RKV Rakovina Therapeutics Inc

Rakovina Therapeutics Inc. (TSX-V: RKV), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new cancer therapies based on novel DNA-damage response technologies, announces the successful synthesis of novel small-molecule drug candidates designed under the Company’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform collaboration.

The initial batch of compounds have arrived at Rakovina’s state-of-the-art wet-lab facility at the University of British Columbia, where they will undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. Designed to function as PARP1-selective inhibitors capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB); these candidates may address a critical gap in treating cancers involving the brain, such as BRCA-mutated breast cancer and glioblastoma.

This achievement highlights Rakovina’s commitment to leveraging AI for rapid and efficient identification of novel drug candidates, accelerating the development of promising cancer therapies. Using the Deep Docking AI platform, the Company screened billions of compounds in silico to pinpoint small molecules tailored to meet specific target product profiles. The compounds were designed to demonstrate favorable drug-like properties, including high potential for efficacy, safety, and optimal pharmacokinetic profiles, positioning them as strong contenders for further development.

Revolutionizing Cancer Care Through Innovation

First-generation poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have dramatically improved patient outcomes in certain mutated cancers but are limited by side effects and in their utility to treat central nervous system (CNS) malignancies as they cannot readily pass through the blood-brain barrier. The successful development of a PARP-1 selective CNS-penetrant inhibitor could reduce toxicity while providing a new therapeutic option for brain tumors.

“This is a transformative moment for Rakovina Therapeutics,” said Prof. Mads Daugaard, Chief Scientific Officer of Rakovina Therapeutics. “The delivery of these AI-designed compounds underscores the extraordinary potential of Artificial Intelligence to reshape drug discovery. By navigating chemical space with unparalleled precision, we can address critical unmet needs in oncology while significantly reducing the risks and timelines of traditional drug development. We are energized by this progress and remain steadfast in our mission to deliver innovative therapies to patients around the globe.”

“Indeed, Rakovina’s ability to marry cutting-edge AI with its world-class scientific expertise positions the Company as a leader in the rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical landscape,” added Jeff Bacha, Executive Chairman. “By leveraging validated AI to streamline the drug discovery process, Rakovina is not just accelerating timelines but redefining what’s possible in cancer research. The potential market for CNS-penetrant PARP inhibitors is vast, with significant demand for therapies that can address both brain cancers and BRCA-mutated malignancies.”

“This achievement builds on the legacy of the Deep Docking AI platform, which has seen incredible success in the drug development space, including a landmark licensing deal with Roche that the platform facilitated in 2015,” he added.

The 2015 licensing agreement between Roche and the University of British Columbia (UBC) for a potential treatment for advanced prostate cancer served as a strong validation of Dr. Artem Cherkasov's AI-driven drug discovery platform. The deal, valued at up to $141.7 million USD with upfront payments, milestone payments, and royalties, underscored the platform's ability to design clinically relevant drug candidates that address significant unmet medical needs.

Dr. Artem Cherkasov remarked, “With these newly synthesized drug candidates identified and now advancing into testing, Rakovina Therapeutics is delivering on its promise of innovation. This achievement positions the company to lead in addressing some of the most challenging cancers.”

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™ platform. 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 www.rakovinatherapeutics.com.

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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 www.sedar.com.

For Further Information Contact:

Michelle Seltenrich, BSc MBADirector, Corporate DevelopmentIR@rakovinatherapeutics.com778-773-5432