
Core Viewpoint - Salarius Pharmaceuticals is progressing with its merger with Decoy Therapeutics, which is expected to enhance the clinical development of innovative peptide conjugate therapeutics targeting respiratory viruses and cancer [1][3][5] Financial Highlights - For the year ended December 31, 2024, Salarius reported a net loss of $5.6 million, or $5.79 per share, a significant reduction from a net loss of $12.5 million, or $30.74 per share in 2023 [8][17] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $2.4 million as of December 31, 2024, down from $5.9 million a year earlier [8][15] - Total operating expenses for 2024 were $5.7 million, compared to $12.9 million in 2023, reflecting a substantial decrease in research and development spending [17] Merger Details - The merger with Decoy Therapeutics is structured such that Decoy investors will own approximately 86% of the combined company, while Salarius stockholders will own about 14%, subject to adjustments [10] - The merger aims to leverage Decoy's IMPACT™ platform for rapid design and manufacturing of peptide conjugate therapeutics, addressing unmet needs in respiratory infectious diseases and gastrointestinal oncology [3][4] Product Development - Salarius' lead candidate, seclidemstat, is currently in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center for treating hematologic cancers, with updates expected later this year [1][4][5] - The combined company plans to integrate Salarius' SP-3164 into a targeted peptide-based PROTACS drug candidate [4]