Xenetic Biosciences, Inc.

Xenetic Biosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative immuno-oncology technologies to treat difficult cancers. The company's core technology is its proprietary DNase technology, which aims to improve the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments, including immunotherapies. This technology works by targeting neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are web-like structures made of extracellular chromatin, histones, and other proteins, expelled by activated neutrophils. While NETs are part of the body's response to infection or inflammation, their excessive production or insufficient clearance can contribute to inflammation, blood clotting issues, autoimmune diseases, and, in the context of cancer, create environments that promote tumor growth and spread. NETs are also implicated in resistance to immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Xenetic Biosciences, Inc. is currently focused on advancing its DNase technology towards a first-in-human, multi-center study. This study will involve dose escalation and dose expansion of intravenous recombinant human DNase I (IV rhDNase I) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The company's systemic DNase program initially targets multi-billion-dollar indications such as pancreatic cancer, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and other gastrointestinal cancers. These cancers represent areas with significant unmet medical needs and opportunities for better therapeutic options. Pancreatic cancer, particularly PDAC, has a low early diagnosis rate, high mortality, and a poor five-year survival prognosis. Symptoms are often non-specific, leading to late-stage diagnosis, and metastatic disease is especially challenging to treat. Globally, over 500,000 new pancreatic cancers are diagnosed annually. In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates 67,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, with approximately 52,000 deaths projected. The five-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer is around 13%, making it the solid tumor malignancy with the highest mortality rate. For those diagnosed with metastatic disease, the overall five-year survival rate is only 3%.