Signet Therapeutics Showcases Breakthrough Technologies at Merck's 'Data-Driven Ecosystem, Innovate for Future' Event

Signet Therapeutics (hereinafter referred to as "Signet") was recently invited to participate in Merck's "Data-driven Ecosystem, Innovate for the Future" event, where the company showcased its self-developed first-in-class targeted drug for diffuse gastric cancer, along with its organoid disease model platform that facilitates new drug development. This event, organized by Merck China, brought together numerous Chinese technology companies and pharmaceutical enterprises, aiming to promote communication and collaboration within the industry.

Merck's Global Chief Technology Officer Laura Matz and SIGNET Founder Dr. Haisheng Zhang Engage in In-depth Discussions on the Company’s Cutting-edge Pipeline and Organoid Platform

SIGNET Focuses on the Development of First-in-Class Targeted Drugs, with Three Cutting-Edge Pipelines Rapidly Advancing to Provide Innovative Solutions for Unmet Clinical Needs. The company’s first self-developed pipeline has received IND approval from both China and the U.S., officially entering Phase I clinical trials. Dr. Haisheng Zhang, Founder and CEO of Signet Therapeutics, provided a detailed explanation to Laura Matz, Global Chief Technology Officer of Merck, on how the company leverages its foundational organoid platform technology to develop differentiated pipelines and enhance novel drug discovery.

At the event, SIGNET also showcased its innovative organoid disease model platform. The platform simulates the real tumor microenvironment in patients, providing highly accurate support for cancer drug development. It not only retains the complexity and heterogeneity of tumors but also reproduces the true pathological characteristics of different cancer types, enabling more precise screening and validation of new drug targets and efficacy, as well as more realistic reflection of drug toxicity profiles. This can significantly reduce the risk of clinical trial failures and bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical stages in new drug development.

Merck is a global leading technology company focused on three major fields: life science, healthcare, and electronic technology. Approximately 63,000 employees worldwide work for Merck, bringing positive impact to millions of lives by creating more enjoyable and sustainable lifestyles.

Signet Therapeutics is the first biotech company in China to develop innovative targeted cancer drugs based on organoid disease models and AI. Initially founded on the Harvard University campus, it was established in Shenzhen in 2020 and completed an angel round of financing of nearly 150 million yuan within a year. SIGNET is not only a transliteration of Signet but also adheres to the vision of "full of hope, studying things to gain knowledge." The company leverages the critical role of organoid disease models that closely resemble patient genomic characteristics in drug efficacy evaluation and new target discovery. Combined with AI-powered screening, synthesis, and optimization of small molecule compounds, Signet develops first-in-class innovative targeted drugs. Currently, the company has four drug pipelines, with the lead pipeline SIGX1094 being developed as the world’s first targeted drug for diffuse gastric cancer, which has now entered Phase I clinical trials. The company operates 1,200 square meters of R&D space and 500 square meters of animal laboratory facilities. Signet Therapeutics' disease model platform not only serves its own drug pipelines but also actively empowers large pharmaceutical companies in new drug development. Collaborative partners include Shenzhen BioRay Pharma, TrueBio, and others, supporting the creation of more innovative drugs.