Salarius subsidiary Decoy Therapeutics’ influenza fusion inhibitors, designed using its proprietary IMP3ACT™ platform, show excellent in silico free energy binding to the viral target entry protein, supporting potential for anti-flu activity IMP3ACT’s demonstrated capability to create a single antiviral therapeutic against influenza, COVID and RSV has potential to position Salarius to address large existing global commercial opportunity CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and HOUSTON, Dec. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Decoy T ...

Core Insights - Decoy Therapeutics, Inc. is set to merge with Salarius Pharmaceuticals, Inc., with the new entity retaining the name Decoy Therapeutics, following the completion of the merger [1][10] - Renowned MIT Professor Robert S. Langer will join Decoy's Scientific Advisory Board, bringing extensive expertise in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering [1][2][3] Company Overview - Decoy Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing peptide-conjugate therapeutics targeting unmet medical needs, particularly in respiratory viruses and gastrointestinal cancers [8] - The company utilizes a proprietary IMP3ACT platform that integrates machine learning and AI for rapid design and synthesis of novel antiviral and cancer therapies [5][7] Scientific Advisory Board - Dr. Robert S. Langer's appointment to the Scientific Advisory Board is expected to enhance Decoy's capabilities in drug design and development, particularly in dosage forms and administration routes [3][4] - Dr. Langer's contributions to the field include pioneering work that has led to transformative medicines, such as Roche's Avastin and Moderna's Spikevax [2][4] Technology and Innovation - Decoy's IMP3ACT platform allows for the rapid computational design of peptide-conjugate drugs, which have shown effectiveness against various human coronaviruses and other viral pathogens [5][7] - The technology leverages peptide chemistry to create multimeric conjugates that improve drug-like properties and pharmacokinetics [7] Financial and Strategic Position - Decoy has secured financing from institutional investors and non-dilutive capital sources, including the Massachusetts Life Sciences Seed Fund and the Google AI startup program [8] - The merger with Salarius is structured such that Decoy investors will own approximately 86% of the merged company, while Salarius stockholders will own about 14% [10]