MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. announced the publication of extensive work describing preclinical studies for lead candidate THIO in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Nature Communications. The reported findings from the research, conducted in collaboration with the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) scientists, led by corresponding author Dr. Esra Akbay, demonstrate the immune-enhancing, metastasis-reducing effects of MAIA?s telomere-targeting agent THIO (6TdG) in several well-characterized in vitro and in vivo models of SCLC. Key findings in the published paper include: Human and mouse SCLC lines are sensitive to THIO (6TdG) treatment in vitro and in vivo.

THIO decreases cancer initiating cells and diminishes tumor initiation potential in vitro and in vivo. Low doses of THIO are effective in treating metastatic mouse SCLC tumors. THIO activates type-I interferon pathway through cGAS-STING signaling.

THIO is highly effective in combination with ionizing radiation treatment regiments.