Salarius shares surge 25.17% after-hours after rebranding to Decoy Therapeutics, focusing on AI-driven peptide-conjugate therapeutics and DCOY ticker.

Salarius Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SLRX) surged 25.17% in after-hours trading following its announcement to rebrand as Decoy Therapeutics and transition to the ticker DCOY effective January 8, 2026. The rebranding reflects a strategic pivot toward developing AI-driven peptide-conjugate therapeutics targeting viral and oncology indications, including pan-coronavirus and multi-viral threats. The company highlighted its lead antiviral program’s interest from BARDA and global health organizations, along with a capital-efficient 2026 plan to advance its pipeline and pursue partnerships. CEO Rick Pierce emphasized the transformation as a step toward “next-generation therapeutics,” aligning with the stock’s sharp rise on renewed investor optimism about the company’s platform and non-dilutive funding opportunities.