Serpin Pharma and HekaBio Sign Term Sheet for Groundbreaking Neuropathy Treatment

Serpin Pharma, a Virginia-based biopharmaceutical company, and HekaBio, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, have signed a term sheet to develop and commercialize SP163M, a novel peptide drug for preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

SP163M, a groundbreaking discovery by Serpin Pharma, is set to revolutionize pain management. This novel therapy protects nerves from the damaging effects of neurotoxic chemotherapy drugs, facilitates nerve repair, and alleviates pain. For cancer patients suffering from neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy, SP163M offers a critically needed solution. The development of neuropathy often necessitates reducing planned chemotherapy regimens, which may affect cancer outcomes. Preventative therapy could be lifesaving for these patients.

As part of this strategic alliance, HekaBio will spearhead the commercialization of SP163M in critical markets, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, ASEAN, the Middle East (excluding Israel), and North Africa. This collaboration integrates Serpin Pharma’s prowess in peptide therapeutics with HekaBio’s strong presence in the Asian and Australian markets. HekaBio’s strategic investment in Serpin Pharma, along with milestone and royalty payments, underscores the mutual commitment to the success of this innovative therapy.

Dr. Cohava Gelber, Founder, Executive Chairperson, and CEO of Serpin Pharma, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with HekaBio to bring this revolutionary therapy to cancer patients. SP163M can potentially significantly improve the quality of life for those undergoing chemotherapy.”

Rob Claar, the CEO of HekaBio, stated: “Our collaboration with Serpin Pharma is inspiring. By combining our complementary capabilities, we aim to deliver a game-changing treatment option for cancer patients suffering from CIPN.”

This partnership marks a significant step towards addressing the unmet medical needs for effective CIPN treatments. As the companies advance their development and commercialization plans, cancer patients in the specified regions may soon have access to this innovative therapy.

Virginia Catalyst Announces Round 19 of Grant Funding

The Virginia Catalyst announced today that it is accepting letters of intent (LOI) for Grant Round 19 to fund the development and commercialization of life science projects that address major unmet needs for improving human health and advance Virginia’s economy. “We at the Virginia Catalyst are pleased to provide funding in support of the Governor’s …

10/21/2025

SRI multi-party team selected as an awardee by ARPA-H to develop at-home screening for ≥30 types of cancers

SRI, along with research partners Foothold Labs and Triple Ring Technologies and commercial partner Beacon Dx Health, has been awarded up to $34 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to develop technology as part of the POSEIDON (Platform Optimizing SynBio for Early Intervention and Detection in Oncology) program. This pioneering program …

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Quoin Pharmaceuticals Announces U.S. FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation for QRX003 in Netherton Syndrome

Quoin Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNRX) (“Quoin” or the “Company”), a late clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on rare and orphan diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to its lead product candidate, QRX003, for the treatment of Netherton Syndrome. The designation follows previously granted Orphan …

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