xenetic biosciences (nasdaq: xbio) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovery, research and development of next-generation biologic drugs and novel oncology therapeutics. xenetic's proprietary drug development platforms include polyxen™, which enables next generation biologic drugs by improving their half-life and other pharmacological properties. xenetic's lead investigational product candidates include fda orphan designated oncology therapeutic sodium cridanimod for the treatment of progesterone receptor negative endometrial cancer, and a polysialylated form of erythropoietin for the treatment of anemia in pre-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. xenetic is also working together with shire plc (formerly baxalta, baxter incorporated and baxter healthcare) to develop a novel series of polysialylated blood coagulation factors, including a next generation factor viii. this collaboration relies on xenetic's polyxen technology to conjugate polysialic acid