Aequus BioPharma

Aequus BioPharma was a Seattle-based biotechnology company and a majority-owned subsidiary of CTI BioPharma (formerly Cell Therapeutics). The company specialized in the development of "biobetters" and follow-on biologics using its proprietary Genetic Polymer (GlycoPolymer) technology, which aimed to extend the plasma half-life of therapeutic proteins and peptides. Its lead candidate, AQB-101, was a glycoengineered version of G-CSF designed for once-per-cycle dosing in chemotherapy patients, while AQB-565 was a fusion peptide targeting melanocortin receptors for the treatment of gout and infantile spasms. Despite achieving pre-clinical proof of concept for its lead programs, the company was dissolved in June 2020 as part of a corporate restructuring by its parent company.