Salarius shares surge 21.54% premarket after announcing rebrand to Decoy Therapeutics and strategic focus on AI-driven peptide-conjugate therapeutics.

Salarius Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SLRX) surged 21.54% in premarket trading following the announcement of its rebranding to Decoy Therapeutics Inc. and a new ticker symbol (DCOY), effective January 8, 2026. The move reflects a strategic pivot to AI-driven peptide-conjugate therapeutics targeting viral and oncology indications, with lead programs attracting interest from BARDA and global health organizations. The company emphasized a capital-efficient 2026 plan to advance antiviral candidates toward regulatory readiness, expand discovery, and pursue partnerships, positioning it for value creation through non-dilutive funding and clinical milestones. The rebranding, coupled with AI-enabled platform advancements and institutional backing, signals a renewed focus on innovation and growth, aligning with the stock’s sharp premarket rise.