Aduro Biotech, Inc. is restructuring to focus on core strengths in developing novel product candidates in the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and a proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) pathways. Aduro is partnered with Novartis for STING pathway activators in oncology, including ADU-S100 (MIW815), and Eli Lilly and Co. for cGAS-STING pathway inhibitors in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. BION-1301, a first-in-class anti-APRIL antibody, is currently in development in oncology and IgA nephropathy.

In order to direct resources to these lead programs, Aduro has reduced its current workforce by approximately 37%. The reduction in ongoing operating expenses is expected to extend the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities into 2022, exclusive of potential future milestone payments from its collaborations with Novartis, Lilly and Merck.

“Over the years, Aduro has demonstrated a proven track record in the discovery of small molecules and biologics. As our portfolio has evolved and with a strong cash position, the Executive Team and Board concluded this is the right time to proactively reduce operating expenses and invest more purposefully in STING and APRIL development,” said Stephen T. Isaacs, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Aduro. “We are committed to maintaining a leadership role in the STING and APRIL pathways, and generating multiple clinical data readouts over the next several years. The strategic reset will also allow us to explore new partnership opportunities for our deprioritized programs, including pLADD, ADU-1604 (anti-CTLA-4) and ADU-1805 (anti-SIRPα). While this was a difficult decision, I want to thank the employees who are leaving for their contributions to Aduro.”

Aduro ended 2018 with $277.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, and collected a $12 million upfront payment from its research collaboration and license agreement with Lilly in 1Q19.