Starpharma (ASX: $SPL) has announced a strategic partnership with Medicxi, a prominent life sciences investment firm, to co-found Petalion Therapeutics Limited. This newly established entity will focus on developing novel targeted dendrimer-drug conjugate therapies in oncology, utilizing Starpharma's proprietary DEP® dendrimer platform technology. Medicxi will invest up to USD $25 million to finance the development of a novel oncology drug candidate, with Starpharma holding an equity stake of 22.5% in Petalion.
Dr Mehdi Shahidi, CEO of Petalion and Venture Partner at Medicxi, expressed his enthusiasm for leading the endeavor, aiming to develop best-in-class dendrimer conjugates with differentiated properties to address unmet needs in cancer. Shyam Masrani, Principal at Medicxi, highlighted the potential of developing a highly differentiated and effective new medicine. Cheryl Maley, CEO of Starpharma, emphasized the strategic partnership's potential to advance the application of the DEP® technology in high-value novel therapeutic areas.
Starpharma's partnership with Medicxi to establish Petalion Therapeutics marks a significant step in the development of novel oncology therapies. The collaboration aims to leverage Starpharma's world-leading technology and Medicxi's asset-centric investment platform to address unmet medical needs in cancer. With an initial investment of up to USD $25 million, Petalion will focus on developing targeted dendrimer-based drugs, with Starpharma holding an equity stake of 22.5%. The company's ambitions include cultivating a targeted dendrimer-based drug that can effectively address unmet needs in cancer, prioritizing the commercialization of Starpharma's DEP® platform, and advancing the application of the DEP® technology in high-value novel therapeutic areas.