The existence of two approved therapies, Lumakras (sotorasib, Amgen Inc.) and Karzati (adagrasib, Mirati Therapeutics Inc.), has been a triumphant success against KRAS, a protein that was once considered undruggable.

The existence of two approved therapies, Lumakras (sotorasib, Amgen Inc.) and Karzati (adagrasib, Mirati Therapeutics Inc.), has been a triumphant success against KRAS, a protein that was once considered undruggable. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in solid tumors. KRAS driver mutations are found in about 30% of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC), about half of colorectal cancers, and more than 90% of pancreatic cancers. Lumakras and Karzati both target the G12C mutation. Inhibitors that target other mutations, like G12D, are now making their way through preclinical and clinical development, while some companies are developing therapies that would target mutated KRAS more broadly, irrespective of the specific mutation that is activating the protein.

Vantai Inc. and Bristol Myers Squibb Co. have entered into a strategic collaboration to discover new molecular glues for therapeutic targets of interest.

Vantai Inc. has entered into an amended and restated collaboration and license agreement with Blueprint Medicines Corp. to design and advance novel targeted protein degrader therapies.

Seed Therapeutics Inc., a subsidiary of Beyondspring Inc., has reported the discovery of ST-00937, a new chemical entity molecular glue with IND candidate status that will be advanced for the treatment of cancers.

Orionis Biosciences BV has established a multiyear collaboration with Genentech Inc., a member of the Roche Group, to discover novel small-molecule molecular glues for targets in major disease areas, including oncology and neurodegeneration.

Salarius Pharmaceuticals Inc. has received FDA clearance of its IND application to initiate a phase I trial with SP-3164 in patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Salarius Pharmaceuticals Inc. has completed two GLP toxicology studies with its targeted protein degrader SP-3164, with no unexpected safety findings reported. These results will be included in an IND application that the company plans to submit to the FDA this quarter.