highlights that the cash, which at the end of the period amounted to 77,6 million Danish kroner, is estimated to finance the operation until 2024.