Silexion Therapeutics completes key study on SIL-204 in pancreatic cancer models, initial results expected soon

Silexion Therapeutics Corp. (NASDAQ: SLXN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing RNA interference therapy, has reached a major milestone with the completion of its initial study evaluating SIL-204 in pancreatic cancer models. This marks the first systemic administration study of SIL-204 in clinically relevant orthotopic models, offering a more accurate representation of how the treatment could perform in human patients.

With the data collection phase now complete, the company has begun analysis and expects to share initial findings in March 2025. These results will play a pivotal role in determining the next steps for SIL-204, which could represent a breakthrough in the treatment of both primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer.

How Does SIL-204 Target Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat malignancies, largely due to its resistance to conventional therapies and its tendency to metastasize early. Silexion’s RNA interference therapy is designed to silence specific cancer-driving genes, offering a more targeted approach than traditional treatments.

The recently completed systemic administration study of SIL-204 was aimed at assessing two critical factors: its ability to reduce primary tumor growth when administered systemically and its potential to limit metastatic spread to secondary organs. Unlike conventional subcutaneous xenograft models, the pancreatic cancer models used in this study allow tumors to develop in their natural environment within the pancreas, providing a more accurate reflection of disease progression and treatment response.

According to Mitchell Shirvan, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Silexion, orthotopic models offer significantly greater translational value compared to standard xenograft models, as they better mimic the tumor microenvironment and metastatic behavior observed in human patients. This means that if SIL-204 demonstrates efficacy in this setting, it could be a strong candidate for clinical trials and eventual patient treatment.

Why Is the Systemic Administration of SIL-204 a Major Development?

One of the challenges in pancreatic cancer treatment is ensuring that therapeutic agents effectively reach the tumor site and its metastatic locations. Traditional chemotherapies often struggle with poor tumor penetration, while some targeted therapies are limited in their ability to address metastatic disease.

Silexion’s study represents the first evaluation of SIL-204 following systemic administration, a crucial step in determining whether the drug can effectively target both primary and metastatic pancreatic tumors. If successful, this approach could expand treatment possibilities for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, offering a new option beyond currently available therapies.

Ilan Hadar, Chairman and CEO of Silexion, expressed optimism about the study’s potential impact, stating that the company is eager to analyze the data and share findings in the coming weeks. He emphasized that the results could provide key insights into SIL-204’s therapeutic applications, particularly in treating both localized and metastatic disease.

What Are the Next Steps for SIL-204?

With initial data expected in March 2025, Silexion will use the study’s findings to refine its development strategy for SIL-204. Depending on the outcomes, the company may move toward additional preclinical studies or seek regulatory approval to initiate clinical trials.

Silexion has already made significant strides in developing RNA interference therapy for KRAS-driven cancers, a key oncogenic driver implicated in pancreatic and other solid tumors. Its first-generation product, LODER, has demonstrated promising results in a Phase 2 trial for non-resectable pancreatic cancer, and SIL-204 represents the company’s next-generation candidate designed to target a broader range of KRAS mutations.

As the biotech industry continues to explore novel approaches for difficult-to-treat cancers, Silexion’s work with pancreatic cancer models and systemic administration studies could play a crucial role in shaping future treatment strategies. If SIL-204 proves effective, it could mark a turning point in pancreatic cancer care by providing a more precise, gene-silencing approach to combating the disease.

How Could This Impact the Future of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment?

The success of SIL-204 in pancreatic cancer models could signal a shift toward more targeted therapies in oncology. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks both healthy and cancerous cells, RNA interference therapy is designed to selectively silence cancer-promoting genes, reducing side effects while enhancing efficacy.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies, with a five-year survival rate of less than 10%. New treatment modalities are urgently needed, and Silexion’s focus on KRAS-driven cancers positions it at the forefront of innovation in this space.

Should the upcoming results validate SIL-204’s potential, it could accelerate the company’s efforts to bring RNA interference therapy into clinical practice, offering hope to patients with limited treatment options.

As the biotechnology sector closely watches Silexion’s progress, the anticipated findings from this systemic administration study could have far-reaching implications, not only for the company but for the broader field of oncology.