HEC Pharma Co. Ltd. recently presented HEC-201625, a small-molecule PD-L1 inhibitor for cancer immunotherapy that blocks the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway. HEC-201625 was tested in vitro and in vivo in MC38 syngeneic murine model, as well as in xenograft A375 and NCI-H358 models.
A new mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) platform could selectively reprogram in vivo cytotoxic effector T cells (Teff), the cells responsible for eliminating infected or tumor cells. To achieve this, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania conjugated LNPs with fractalkine, a molecule that binds to the CX3CR1 receptor, which is a marker of Teff cells. Using this strategy, the researchers delivered an mRNA encoding new proteins such as IL‑2 or human CD62 L‑selectin, opening the door to temporarily reprogramming these cells within the body, both in the blood and in lymphoid tissue, where they reside and become activated.
Cytoskeleton-associated protein 2 (CKAP2) is the most potent microtubule growth factor identified so far and is considered an undruggable protein, often associated with malignant progression in cancer by targeting the FAK-ERK2 signaling pathway. Using its proprietary platform, Soley Therapeutics Inc. has discovered a small molecule that modulates CKAP2 – STX-6398.
The interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) is expressed in cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment of several cancer types and plays a role in tumor development. DXP-106 is a humanized monoclonal antibody developed by Singlomics Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. that binds to a unique epitope of IL1RAP domain 2 that competes with cytokines.
Shanghai Ailux Biotechnology Co. Ltd. has patented new antibody-drug conjugates consisting of an antibody targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 isoform 2 (FGFR2; FGFR2b) covalently linked to a cytotoxic drug intended for use in the treatment of cancer.
Hangzhou Bio Sincerity Pharma-Tech Co. Ltd. has reported crylamide compounds acting as exportin-1 (CRM1; XPO1) receptor antagonists found to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
The University of California has identified proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) compounds comprising an E3 ubiquitin ligase Von Hippel-Lindau disease tumor suppressor (VHL)-binding moiety coupled to cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit α (PRKACA) targeting moiety through a linker.