KRAS is a GTP-binding protein involved in cell growth control that requires post-translational farnesylation to be active. KRAS G12D mutations are mostly associated with pancreatic, colorectal and non-small-cell lung cancers and occur less commonly in other cancers. There are currently no therapies approved to specifically target this mutation.
Sparx Group has formed a strategic alliance with Arovella Therapeutics Ltd. for the development of a CLDN18.2-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy.
JS Innomed Holdings Ltd. has disclosed heterocyclic compounds acting as tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor type 11 (PTPN11; PTP-2C; SHP-2) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, LEOPARD syndrome and Noonan syndrome.
Astellas Pharma Inc. has divulged proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) compounds acting as GTPase KRAS (G12D mutant) degradation inducers reported to be useful for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Ikena Oncology Inc. has disclosed mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAP2K; MEK; MAPKK) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Rohitukine is a chromone alkaloid with antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Although several rohitukine derivatives are being investigated as potent anticancer leads, the potential antitumor activity of the naturally occurring rohitukine-N-oxide has yet to be evaluated.
Researchers from Peking University Cancer Hospital presented the discovery and preclinical evaluation of [124I]IMMU-132, a trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2)-targeting molecular probe for micro-PET imaging.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has disclosed apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and pancreatic cancer.
Harbour Biomed Ltd. has received FDA clearance of its IND application to commence a phase I trial of HBM-9033 in advanced solid tumors. Developed in collaboration with Medilink Therapeutics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., HBM-9033 is an antibody-drug conjugate that specifically targets human mesothelin (MSLN), an upregulated tumor-associated antigen in various solid tumors, including mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancers. The fully human monoclonal antibody in HBM-9033, generated from the Harbour Mice platform, binds preferably to membrane bond MSLN over soluble MSLN, which minimizes the interference of the shedding MSLN on the binding and internalization of the membrane bond MSLN.
