Work at Exelixis Inc. has led to the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) comprising antibodies targeting interleukin-13 receptor subunit α2 (IL-13RA2, IL-13R-α2) covalently linked to a payload. They are described as potentially useful for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Researchers from Wuyi University presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of kinesin spindle protein (KSP) degraders developed using proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology.
Xilio Therapeutics Inc. has announced three wholly owned preclinical programs for masked T-cell engagers targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1).
Within the immune system, interleukin-15 (IL-15) plays a relevant role by boosting the number of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, the major drivers of anticancer immune response. Researchers from Sotio Biotech AS, MD Anderson and collaborators reported preclinical data on nanrilkefusp alfa (nanril; SOT-101), an IL-15 receptor βγ superagonist that stimulates both CD8+ T and NK cells in the tumor microenvironment.
Genescience Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. has prepared and tested new fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and/or FGFR3 inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, osteochondrodysplasia and achondroplasia.
Work at the University of Florida has led to the identification of nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (Rev-erbA-α) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, sarcopenia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have demonstrated their effectiveness in a variety of solid tumors such as breast, lung, ovarian or bladder cancer and in hematological cancers too. However, in some cancer types, like pancreatic cancer, treatment with ADCs needs enhancement through more appropriate targets and payloads.
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is among the most lethal gynecologic malignancies, with up to 90% of patients eventually becoming resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. The limited availability of effective targeted therapies for platinum-resistant HGSC presents a significant clinical challenge.