A newly described small molecule inhibitor called AOH-1996 targets a cancer-associated isoform of PCNA (caPCNA), leading to a very broad therapeutic window. Researchers at City of Hope, a cancer research and treatment organization in California, reported on AOH-1996 in the Aug. 1, 2023, online edition of Cell Chemical Biology. Genes involved in replication and repair pathways are essential for the growth and survival of cancer cells. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a key player in DNA replication via a homotrimer formation that acts as a molecular sliding clamp around the DNA double helix. Read More

Despite continual investment in research focused on high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the 5-year survival rate of ∼30% for most patients has remained unchanged for decades. While ≤20% of HGSOC patients present with treatment-refractory disease, therapeutic strategies have not changed outcomes for these patients in 40 years. Read More

Most lung adenocarcinoma tumors with EGFR mutations respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs, e.g., osimertinib). Accordingly, there are now >50 different FDA-approved TKIs. Still, acquired resistance remains as the major limitation preventing long-term efficacy. Read More

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has divulged nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2-related factor 2; NRF2) activators reported to be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative, pulmonary and renal diseases. Read More

Biocity Biopharma announced that the U.S. FDA has accepted its investigational new drug (IND) application for BC-3448, a bispecific antibody that targets the T cell marker CD3 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), bringing antitumor T cells in proximity to EGFR-expressing cells. To reduce the risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a known risk of CD3-targeting antibodies, the bispecific has a higher affinity for EGFR than CD3. Read More

Centre Hospitalier Regional Universitaire de Lille and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique have patented norbornene analogues reported to be useful for the treatment of tuberculosis. Read More

The Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has described androgen receptor antagonists and/or androgen receptor degradation inducers reported to be useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, osteoporosis and SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), as well as breast and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Read More

Mansonone E is a type of plant toxin with various pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-MRSA and antitumor activities. In the current study, researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University presented the discovery of novel mansonone E analogue, MSN-8C, being developed as a potential anticancer agent. Read More

Ventyx Biosciences Inc. has identified 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Read More

Constellation Pharmaceuticals Inc. has found three-prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer. Read More

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science presented the discovery and preclinical evaluation of a novel KRAS-degrading small molecule candidate being developed for the treatment of cancer. Read More