Both casein kinase 1α (CK1α) and zinc finger protein Helios (IKZF2) are among the targets most recently evaluated for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A growing number of molecules against these targets acting as degraders or inhibitors are actively being investigated.
Researchers have developed and tested a taurultam-derived oxathiazine compound, GP-2250, for the potential treatment of ovarian cancer. Taurolidine, a substance derived from the amino acid taurine, has been shown to have antiproliferative and antineoplastic activity in vitro and in vivo against various cancer types. GP-2250 was tested in vitro in several ovarian cancer cell lines, as well as in vivo as a monotherapy and in combination with standard-of-care drugs and PARP inhibitors.
Phase II data showing an 11.1-month improvement in overall survival for advanced ovarian cancer patients treated with the IL-12 immunotherapy IMNN-001 drove up shares of Imunon Inc. by 181% July 30. The results “could usher in the first immune-based therapy for ovarian cancer,” said Stacy Lindborg, president and CEO of the Lawrenceville, N.J.-based company.
Proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib have shown promise in ovarian cancer treatment but limitations like route of administration or severe side effects restrict their use. Targeting proteasomal ubiquitin receptor ADRM1, also known as RPN13, has emerged as an alternative strategy and some RPN13 inhibitors are in early development.
The adaptation of cancer cells to therapies limits the effectiveness of treatments. However, understanding the mechanisms they use to do it could help reverse them or be used to design more powerful drugs. Scientists at New York University (NYU) have studied the transitions causing resistance and have observed how it develops through a gradual process they have called the “resistance continuum.”
Zymeworks Inc. has received IND clearance from the FDA for ZW-191, the company’s novel folate receptor-α (FRα)-targeted topoisomerase I (TOPO1) inhibitor antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Clinical development is set to begin this year, with filings to initiate studies outside the U.S. to be made in the second half of this year.
Scientists at Shanghai Aryl Pharmtech Co. Ltd. and Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have synthesized kinesin-like protein KIF18A inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most predominant histologic type of ovarian cancer, with about 55% of patients at an advanced stage when diagnosed; overall survival remains poor.
At a time when much of the biopharma space can’t seem to get enough of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), Bristol Myers Squibb Co. is backing away from a potential $3 billion-plus collaboration with Eisai Co. Ltd., handing back full rights to the latter’s folate receptor alpha-targeting ADC, farletuzumab ecteribulin (FZEC), citing a portfolio reprioritization.
