Scinai Immunotherapeutics Ltd. (NASDAQ: SCNI) experienced a significant extended-session rally after highlighting recognition for its breakthrough science. SCNI stock advanced 14.59% to $2.35, following the announcement that one of its key collaborators earned a distinguished award in dermatology research.
Prestigious Award for Pioneering Pemphigus Research
Scinai Immunotherapeutics disclosed that Dr. Roberta Lotti, a lead scientist at Pincell Srl, received the esteemed “Oscar of Italian Dermatology” from SIDeMaST, the Italian Society of Dermatology and Venereology.
The honor, awarded in the Immunopathology and Cutaneous Allergies category, recognized her groundbreaking study, “Blocking Soluble Fas Ligand Ameliorates Pemphigus: PC111 Efficacy in Ex-Vivo Human Pemphigus Models.”
The research focuses on PC111, a first-in-class anti-Fas Ligand monoclonal antibody. Scinai holds a strategic option agreement to acquire Pincell, the biotech company developing this innovative treatment.
PC111: A Novel Approach to Severe Autoimmune Skin Diseases
PC111 targets the soluble form of Fas Ligand (sFasL), a critical driver of Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) and Stevens-Johnson/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN)—serious autoimmune and drug-induced blistering disorders with high morbidity and mortality rates.
Earlier studies by Pincell demonstrated that soluble FasL triggers keratinocyte apoptosis leading to acantholysis. Dr. Lotti’s award-winning paper confirmed PC111’s mechanism of action in human pemphigus models, showing that it inhibits blister formation by preventing apoptosis—representing a differentiated, non-immunosuppressive approach to treatment.
Potential for Clinical Use and Strategic Consequences for Scinai
The local method of action of PC111 tackles the disease process directly, potentially decreasing long-term adverse effects, in contrast to traditional medicines that rely on systemic immunosuppression. Instead of only managing symptoms, this breakthrough represents a step toward disease-modifying treatments.
The acknowledgement supports Scinai’s plan to safeguard Pincell’s pipeline for autoimmune dermatology. PC111 is positioned as a high-value asset in Scinai’s immunology portfolio due to its promising profile, faster regulatory routes, and possible orphan medication classification.
Industry Acknowledgment
The price was awarded during the XIV International Congress of Dermatology in Rome last month. SIDeMaST’s “Oscar of Italian Dermatology,” is one of the most prestigious awards in the area, which highlights the importance of Dr. Lotti’s work from a scientific and clinical standpoint.
Scinai keeps developing PC111 in an effort to make it a game-changing treatment for those with severe, uncommon dermatological conditions.