The c-MYB oncogene plays a key role in hematopoietic cell differentiation and proliferation. Genetic abnormalities and dysregulation of MYB have been found in several cancers, including adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) (80% of cases), making it an attractive druggable target for ACC treatment.

PARP1 is critical for repairing DNA single-strand breaks. First-generation PARP1/2 inhibitors have proven effective in the treatment of tumors with mutations in the essential homologous recombination repair (HR) genes including BRCA mutations. However, hematological toxicity associated with PARP2 emphasizes the need to find second-generation compounds with better safety profiles.

Researchers from Astrazeneca plc recently reported preclinical data for AZD-3470, a second-generation MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor currently in early clinical development for the treatment of patients with MTAP-deficient solid tumors (NCT06130553) and hematological cancers (NCT06137144).

Shares of Essa Pharma Inc. tanked Nov. 1 after the company said it is terminating all trials of masofaniten, its N-terminal domain androgen receptor inhibitor and sole clinical-stage program, following a disappointing readout from a phase II study in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The stock (NASDAQ:EPIX) hit a 52-week low, closing at $1.40, down $3.80, or 73%.

For Inocras Inc., the benefits of whole genome sequencing are two-fold. First is its explicit usefulness in diagnosing and treating hard-to-treat diseases like cancer and rare diseases. The second, less apparent, benefit lies in the data generated in the process, and its applications to current and future generations of cancer patients.

The first filing from Cancerrisk AI Inc. describes their development of a system that uses deep learning to predict future cancer risk from a biopsy image.

The BioWorld Cancer Index (BCI) took a hit in September, ending the month down 11.52%, a notable slide from its 3.94% decline at the end of July and 9.63% drop by the end of August. The BCI’s performance starkly contrasts with the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index, which jumped 9.09%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average’s 12.31% gain over the same nine-month period. This marks a stark reversal for the BCI, which had a standout year in 2023, closing with a 76.26% gain.

Evolveimmune Therapeutics Inc. has secured its fourth big pharma investor and its first pharma development partnership in a deal with Abbvie Inc. The multitarget development deal with North Chicago-based Abbvie includes $65 million now, combined between an up-front payment and an equity investment. Branford, Conn.-based Evolveimmune is also eligible for up to $1.4 million in aggregate option fees and milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on sales of products that are optioned by Abbvie.