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First-in-Class Potent and Selective RARα Agonist Represents New Potential Therapeutic Approach for Genomically Defined Subsets of Breast Cancer Patients

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Syros Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SYRS) today announced that new data on its lead candidate, SY-1425, a selective retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) agonist, will be highlighted in a late-breaking presentation at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) taking place December 6-10, 2016, in San Antonio.

The presentation will feature new preclinical data showing that SY-1425 represents a potentially promising therapeutic approach for defined subsets of breast cancer patients whose tumors are driven by abnormally high expression of the RARA gene.

Details on the presentations are as follow:

Date & Time: Saturday, December 10, from 7:30 - 9:00 am CST
Presentation Title: A novel subgroup of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer may benefit from super-enhancer guided patient selection for retinoic acid receptor α agonist treatment
Session: Treatment: Novel Targets and Targeted Agents
Presenter: Michael R. McKeown, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Syros Pharmaceuticals
Program Number: P6-11-18
Location: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Hall 1

SY-1425 is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial in genomically defined subsets of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients. Using its gene control platform, Syros discovered subsets of AML, MDS and breast cancer patients whose tumors have a highly specialized regulatory region of non-coding DNA, known as a super-enhancer, associated with the RARA gene, which codes for the RARα transcription factor. The super-enhancer is believed to lead to over-expression of the RARA gene, locking cells in an immature, undifferentiated and proliferative state. Treatment with SY-1425 in cancer cells with this super-enhancer promotes differentiation of these cells.

About Syros Pharmaceuticals

Syros Pharmaceuticals is pioneering the understanding of the non-coding region of the genome to advance a new wave of medicines that control expression of disease-driving genes. Syros has built a proprietary platform that is designed to systematically and efficiently analyze this unexploited region of DNA in human disease tissue to identify and drug novel targets linked to genomically defined patient populations. Because gene expression is fundamental to the function of all cells, Syros’ gene control platform has broad potential to create medicines that achieve profound and durable benefit across a range of diseases. Syros is currently focused on cancer and immune-mediated diseases and is advancing a growing pipeline of gene control medicines. Syros’ lead drug candidates are SY-1425, a selective RARα agonist in a Phase 2 clinical trial for genomically defined subsets of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, and SY-1365, a selective CDK7 inhibitor with potential in a range of solid tumors and blood cancers. Led by a team with deep experience in drug discovery, development and commercialization, Syros is located in Cambridge, Mass.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation statements regarding the potential therapeutic benefits of treatment with SY-1425 in genomically defined subsets of AML, MDS and breast cancer patients. The words ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘continue,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘potential,’’ ‘‘predict,’’ ‘‘project,’’ ‘‘target,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘would,’’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: Syros’ ability to: advance the development of its programs, including SY-1425, under the timelines it projects in current and future clinical trials; obtain and maintain patent protection for its drug candidates and the freedom to operate under third party intellectual property; demonstrate in any current and future clinical trials the requisite safety, efficacy and combinability of its drug candidates; replicate scientific and non-clinical data in clinical trials; successfully develop a companion diagnostic test to identify patients with biomarkers associated with the RARA super-enhancer; obtain and maintain necessary regulatory approvals; identify, enter into and maintain collaboration agreements with third parties; manage competition; manage expenses; raise the substantial additional capital needed to achieve its business objectives; attract and retain qualified personnel; and successfully execute on its business strategies; risks described under the caption “Risk Factors” in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and risks described in other filings that the company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Syros expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media:
Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Naomi Aoki, 617-283-4298
naoki@syros.com
or
Investors:
Stern Investor Relations, Inc.
Hannah Deresiewicz, 212-362-1200
hannahd@sternir.com

Source: Syros Pharmaceuticals

Released November 21, 2016