Convergen (Suzhou) Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has described 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 reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Hainan Simcere Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has disclosed antibody-drug conjugates comprising a glycoengineered antibody covalently linked to a cytotoxic drug through a linker reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
The receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan 1 (ROR1) is a transmembrane protein expressed during embryonic development. Moreover, it is highly expressed on the surface of several cancer cell types, including B-cell malignancies and solid tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Researchers from The University of Queensland and collaborating institutions recently reported the development of a single-chain fragment variable (scFvs) specifically targeting the membrane proximal region of ROR1 rather than the Ig-like domain, aiming to reduce cross-reactivity with other surface proteins expressed in normal tissues.
Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc. has announced acceptance of IND applications by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for three differentiated candidates for the treatment of solid tumors.
Researchers from Chimerix, now part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, presented preclinical data on ONC-206, a compound that functions as both an agonist of the mitochondrial protease Caseinolytic peptidase P (CLPP) and an antagonist of the G protein-coupled receptor DRD2, in models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Circle Pharma Inc. has nominated CID-165, a first-in-class, orally bioavailable macrocyclic cyclin D1 RxL inhibitor, as the development candidate for its second oncology program.
Although hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer accounts for over 70% of cases, 20%-30% of patients still experience relapse despite endocrine therapies such as tamoxifen. Recurrence is also observed in HER2+ breast cancer, even with HER2-targeted antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), the use of which can be limited by adverse effects such as interstitial lung disease.
Kong’s Pharmaceutical Co. has divulged Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1; TC25) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer and neurologic disorders.
Abpro Holdings Inc. and Celltrion Inc. have announced the submission of an IND application to the FDA for ABP-102 (CT-P72), a HER2 x CD3 T-cell engager. Pending clearance, a phase I trial in patients with HER2-positive cancers, including breast and gastric cancers, is anticipated to begin in the first half of next year.
Scientists at East China Normal University and East China University of Science & Technology have synthesized 5’-nucleotidase (CD73) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
