On March 3, 2025 Silexion reported the completion of its initial study evaluating SIL-204 in orthotopic pancreatic cancer models, a critical milestone that could continue to position its next-generation RNAi therapy at the forefront of KRAS-driven cancer treatment (Press release, Silexion Therapeutics, MAR 3, 2025, View Source [SID1234650859]). With data analysis now underway and initial results expected in the coming weeks, according to the company’s latest announcement, anticipation seems high for what could be a pivotal breakthrough, if indeed the data is positive.
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A Potential Step Toward Transforming Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Silexion’s latest study could mark an important advancement in validating systemic administration of SIL-204. The study specifically assessed the therapy’s ability to reduce primary tumor growth and inhibit metastatic spread in clinically relevant orthotopic pancreatic cancer models—providing a more accurate representation of human disease progression than traditional subcutaneous xenograft models.
Silexion’s work with SIL-204 has already demonstrated compelling preclinical efficacy, including a 50% reduction in tumor growth and complete necrosis in half of treated tumors in previous systemic administration studies. Moreover, SIL-204 has shown sustained therapeutic levels for over 56 days from a single dose—an unprecedented achievement in RNAi-based therapies for KRAS-driven cancers.
Why This Matters: A Potential First for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
KRAS-driven cancers remain among the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat malignancies, particularly in pancreatic cancer, where over 90% of tumors harbor KRAS mutations. While other companies have attempted to target KRAS with small molecule inhibitors, Silexion’s RNAi-based approach aims to silence multiple key KRAS mutations, including G12D, G12V, G12R, Q61H, and G13D—offering a broader and potentially more effective therapeutic strategy.
The ability to target both primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer via systemic administration would represent a major breakthrough, as Silexion has not previously demonstrated this effect in metastatic models. If the orthotopic model results show significant impact on metastases, this could mark a critical validation step, potentially differentiating SIL-204 from existing KRAS-targeting approaches and opening the door to expanded clinical applications.
The industry seems to be closely watching Silexion’s progress in light of the recent wave of multi-billion-dollar acquisitions in precision oncology. With major players like Pfizer acquiring Seagen for $43 billion and AbbVie purchasing Immunogen for $10.1 billion, the demand for novel cancer therapies seems to have increased in recent years. According to news reports, Maxim Group recently reaffirmed its strong buy rating on SLXN with a $9 price target, citing the company’s strong clinical trajectory and the ongoing validation of its RNAi platform.
Upcoming Data Readout: A Potential Critical Catalyst
Silexion’s announcement that initial results from the orthotopic model study will be released in March 2025 has sparked significant interest. If the data is positive, it could provide further confirmation of SIL-204’s ability to target both primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer, marking the first time the company demonstrates systemic efficacy against metastatic disease.
If the upcoming results align with previous systemic administration findings and show significant impact on metastases, SIL-204 could emerge as a leading next-generation RNAi therapy for KRAS-driven cancers—potentially, in the future, reshaping the treatment paradigm for one of the deadliest malignancies.
Silexion Therapeutics has continued to execute on its strategy, pushing the boundaries of RNAi therapeutics for one of the most aggressive cancers. With data from the orthotopic pancreatic cancer study expected in March, many will likely be watching closely. If the upcoming results are positive and demonstrate impact on metastases, they could serve as a major catalyst for the company, potentially redefining its role in the precision oncology landscape.
Given the strong track record of preclinical success, increasing interest, and a competitive landscape ripe for M&A activity, Silexion Therapeutics is undoubtedly a company to watch in 2025.