IKZF2, a transcription factor in the Ikaros family, plays a key role in stabilizing regulatory T (Treg) cells and promoting immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Selective targeting of IKZF2 in intratumoral Tregs has the potential to enhance antitumor immunity and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, while minimizing immune-related toxicities associated with systemic Treg depletion.
Recurv Pharma Inc. has developed a novel taxoid compound formulated in an oil-in-water nanoemulsion, named RP-001, as a potential therapeutic approach for the management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), either as a single agent or combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Allterum Therapeutics Inc. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for 4A10, paving the way for initiation of a first-in-human phase I trial in patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). 4A10 is a monoclonal antibody with a human immunoglobulin G subclass 1 (IgG1) backbone that specifically binds to CD127 (IL-7Rα).
Basal-like breast cancer is a particularly aggressive subtype of the malignancy, for which it has been difficult to identify good therapeutic targets. In collaboration, European researchers mined public transcriptome datasets to show that the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A isoform ALDH1A3 was predominantly expressed in epithelial cells within basal-like tumors, whereas the isoforms ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A2 were predominantly expressed in stromal and immune-associated cells.
While recent advances in gene therapy have offered unprecedented options for patients with hemophilia, new data presented at the 32nd Annual Congress of the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT), held in Seville Oct. 7-10, revealed persistent concerns regarding the durability of these treatments and their potential liver toxicity.
Casma Therapeutics Inc. has developed bicyclic heteroaromatic compounds acting as mucolipin-1 (MCOLN1; TRPML1) activators reported to be useful for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, neurodegeneration, atherosclerosis, cancer, infections, liver, lysosomal storage and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Simon Fraser University, TRIUMF and the University of British Columbia have disclosed radiolabeled compounds reported to be useful for the diagnosis of cancer.
Convalife Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. and Zhejiang Convalife Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have discovered sulfanilamide compounds acting as kinesin-like protein KIF18A inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disorders and ciliopathy.
Shenzhen Bay Laboratory has synthesized fused ring derivatives acting as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (bacterial) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, bacterial, fungal, nematode and viral infections.