Oxcia develops novel treatments for cancer and inflammation-related diseases by targeting oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage. The company has two drug candidates in its pipeline: OXC-101, which is currently being evaluated in a Phase I/II study for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and OXC-201, which is being developed for the treatment of inflammatory and fibrosis-related diseases, with a particular focus on pulmonary fibrosis.
In early 2025, a new potential indication for OXC-101 was identified – psoriasis. In one of the company’s clinical studies in cancer patients, it was noted that an individual with severe plaque psoriasis showed clear improvement in skin symptoms during treatment with OXC-101. The drug candidate’s potential in dermatology has also been previously confirmed in preclinical models. These findings were presented by Oxcia’s founder, Professor Thomas Helleday, at Uppsala University symposium Profiling in Drug Discovery and Development January 23–24.
Read more in BioStock's article: Psoriasis – new opportunity for Oxcia
Research collaboration with LEO Pharma
To capitalize on the therapeutic potential of OXC-101 in psoriasis, Oxcia has initiated a research collaboration with the global dermatology company LEO PharmaThe aim is to investigate the possibilities of using OXC-101 in medical dermatology, including for the treatment of psoriasis.
Founded in 1908, LEO Pharma has since built a broad portfolio of dermatological products and extensive expertise in the field. The company is headquartered in Denmark and has a global team of around 4 employees.
– LEO Pharma’s proven expertise and long-standing success in developing dermatology treatments that deliver significant therapeutic advancements make them the ideal partner to help explore the potential of Oxcia’s OXC-101, Oxcia writes in its press release.
Mitotic MTH1 inhibitor OXC-101 has broad potential
The collaboration with LEO Pharma is in line with Oxcia's vision to broaden the application of its technology platform beyond the field of cancer.
– We are very pleased about the collaboration with LEO Pharma, a leading global dermatology company. Cancer cells and activated T cells have many similarities, such as increased oxidative stress and elevated levels of the enzyme MTH1, which means that OXC-101 has potential also in autoimmune diseases, writes Oxcia's CEO Ulrika Warpman Berglund.
In cancer, OXC-101 works by driving oxidative stress in tumor cells by inhibiting MTH1 – an enzyme that protects cells against oxidative DNA damage. According to Oxcia, the same mechanism of action is expected to provide therapeutic effect in autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis.
– Together with Professor Helleday and Professor Enerbäck's research groups, Oxcia have shown that OXC-101 has good effects in disease models for psoriasis and it is exciting that this is now further investigated. The patient that responded well on OXC-101 treatment is encouraging and we are looking forward to seeing the results of the continued development. At Oxcia, we also see the psoriasis project as a confirmation of the potential and versatility of the OXNUMX-DDR platform, says Ulrika Warpman Berglund.
New Chairman of the Board
The same week that Oxcia announced its research collaboration with LEO Pharma, it also selected Eva Sjökvist Saersas new Chairman of the Board. She succeeds Jan Zetterberg– the company's co-founder and former CEO – who left the chairmanship in early 2025 but continues in an operational role within Oxcia.
Eva Sjökvist Saers has a solid background in the life science sector and has held several senior positions, including at Astra/AstraZeneca and as CEO of APLHer many years of experience have given her a deep understanding of the industry and an extensive network. She is well-versed in Oxcia's operations as she has been a member of the board since 2020.
In addition to her role at Oxcia, Eva holds board positions in several listed biotechnology companies, including Coegin Pharma, Dicot Pharma, Alligator Bioscience and NextCell Pharma.
BioStock contacted Eva Sjökvist Saers to find out more about her background and how she views the agreement with LEO Pharma.
First of all, what makes Oxcia an exciting company to get involved with?
– Oxcia is passionate about improving and extending life by developing new innovative treatments based on our unique technology platform, O2-DDR. It is based on research that establishes that oxygen damage to the cell's DNA is a contributing cause of many diseases such as cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. Oxcia's co-founder Thomas Helleday is a pioneer in the field. Oxcia's CEO and employees are very experienced and have previously driven development projects to commercialization. This is a great security and advantage for the continued development of both our existing projects and new ones that are around the corner.
What previous experiences from your career do you see as most valuable in your role as Chairman of the Board of Oxcia?
– I have solid experience in business and operational development in research companies within life science and in recent years have been involved in the board of a number of companies where the goal is to develop the companies and their projects, establish collaborations and sign agreements and secure financing.
At the same time as you take up your position as Chairman of the Board, Oxcia is entering into a collaboration with LEO Pharma to explore the possibilities of OXC-101 in dermatology. How do you view the strategy of broadening the application of OXC-101 to the dermatology field?
– The preclinical results and the promising patient case with psoriasis bode well. As a smaller company, you need to focus to drive the company towards set goals. When we saw the positive effects on psoriasis, we realized that we could take this further in collaboration with a company that specializes in dermatology. We have very good dialogues with LEO Pharma and really look forward to a continued good and fruitful collaboration.
What does the collaboration with a global company like LEO Pharma mean for Oxcia's position in the industry?
– The collaboration with LEO Pharma is an important acknowledgement that Oxcia is conducting significant and important research in areas of significant medical need. LEO Pharma has completely different resources as well as know-how and experience in dermatology and can drive the project forward more effectively.
– We will contribute our deep knowledge and experience of OXC-101 and its mechanism of action. Our hope is that both parties will benefit from this collaboration and that new effective medicines will be developed for patients.