ACCELERATING HOPE AND HEALING
Science-Driven, Innovative Solutions to Meet Patient Needs
ABOUT LAMASSU
Accelerating treatment, means saving more lives. At Lamassu, our team of dedicated physicians, engineers, and translational scientists, are driven by a passion to treat patients like family. Our goal is to speed the innovation process by bringing transformational treatments from concept to bedside faster than other companies. Lamassu’s patient-centric approach to research focuses on making advancements that address unmet needs with novel and targeted strategies, ensuring greater efficiency and shorter approval timeframes. With decades of experience developing leading medical treatments, we believe that it is not only the transformative power of science, but also hope that leads to healing.
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THE LAMASSU METHOD
The approval of new medical treatments from the start of clinical trials to approval for the market can take on average over 10 years, according to most industry experts. While the process of proving new drugs to be a safe and effective treatment is a vital one, the need to accomplish this more quickly is also clear, particularly for patients waiting for life saving treatments.
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Lamassu leverages innovative approaches to drive collaboration between academia and industry through translational research. Our talented team of physicians, engineers, and translational scientists have worked tirelessly to bring Lamassu to the forefront of the industry.
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Our model is to identify novel therapeutics with high potential for clinical impact, having strong scientific rationale and preclinical efficacy data. We build the best scientific case, examining the mechanism, exploring additional models and indications, and identifying the most promising path forward for regulatory approval and clinical impact. Our funding has come from a combination of grants and private investors, to enable us to take advantage of non-dilutive funding where possible in order to deliver the best results for investors, without sacrificing speed or flexibility.
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We capitalize on our expertise in early translational research to bring products to Phase I/II and partner with clinical and commercial development specialists to advance clinical trials through the approval pipeline. Our innovative model ensures that early development efforts bring products to definitive clinical testing as efficiently as possible to benefit patients, while safeguarding safety and investments.
GABI HANNA, MD
CEO and Co-Founder
An entrepreneur with long experience in early drug development, including over 15 years with leadership positions and successful service CRO company to serve small and mid-size biotech in planning, designing and executing early drug development studies. Focusing on translational research, and the importance of tangible outcomes, Dr. Hanna co-founded one of the first academic units dedicated to advancing translational research through rigorous implementation of a comprehensive drug development program. Dr. Hanna is chairman of the North Carolina Society of Physician Entrepreneurs, and board member of Duke IRB. He is a board member and advisor for multiple companies including Kaio therapy, Clickmedix, American Remote Health, and Zoonco.
GREG PALMER, PHD
Chief Science Officer
and Co-Founder
Dr. Greg Palmer is a biomedical engineer with expertise in imaging, medical devices, and translational science. A Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Biology Division at Duke University Medical Center, Dr. Palmer has an accomplished academic career focused on translational science and quantitative assessments of tissue structure and function through intravital imaging and spectroscopy. He is Co-founder of Preclinical Pathfinder a private CRO, and co-inventor and scientist for Zenalux, a start-up dedicated to optical sensing in cancer. His expertise extends to animal models and improving preclinical reproducibility and predictability. He has led and managed numerous preclinical drug and device development projects.
RABI HANNA, MD
Co-Founder
Dr. Rabi Hanna chairs of Pediatric Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic where he has doubled the size of his department in less than 8 years and made it a nationally recognized program, leading over 70 doctors and researchers. Dr. Hanna has significant experience in drug development and clinical trials. He has worked closely with pharmaceutical companies and serves on the boards of several companies, including Jazz Pharmaceutical. Dr. Hanna also serves as an advisory board member to Defitelio; Celgene (Luspatercept); Incyte (GVHD); Novartis (Kymriah) and Atara Biotheraputics. In addition, he is a board member of the Federation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapies (FACT).
PIPELINE
Transforming the way we treat metastatic cancer.
Solving the critical unmet medical need of severe acute pancreatitis.
SA53 MDM2
NEW HOPE FOR METASTATIC CANCER TREATMENT
P53 is a crucial tumor suppressor gene commonly mutated in human cancers. Its role in preventing tumor formation by inducing programmed cell death in response to cellular stress makes it a key target for cancer therapy. The project focuses on advancing SA53, a novel therapeutic that targets p53 wild-type sarcomas, malignant tumors of connective or non-epithelial tissue. SA53 has demonstrated remarkable potency, efficacy and safety in preclinical models, positioning it for an Investigational New Drug (IND) submission. This innovative approach offers promising prospects for addressing chemo-resistant cancer and presents a significant pathway for advancing cancer care. The proposed therapy aims to trigger the body’s natural defense mechanism, p53 by blocking MDM2, a protein that deactivates p53 and contributes to treatment resistance. The clinical trial will focus on achieving objectives such as determining a safe dosage for future trials, understanding pharmacokinetic profiles, and assessing early signs of effectiveness in treating soft tissue sarcomas with wild-type p53. The main goal is to advance SA53 through trials to offer a potential new and effective treatment option for patients. SA53 MDM2 is currently preparing for the commencement of Phase 1 trails in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic​
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To apply for the Phase 1 human trials, please email a short ½ page summary and contact information to andersp@ccf.org.
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RABI-767
ADVANCING PANCREATITIS TREATMENT
Acute pancreatitis is a leading cause of emergency department visits and gastrointestinal admissions in the United States. For patients suffering from this condition, this results in many hospitalizations, ineffective medications, long term complications, and lost time with their families and at work. Acute pancreatitis also results in more than 330,000 hospital admissions per year in the U.S., and the death of approximately five percent of patients suffering from the disease. Pancreatitis incidence is also on the rise, as it is more common in obese patients with gallstones, a condition that is increasing worldwide.
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Lamassu’s lead candidate is a novel small molecule therapy for acute pancreatitis. It was developed at Mayo Clinic by leading scientists, and has profound preclinical efficacy to completely mitigate mortality and morbidity associated with severe acute pancreatitis. Lamassu is currently focused on continued development of this compound through safety testing in preparation for definitive clinical trials with the ultimate goal of saving the lives of patients afflicted with this disease.
Phase 1 trials are planned for 2021.
Successful biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies require a comprehensive approach to identifying and advancing solutions to unmet needs in the healthcare market. Lamassu is privileged to have built strong relationships with some of the most accomplished and iconic brands and institutions in the biotech. Additionally, Lamassu has entered into a strategic alliance with Arrivo BioVentures, LLC to conduct human clinical studies following a successful IND filing for RABI-767. Arrivo brings years of pharmaceutical development experience, and an extensive track record of success in pharma startups. They have raised a $49M fund to develop several clinical ready assets.
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NEWS
April 8, 2025 - The Washington Times: Biotech should take a page from Elon Musk’s playbook
Innovation has always been the foundation of progress, but how we innovate matters as much as the results we achieve. Recent breakthroughs in aerospace and artificial intelligence prove that massive budgets don’t drive innovation, but efficiency, speed and a relentless commitment to doing more with less do. Success comes from embracing resourcefulness as a strategic advantage, fueled by deep passion and bold thinking. Yet, the biotech industry has been slow to adopt this mindset.
LAMASSU BIOTECH SET TO ATTEND LEAP 2025
Lamassu Biotech, a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough treatments for challenging diseases, will attend LEAP 2025, the premier global technology conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Known as a “digital Davos,” LEAP provides a unique opportunity for Lamassu Biotech’s leadership to engage with international experts driving the convergence of technology, AI, data science, and healthcare—an intersection that is rapidly transforming early cancer detection, pharmaceutical advancements, and patient care.
September 23, 2024 - RealClear Health: New Approach to Cancer Treatment
The presidential election is in full swing and prescription drug prices are a major factor of the healthcare debate. Lamassu CEO Dr. Gabi Hanna breaks down how patent reforms, greater public-private cooperation, and technology can all play a pivotal role reducing the costs that burden the biotech industry and patients.
July 12, 2024 - Cleveland Plains Dealer: Cancer Moonshot Requires More than Money
Few challenges loom larger for humanity than the fight against cancer. Cancer is an adversary that demands an approach that harnesses the latest technology and the best instincts of the human spirit – on a global scale.
In February 2016, then-Vice President Joe Biden hosted the first meeting of the “Cancer Moonshot Task Force.” Now, he has pledged billions to realize the task force’s vision. The president’s goal of reducing mortality by 50% over the next 25 years is bold and achievable.
LAMASSU BIOTECH WELCOMES DR. SAMIR JOHNA AS CLINICAL ADVISOR
Lamassu BioTech is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Samir Johna, MD, MACM, FACS, FICS, to its team as a Clinical Advisor. Dr. Johna brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will be invaluable in advancing Lamassu’s mission of pioneering innovative treatments and improving patient care.
June 14, 2024 - Pharma Exec: Lamassu Pharma Bridges Scientific Knowledge and Patient Care
In the realm of drug development, the industry puts a great deal of emphasis on centering the patient experience. As a result, it is imperative that drug developers consider how they translate scientific and medical knowledge into actionable insights that support the patient journey.
June 4, 2024 - Newsmax Health: Breakthrough Cancer Therapy Begins Clinical Trials
A promising new cancer treatment will begin a pivotal clinical trial thanks to a $2.05 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI)The drug, called SA53, would target MDM2, a protein that deactivates the body’s natural defense mechanism called p53. It could be used alone, or in combination with other therapies to treat p53 wild-type sarcomas, which are malignant tumors of connective tissues, including some leukemias, lymphoma, prostate, and skin cancers.
May 21, 2024 - Crain's Cleveland Business: Lamassu Biotech expanding corporate offices to Cleveland
A North Carolina biotech research firm is expanding its novel therapeutic and drug development efforts to Cleveland.
Lamassu Biotech said it's launching corporate offices in the city. The company is collaborating with Cleveland Clinic as it gears up to launch a phase 1/2a clinical trial for a genetically targeted oncology program that would offer an alternative to invasive therapies.
INNOVATIVE CANCER RESEARCH FIRM LAMASSU BIOTECH ANNOUNCES NEW CORPORATE OFFICES IN CLEVELAND
One of the pharmaceutical industry’s most leading-edge companies, Lamassu Biotech is proud to announce the establishment of new corporate offices in Cleveland, Ohio marking a significant milestone for the firm and its continuing efforts to bring innovative treatments to patients around the world.
POSSIBLE NEW HOPE FOR METASTATIC CANCER PATIENTS: FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION GRANTS APPROVAL FOR CLINICAL TRIALS FOR LAMASSU'S GROUNDBREAKING CANCER TREATMENT PROTOCOL
More hope for successfully combating some of the deadliest cancers. Lamassu Biotech is proud to announce its pioneering effort to combat locally advanced metastatic p53 wild-type tumors has earned investigational new drug application (IND) approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to proceed in initiate Phase 1/2a clinical trials.
LAMASSU AWARDED NIH GRANT FOR BREAKTHROUGH CANCER TREATMENT
Lamassu Bio Inc., a cutting-edge biotech company dedicated to innovative cancer therapies, has been awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute ( NCI) for the development of their groundbreaking treatment for p53 wild-type sarcomas.
LAMASSU PHARMA ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PANCREATITIS TREATMENT THAT ADVANCES UNDERSTANDING OF FATTY ACIDS' ROLE IN COVID-19
The importance of Lamassu's research and therapeutic is highlighted by a new Mayo Clinic study on the role of unsaturated fats in determining the severity of acute pancreatitis. This was recently released as a high impact publication in Science Advances. The researchers found that the rapid breakdown of unsaturated fats that are stored in a patient's body, can worsen the course of severe acute pancreatitis, increasing toxicity, organ failure, and the risk of death.
AUGUST 5, 2020
Lamassu Pharma has received $1.5 million in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This will be used for further development of its lead therapeutic compound, RABI-767, a novel small molecule lipase inhibitor licensed from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
JULY 14, 2020
Lamassu Pharma LLC, a privately held Biotech, announced today it has received $1.5 million in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This will be used for further development of its lead therapeutic compound, RABI-767, a novel small molecule lipase inhibitor licensed from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Lamassu is developing RABI-767 to fill a critical, unmet clinical need for a treatment for acute pancreatitis (AP).
JULY 14, 2020
Lamassu's proposed treatment is designed to mitigate the systemic toxicity and organ failure associated with acute pancreatitis that causes lengthy hospitalization, organ failure, and death, thus saving both lives and healthcare system resources. Funding from the NIH will enable Lamassu to further its translational research, to bring RABI-767 to human trials, and to partner with clinical and commercial development partners.
MAY 5, 2020
Lamassu Pharma, a biotech startup that is developing small molecule therapeutics to treat acute pancreatitis, has found plenty of investors despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Durham firm states in an SEC filing that it has raised nearly $2.7 million. Nineteen investors are backing the company with a minimum investment of $50,000. Lamassu expects to raise another $200,000 in a round of equity financing with a near-$3 million target.
"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory"
George S. Patton
GET IN TOUCH
OHIO OFFICE
10000 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
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NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE
2530 Meridian Pkwy
Suite 300
Durham, NC 27713
Phone: 1-919-246-3969
Email: info@lamassubiotech.com