Latest news with #ArtemCherkasov
Hamilton Spectator
30-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Rakovina Therapeutics Highlights Long-Standing Collaboration with the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Prostate Centre
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rakovina Therapeutics Inc. ('Rakovina' or the 'Company') (TSX-V: RKV) (FSE: 7JO0), a biopharmaceutical company advancing cancer therapies through AI-powered drug discovery, is pleased to highlight its long-standing collaboration with the University of British Columbia (UBC) and its affiliated Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), one of Canada's leading cancer research institutions. Rakovina's collaboration with the Vancouver Prostate Centre and UBC ensures that compound testing and validation are conducted within one of the world's most respected cancer facilities. This agreement with UBC enables close collaboration with leading cancer scientists using UBC's state-of-the-art lab infrastructure, both accelerating and de-risking the translation of scientific discovery. Furthermore, members of Rakovina's management team and scientific advisory board hold dual roles within UBC and the Vancouver Prostate Centre, strengthening the connection. Rakovina's President and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Mads Daugaard , serves as an Associate Professor at UBC and as Senior Research Scientist and Head of Molecular Pathology at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. His dual roles in academia and industry bridge fundamental cancer biology with Rakovina's proprietary DDR drug discovery programs. The Company's AI and medicinal chemistry advisor, Dr. Artem Cherkasov , is a Senior Research Scientist and Head of Precision Cancer Drug Design at the Vancouver Prostate Centre, Professor in the Department of Urologic Sciences at UBC, and Canada Research Chair in Precision Cancer Drug Design. A pioneer in AI-enabled drug discovery, Dr. Cherkasov is the developer of the Deep Docking™ platform, which drives part of Rakovina's drug discovery engine and has accelerated the identification of novel DDR inhibitors. 'Our model has been built on strategic alignment with UBC's research excellence,' said Jeffrey Bacha, Executive Chairman of Rakovina Therapeutics. 'Collaborating with the Vancouver Prostate Centre gives us unique access to the infrastructure, expertise, and collaborative environment needed to rapidly advance next-generation cancer therapies.' Rakovina Therapeutics continues to leverage its deep academic partnerships as it advances multiple oncology programs toward preclinical milestones. About Rakovina Therapeutics Inc. Rakovina Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical research company focused on the development of innovative cancer treatments. Our work is based on unique technologies for targeting the DNA-damage response powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) using the proprietary Deep-Docking™ and Enki™ platforms. By using AI, we can review and optimize drug candidates at a much greater pace than ever before. The Company has established a pipeline of distinctive DNA-damage response inhibitors with the goal of advancing one or more drug candidates into human clinical trials in collaboration with pharmaceutical partners. Further information may be found at . Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Rakovina Therapeutics Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding the company and its respective business, which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the proposed business plan of the company and other statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans,' 'is expected,' 'expects,' 'scheduled,' 'intends,' 'contemplates,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'proposes' or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events, or results 'may,' 'could,' 'would,' 'might,' or 'will' be taken, occur, or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of the company. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, including risks regarding the medical device industry, economic factors, regulatory factors, the equity markets generally, and risks associated with growth and competition. Although the company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated, or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The reader is referred to the company's most recent filings on SEDAR+ for a more complete discussion of all applicable risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the company's profile page at . For Further Information Contact: Michelle Seltenrich, BSc MBA Director, Corporate Development IR@ 778-773-5432
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rakovina Therapeutics Highlights Strength of Scientific Advisory Board Driving Innovation in AI-Enabled Oncology Drug Development
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rakovina Therapeutics Inc. ('Rakovina' or the 'Company') (TSX-V: RKV) (FSE: 7JO0), a biopharmaceutical company advancing next-generation cancer therapies through artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drug discovery, is pleased to highlight the strength and scientific leadership of its established Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Rakovina's SAB is composed of internationally recognized experts in oncology, AI-driven drug development, and precision medicine. The board plays a vital role in shaping the company's research strategy, pipeline advancement, and translational development initiatives. Rakovina's Scientific Advisory Board: Dr. Dennis Brown, SAB Chair, has been involved in cancer drug discovery and development for more than 35 years. Initially with the Stanford Research Institute at Stanford University where he was involved in drug-screening activities sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute. He has been co-founder of Matrix Pharmaceuticals (Chiron), ChemGenex (Cephalon/Teva), and Kintara (NASDAQ: KTRA); inventor on 40+ patents; former faculty at Harvard and currently President of Valent Technologies and chair of Mountain View Pharmaceuticals' Board. Dr. Artem Cherkasov is the Canada Research Chair in Precision Cancer Drug Design, a Professor of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia, and a Senior Scientist at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. He is a pioneer of the Deep Docking™ AI platform, which accelerates the screening of billions of compounds against DNA-damage response (DDR) targets. This groundbreaking technology led to a $142 million licensing deal with Roche—the largest in UBC's history—and directly supports Rakovina's AI-driven discovery programs. Dr. Petra Hamerlik is the Chair of Translational Neuro-Oncology at the University of Manchester. She previously served as Principal Scientist and CNS Cancer Bioscience Lead at AstraZeneca, where she advanced the development of brain-penetrant DNA-damage response inhibitors for the treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors. Dr. Leonard Post brings over 35 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D leadership. He previously served as Chief Scientific Officer at both BioMarin and LEAD Therapeutics, where he was instrumental in the development of PARP inhibitor, talazoparib, now commercialized by Pfizer. Dr. Post also held senior roles at Onyx Pharmaceuticals and Parke-Davis, and he currently serves as Chief Scientific Officer of Vivace Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Neil Sankar is a clinical development expert with leadership experience at companies including Genentech, MedImmune, and Pharmacyclics. He played an instrumental role in the FDA filings for Kadcyla and Ibrutinib. Dr. Sankar trained at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda and holds an MD from Bangalore University. Dr. Wang Shen is the inventor of Rakovina's KT‑2000 and KT‑3000 candidate series, and the founder and CEO of Viva Vision Biotech. He is the principal inventor of the FDA‑approved drug Lifitegrast and a key contributor to the development of Venetoclax. Dr. Shen is also a co-author of more than 40 scientific publications and patents. 'By convening this powerhouse advisory board, we're aligning world-class scientific leadership with our AI-driven strategy,' said Jeffrey Bacha, Executive Chairman of Rakovina Therapeutics. 'Their collective track record in discovering, developing, and commercializing transformative cancer therapies is instrumental in advancing our DDR pipeline toward key preclinical and clinical milestones.' How the SAB Accelerates Rakovina's Corporate Strategy Rapid AI-to-Lab Validation Harnessing Dr. Cherkasov's Deep Docking™ platform with UBC wet-lab integration to validate hits in months, not years. Translational Expertise Leveraging Dr. Hamerlik's CNS oncology insights to optimize brain-penetrant DDR inhibitors. Clinical Development Leadership Dr. Sankar's regulatory and trial design acumen ensures efficient progression into IND-enabling studies. Commercialization Pathways Guided by Drs. Brown and Post's extensive licensing and deal-making histories to structure high-value partnerships. Global R&D Networks Tapping the board's academic and industry connections to accelerate collaborations and expand intellectual property. With this advisory team in place, Rakovina is poised to: Showcase AI-Designed DDR Molecules at Leading Industry Conferences in H2 2025 Present in vitro and in vivo validation data for next-generation PARP1-selective and ATR inhibitors Optimize Current Pipeline (July–October 2025) – Optimize lead candidates from the kt-2000 and kt-5000 series with enhanced potency, selectivity, and brain penetration. Demonstrate Interim ATR Compound Efficacy ( Q3 2025) – Share early pharmacology and pharmacokinetic data on ATR inhibitors. Establish a development collaboration for kt-3283 – (Q3 2025) Join forces with leading companies to develop advanced formulations suitable for clinical development. Continue Partnering Discussions for Novel AI-derived kt-3000 & kt-2000 Series Drug Candidates (Q4 2025–Q1 2026) – Leverage AI-driven preclinical data and strategic SAB endorsements to secure co-development and licensing partnerships. Rakovina continues to advance its novel pipeline of AI‑enhanced design and dual‑mechanism targeting to treat DDR‑driven cancers with high unmet needs. About Rakovina Therapeutics Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical research company focused on the development of innovative cancer treatments. Our work is based on unique technologies for targeting the DNA-damage response powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) using the proprietary Deep-Docking™ and Enki™ platforms. By using AI, we can review and optimize drug candidates at a much greater pace than ever before. The Company has established a pipeline of distinctive DNA-damage response inhibitors with the goal of advancing one or more drug candidates into human clinical trials in collaboration with pharmaceutical partners. Further information may be found at Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Rakovina Therapeutics Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding the company and its respective business, which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the proposed business plan of the company and other statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans,' 'is expected,' 'expects,' 'scheduled,' 'intends,' 'contemplates,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'proposes' or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events, or results 'may,' 'could,' 'would,' 'might,' or 'will' be taken, occur, or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of the company. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, including risks regarding the medical device industry, economic factors, regulatory factors, the equity markets generally, and risks associated with growth and competition. Although the company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated, or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The reader is referred to the company's most recent filings on SEDAR+ for a more complete discussion of all applicable risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the company's profile page at For Further Information Contact: Michelle Seltenrich, BSc MBA Director, Corporate Development IR@ 778-773-5432Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rakovina Therapeutics Congratulates Scientific Advisor Dr. Artem Cherkasov on Global Recognition for Breakthrough AI Innovation in Drug Discovery
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rakovina Therapeutics Inc. (TSX-V: RKV) (FSE: 7JO), a biopharmaceutical company advancing innovative cancer therapies through artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drug discovery, is pleased to congratulate its Scientific Advisor and collaborator, Dr. Artem Cherkasov, on his recent global recognition as a leader in AI-driven therapeutic development. Dr. Cherkasov, a professor at the University of British Columbia and a principal investigator with the Vancouver Prostate Centre, was recently featured by the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) in an article titled 'AI innovation puts VCHRI scientist at forefront of global drug discovery avenues.' The feature highlights his groundbreaking contributions to the use of artificial intelligence in computational drug modeling and the development of the Deep Docking™ platform—an AI engine capable of screening billions of molecules to identify the most promising drug candidates with speed and precision. As a key scientific advisor to Rakovina Therapeutics, Dr. Cherkasov plays an integral role in guiding the company's AI-driven discovery efforts. Rakovina holds exclusive access to the Deep Docking™ platform for the development of novel DNA-damage response (DDR) inhibitors—an approach designed to accelerate therapeutic discovery and improve treatment outcomes for cancers with limited options. 'Dr. Cherkasov's global recognition is a well-earned reflection of his pioneering spirit and the transformative power of AI in oncology drug development,' said Jeffrey Bacha, executive chairman of Rakovina Therapeutics. 'Our collaboration with Dr. Cherkasov allows us to integrate cutting-edge AI into our discovery engine, positioning Rakovina at the forefront of innovation in targeted cancer therapy.' Rakovina Therapeutics remains committed to leveraging world-class science and technology to develop new treatments for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. The company is proud to partner with Dr. Cherkasov in this mission. About Rakovina Therapeutics Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical research company focused on the development of innovative cancer treatments. Our work is based on unique technologies for targeting the DNA-damage response powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) using the proprietary Deep-Docking™ and Enki™ platforms. By using AI, we can review and optimize drug candidates at a much greater pace than ever before. The Company has established a pipeline of distinctive DNA-damage response inhibitors with the goal of advancing one or more drug candidates into human clinical trials in collaboration with pharmaceutical partners. Further information may be found at Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Rakovina Therapeutics Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding the company and its respective business, which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the proposed business plan of the company and other statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans,' 'is expected,' 'expects,' 'scheduled,' 'intends,' 'contemplates,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'proposes' or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events, or results 'may,' 'could,' 'would,' 'might,' or 'will' be taken, occur, or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of the company. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, including risks regarding the medical device industry, economic factors, regulatory factors, the equity markets generally, and risks associated with growth and competition. Although the company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated, or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The reader is referred to the company's most recent filings on SEDAR for a more complete discussion of all applicable risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the company's profile page at For Further Information Contact:Michelle Seltenrich, BSc MBADirector, Corporate DevelopmentIR@
