In September 2017 a contract research organization (“CRO”) was engaged to prepare for a proof-of-concept clinical trial in Poland to study drug candidate WP1220, a part of the WP1066 portfolio, for the topical treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (“CTCL”).

A p-STAT3 inhibitor structurally related to WP1066, referred to as WP1220, was previously the subject of an IND (WP1220 was referred to as “MOL4239” for purposes of this IND) related to use of the molecule in the topical treatment of psoriasis. Clinical trials were commenced on WP1220 in the U.S. but were terminated early due to limited efficacy potentially related to a selected dose and schedule in the topical treatment of psoriatic plaques. Notwithstanding its limitations in treating psoriasis, our preclinical research in multiple cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (“CTCL”) cell lines has suggested that WP1220 as a p-STAT3 inhibitor may be effective in inhibiting CTCL. Based on this data, our license partner, Moleculin, is collaborating with a Polish drug development company, Dermin, which has received Polish government grant money to develop WP1220 in Poland for the topical treatment of early stage CTCL patients. CTCL is a potentially deadly form of skin cancer for which there are limited treatment options.