Researchers from Hangzhou Polymed Biopharmaceuticals Inc. have reported the discovery and preclinical evaluation of HPB-092, an FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) dual inhibitor, being developed for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The use of therapies based on immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in melanoma patients has greatly improved survival rates; however, many individuals either develop resistances or are nonresponsive to treatment.
The activation of GPR65 on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a key tumor-promoting process and GPR65 has been previously described as a genetically validated target in cancer. It was demonstrated that GPR65 functions as an immune checkpoint in acidic tumor microenvironment (TME), as it is activated by low pH in the TME.
While sorting out a second phase III study design for its cancer therapy and light device with the U.S. FDA, Soligenix Inc. produced positive results from a compatibility study evaluating Hybryte (synthetic hypericin sodium) for treating early stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). That data, according to Soligenix, bolster findings from the phase III FLASH study, which used the same combination in treating CTCL. According to Christopher Schaber, Soligenix CEO, the important corporate objectives for the compatibility study were to replicate results seen in the FLASH study.
Halda Therapeutics Opco Inc. has divulged proteolysis-targeting chimeric (PROTAC) compounds comprising an E3 ubiquitin ligase binding moiety covalently bonded to a protein targeting moiety via linker; they are reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can suppress T-cell recruitment and function and promote the expansion and dissemination of cancer cells depending on their functional states. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), TAMs are associated with resistance to sorafenib, the first-line treatment for advanced HCC.
Cytokines are potent immunomodulators with the potential to amplify cell-based immunity against cancer development. Interleukin-21 (IL-21) generates antitumor immunity by inducing B-cell activation and driving the development of antitumor T-cell response. The use of IL-21 in cancer treatment so far is limited due to inadequate pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity issues.
Researchers from Dong Wha Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. presented preclinical evaluation of a newly discovered histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EZH1/2 dual inhibitor, DW-91170, being developed for the treatment of lymphoma.
Immunogen Inc. scored a major win in top-line data from the confirmatory phase III trial called Mirasol evaluating the approved antibody-drug conjugate Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx, “mirv”) vs. chemotherapy in patients with folate receptor alpha-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). The victory led shares of the Waltham, Mass.-based firm to close May 3 at $12.26, a rise of $7.06, or 135%.