Liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) is a nuclear receptor that promotes the transcription of genes encoding key steroidogenic enzymes, thereby facilitating de novo androgen biosynthesis within the prostate tumor microenvironment. Researchers from Qilu Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. reported the discovery and preclinical characterization of a series of novel LRH-1 antagonists.
Ocean University of China has discovered new androgen receptor N-terminal domain (AR-NTD) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Aktis Oncology Inc. has obtained IND approvals from the FDA enabling the company to proceed to a phase Ib trial with AKY-2519, a miniprotein radioconjugate targeting B7-H3-expressing tumors, including prostate, lung and other solid tumors. Specifically, the IND clearances relate to [64Cu]Cu-AKY-2519 for imaging and [225Ac]Ac-AKY-2519 for therapeutic use.
At the ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress held this week in Paris, researchers at Mabqi SAS presented the preclinical characterization of MQI-201, an anti-TRPV6 therapeutic antibody in models of metastatic prostate cancer.
Australia’s Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is advancing a potential challenger to Novartis plc’s dominant prostate cancer radioligand therapy, Pluvicto (lutetium [177Lu] vipivotide tetraxetan), after reporting that the safety lead-in portion of its global phase III Prostact trial met its primary objectives.
Astellas Pharma Inc. and Vir Biotechnology Inc. have signed a global co-development pact to advance VIR-5500, Vir’s PRO-XTEN dual-masked CD3 T-cell engager targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen for treating prostate cancer. Under the deal terms, San Francisco-based Vir will receive $335 million in up-front and near-term payments, including $240 million in cash, $75 million in equity investment and a $20 million near-term milestone. Vir is also eligible to receive up to $1.37 billion in development, regulatory and sales-based milestones plus royalties on ex-U.S. sales.
On the heels of more positive early data from the lead program derived from its tumor-activated T-cell engager (TRACTr) platform, Janux Therapeutics Inc. inked a collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb Co. that comes with $50 million in up-front and near-term milestone payments, with the possibility of up to $800 million more tied to development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
Lunan New Time Biotechnical Co. Ltd. has identified new camptothecin derivatives and their antibody-drug conjugates reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Werewolf Therapeutics Inc. has announced that its priorities for the coming year include a focus on the company’s Inducer T-cell engager platform, where preclinical studies have demonstrated robust silencing and reduction of off-tumor toxicity.
