Next-generation T-cell engager (TCE) specialist Cytospire Therapeutics Ltd. has raised £61 million (US$82.7 million) in a series A round, equipping it to advance the lead program CYT-X300 to the clinic in the treatment of EGFR-positive solid tumors. The company’s pan gamma delta (γδ) TCEs are designed to overcome problems with cytokine release syndrome, on-target effects on healthy cells, and the excessive activation of CD3 that have occurred with earlier bispecific antibodies that bind to the CD3 receptor on T cells. Read More
Quiver Bioscience Inc. has received a multi-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance its lead Nav1.7-targeted antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), QV-2421, through IND-enabling studies and first-in-human trials for chronic neuropathic pain. Read More
DNA methylation, catalyzed by DNMT enzymes, is a central epigenetic mechanism frequently disrupted in cancer, where aberrant hypermethylation contributes to tumor suppressor gene silencing. Researchers from Nankai University reported the discovery and preclinical characterization of [I], a selective DNMT1 degrader in models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Read More
Evotec SE has announced the nomination of a small-molecule preclinical development candidate from its multi-target drug discovery alliance in medical dermatology with Almirall SA. The program is aimed at developing novel treatments for immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases with high unmet medical need. The collaboration, established in 2022, leverages Evotec’s fully integrated, AI/machine learning enhanced discovery and preclinical development platforms. Read More
Genosco Inc. has patented new molecular glue degraders comprising cereblon-binding agents acting as GSPT and/or Myc proto-oncogene protein (c-Myc) degradation inducers designed for use in the treatment of cancer. Read More
In a recent study published in the Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer, researchers from the University of Chicago and Pyxis Oncology Inc. investigated the role of KLRG1 in limiting antitumor immunity and evaluated its potential as a therapeutic target in patients refractory to first-generation checkpoint inhibitors. KLRG1 is an immunoreceptor tyrosine inhibitory motif domain-containing receptor identified as a marker of senescent/terminally differentiated T and natural killer (NK) cells. Read More
Gliomas are malignant tumors in the brain characterized by aggressive growth, poor prognosis and high mortality, and for which effective therapies are still lacking. Zinc finger protein 207 (ZNF207) is highly expressed in gliomas and represents a promising therapeutic target; researchers from the China Pharmaceutical University have developed and presented data for the ZNF207 inhibitor TMLZ-G46. Read More
Deepcure Inc. has synthesized new 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones acting as bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BD2 domain) (BRD4 BD2) inhibitors. As such, they are described as potentially useful for the treatment of autoimmune, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, gout, obesity, and sepsis, among others. Read More
Agomab Therapeutics NV has identified new TGF-β receptor type-1 (TGFBR1; ALK5; SKR4; TβR-I) inhibitors designed for use in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Read More
Researchers from Flare Therapeutics Inc. presented the preclinical profile of FX-111, a selective active androgen receptor (ARON) degrader, in models of prostate cancer. Read More
Yuanyi Wise Tech (Ningbo) Ltd. has prepared and tested new tricyclic compounds acting as son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1)/GTPase KRAS (G12V mutant) interaction inhibitors potentially useful for the treatment of cancer. Read More
Tumors with strong immunosuppressive microenvironments such as microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC) remain unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, with <20% of gastrointestinal tumors responding to therapy. Read More
