X-Rx and Mercachem Provide Update on Two Discovery-Stage Oncology Programs

NEW YORK & NIJMEGEN, The Netherlands–(BUSINESS WIRE)– X-Rx, Inc, a biotechnology company focused on the creation of small
molecule drug candidates, and Mercachem BV, a leading chemistry CRO with
expertise in medicinal and process chemistry, today reported progress
with two discovery-stage oncology programs from the portfolio of X-Rx.
The programs target Mcl1, an anti-apoptotic target that is
over-expressed in many liquid and solid tumor types, and TAK1, a member
of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family.

Under the service agreement with X-Rx, Mercachem is responsible for
hit-to-lead and lead optimization campaigns targeting Mcl1 and TAK1.
Mcl1-targeting agents could lead to inducing tumor cell death via
apoptosis and via modulation of the tumor micro-environment, drive
sensitivity to chemotherapy and other immunotherapy approaches. Blocking
TAK1, a kinase that when over-expressed in many cell types can drive
tumor onset and progression, fibrosis and autoimmune diseases, will have
numerous clinical applications.

“In 2015, we successfully partnered two of our therapeutic programs with
leading pharma organizations in major markets. We are committed to
building on this initial success and bringing additional candidates
towards a stage where significant value has been generated to partner
them on favorable terms,” said Dr. Lee Babiss, CEO of X-Rx. “With
today’s news we are taking the next step in the discovery and
development of our Mcl1 and TAK1 programs together with Mercachem.”

“We are pleased that X-Rx has chosen Mercachem as their collaboration
partner as they further explore the therapeutic potential of their two
promising oncology targets using our competence and expertise with
kinases and PPI targets,” commented Dr. Gerhard Müller, SVP Medicinal
Chemistry of Mercachem.

About X-Rx

Founded in 2012 by PPD as majority owner, X-Rx is a biotech company with
a management team having collectively more than 80 years of combined
drug discovery and development experience. Together and in partnership
with a number of CROs, we focus on the creation of pre-clinical small
molecule drug candidates in a manner that is rapid, efficient and high
quality. With access to the industry’s best DNA-encoded library
screening platform, we are able to address difficult to drug targets,
many of which are highly validated and offer first-in–class
opportunities. Our primary disease areas are oncology, autoimmunity and
fibrosis. For more information, please visit: http://www.x-rxdiscovery.com/

About Mercachem

Mercachem is a privately owned leading European contract research
organization (CRO) offering innovative chemistry, parallel chemistry,
medicinal chemistry and early process research services and GMP
production to accelerate the drug discovery and development process in a
flexible and cost-effective way. Working for many pharmaceutical and
biotech companies throughout the world, Mercachem is recognized for its
high-quality products and services and its unprecedented problem solving
capabilities. More information on Mercachem can be found on the company
website www.mercachem.com

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