COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Basking Biosciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing the first reversible thrombolytic therapeutic for ischemic stroke, today announced the company will be presenting three oral presentations and two moderated posters concerning the company’s novel drug candidate at the American Heart Association’s 2023 International Stroke Conference (ISC). The ISC is being held both live and virtually from February 8-10 in Dallas, Texas. For information about the event, visit: https://professional.heart.org/en/meetings/international-stroke-conference.

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Wednesday February 8, 4:55 pm – “Targeting von Willebrand Factor in Acute Ischemic Stroke.” Presenter: Shahid Nimjee, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Basking Biosciences

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Thursday February 9, 10:27 am – “Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase 1 Study of vWF-binding Aptamer, BB-031: Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Activity in Healthy Volunteers.” Presenter: Shahid Nimjee, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Basking Biosciences

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Poster Session Abstracts include:

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Thursday, February 9 – “A Novel Microfluidic Model of Ischemic Stroke Recapitulating Arterial Occlusion and Prolonged Retraction.” Abstract # 4116. Presenter: Susan M. Shea, PhD. Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh.

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Wednesday February 8 – “Aptamer Inhibitor of von Willebrand Factor Induces Thrombolysis and Improves Vascular Patency Upon Immediate and Delayed Treatment of Stroke in an In Vitro Microfluidic Model.” Abstract # 4958. Presenter: Susan M. Shea, PhD. Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh.

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“Current drug treatments for acute ischemic stroke have been restricted by a narrow therapeutic window and high risk of bleeding. Endovascular thrombectomy has proven efficacious but remains limited due to clot location, patient access to technology and expertise,” said Richard Shea, Chief Executive Officer of Basking Biosciences. “BB-031 is a novel RNA aptamer targeting von Willebrand Factor, a key component and driver of blood clot formation, propagation and stabilization. It is a rapid-onset, short-acting thrombolytic agent that is capable of recanalizing blocked blood vessels within a greatly extended therapeutic window than current therapy.”

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About Basking Biosciences

Basking Biosciences is a clinical-stage company founded to solve the biggest need in ischemic stroke therapy – for a rapid-onset, short-acting thrombolytic drug capable of reopening blocked arteries within a greatly extended therapeutic window than currently approved therapies, and whose activity can be quickly reversed in the event of bleeding. The company is developing BB-031, a first-in-class RNA aptamer targeting von Willebrand Factor (vWF), an important structural component of blood clots and driver of the clotting process. They are also developing BB-025 in tandem, a complementary rapid-acting reversal oligonucleotide capable of quickly neutralizing BB-031 pharmacological activity. Preclinical research in multiple gold-standard animal models demonstrated that BB-031 quickly recanalized blocked blood vessels in the brain, as late as six hours after stroke onset. Basking has successfully completed a Phase 1a single ascending dose safety study with BB-031 and is initiating a Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept study in patients with acute ischemic stroke patients with the ultimate goal of extending the therapeutic window for thrombolysis compared to currently approved therapies.

 

Basking’s founders, Bruce Sullenger, Ph.D., Duke University, and Shahid Nimjee, M.D., Ph.D., Ohio State University, are noted experts in the generation and use of RNA aptamers that block proteins involved in cardiovascular disease and inflammation, and the evaluation of anti-vWF aptamers and their antidotes to treat thromboembolic stroke. Furthermore, Dr. Nimjee is a nationally recognized endovascular neurosurgeon and clinical scientist in the field of stroke. The company is led by CEO Richard Shea, a serial pharmaceutical entrepreneur, who leads an experienced team of drug development executives. The company’s medical advisory board consists of leading clinical experts in the treatment of stroke and acute thrombosis.

 

Founded in 2019, Basking is currently supported by Broadview Ventures, Rev1 Ventures, Viva BioInnovator and Viva Ventures Biotech. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.baskingbiosciences.com.

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