Cancer cells expand through mutations – but not just through mutations. They also change their behavior in the absence of underlying genetic alterations. Such plasticity helps the cells both adapt to the cellular stress fueled by out-of-control growth and resist targeted and chemotherapies alike. Investigators from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Huazhong Agricultural University have gained new insights into the underlying mechanisms of plasticity.
Novacell Technology Inc. has identified oligopeptides acting as N-formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2; FPRL1; LXA4) agonists described as potentially useful for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory disorders.
Gachon University and Jeonbuk National University Industry Foundation have disclosed proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) compounds comprising a cereblon (CRBN) E3 ubiquitin ligase-binding moiety coupled to a serine/threonine-protein kinase PAK4-targeting moiety through a linker potentially useful for the treatment of cancer.
Hanmi Holdings Co. Ltd. has patented proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) comprising a cereblon (CRBN)-binding moiety coupled to a histone acetyltransferase p300 (EP300)-targeting moiety through a linker acting as EP300 degradation inducers reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Researchers at DEM Biopharma Inc. reported preclinical findings demonstrating the efficacy of DEM-301, a bifunctional antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) engineered to selectively recognize and eliminate tumor cells that express DEM-TXX.
Boundless Bio Inc. has obtained IND approval from the FDA for its novel kinesin oral degrader program, BBI-940. A first-in-human trial (KOMODO-1) for metastatic breast cancer is expected to begin in the first half of this year.
A new method, based on gene editing with oligonucleotides and functional analyses, identifies which variants of DNA repair genes associated with Lynch syndrome are truly harmful and which are not. Scientists at The Netherlands Cancer Institute have developed this technique and classified these gene variants in both coding and noncoding regions, distinguishing those that are pathogenic from those that are benign.
Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) inhibitors have been reported in several Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. patents. They are described as potentially useful for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.