Globally Recognized Multiple Sclerosis Expert, Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Steinman, Joins Trethera Scientific Advisory Board

Los Angeles, May 25, 2021 —Trethera Corporation (Trethera), a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel drugs targeting cellular nucleotide metabolism for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases, is pleased to announce the appointment of renowned autoimmunity researcher Dr. Larry Steinman to its Scientific Advisory Board.  Dr. Steinman will be advising Trethera regarding TRE-515 development, a first-in-class compound with the potential to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune neurologic diseases. 

Dr. Steinman is currently a professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Pediatrics, and Genetics at Stanford University and leads a research team focused on autoimmune diseases.  He is a recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the John M. Dystel Prize awarded jointly by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Academy of Neurology for his research on MS, the Charcot Prize for Lifetime Achievement in MS research and the Cerami Prize for Translational Research. Dr. Steinman is also a member of both the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Medicine.  Dr. Steinman coauthored the groundbreaking 1992 Nature article describing Tysabri, a multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s therapeutic now approved in over 80 countries and taken by over 200,000 MS patients.

“We are honored and proud to have Dr. Steinman’s expertise and inputs with our Scientific Advisory Board,” said Dr. Ken Schultz, Trethera Chairman and CEO.  “He is a leading authority on autoimmune diseases, with over 40 years’ experience treating and researching MS.  He joins us at a pivotal period, as we migrate from our preclinical proof-of-concept data and FDA Orphan Drug designation, into clinical development planning. Dr. Steinman’s expertise will be invaluable to our efforts to establish TRE-515 as a treatment option for patients fighting this debilitating disease.”

“I came to Trethera initially skeptical that TRE-515 could bring value to multiple sclerosis patients beyond the available therapeutic options,” said Dr. Steinman. “However, I was won over by the compelling data presented combined with the world-renown team Trethera has put together to advance this work. I am convinced that TRE-515 has the potential to positively impact MS patients and am excited to work with the team as this compound progresses toward the clinic.”

Reference: Nature, March 5, 1992, Volume 356.5

About Trethera

Trethera is a preclinical stage privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering the development of novel treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancers. Founded by prominent UCLA scientists, Trethera is led by experienced management and board members.

Trethera’s innovative approach to targeting nucleotide metabolism led to the development of TRE-515, an orally taken capsule designated by the FDA as an Orphan Drug. TRE-515 is a first-in-class preclinical stage drug that inhibits deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), the rate-limiting enzyme in the nucleoside salvage pathway, one of two biosynthetic pathways that generate DNA precursors. It is believed that some forms of cancer may be preferentially dependent on the salvage pathway to support tumor growth. Certain autoimmune diseases might respond to TRE-515 treatment. Trethera is developing TRE-515 for use as a monotherapy or in combination, to precisely target a metabolic vulnerability of cancer cells or autoimmune diseases that will transform outcomes for patients.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Trethera believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Although Trethera has a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements contained herein, Trethera cautions that such statements are based on current expectations about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and factors relating to medical and scientific research, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Trethera’s control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. These potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the extent to which development of any novel cancer therapies or therapies for autoimmune diseases succeeds; whether Trethera would obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to commence human trials or commercialize TRE-515 or any novel therapies resulting from such research; Trethera successfully implementing its growth strategy, including that relating to its disease therapies; the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; changes in economic conditions; competition; and risks and uncertainties applicable to the business of Trethera. The statements in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and Trethera does not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.