Myc-associated factor X (MAX), the protein that forms dimers with Myc, could hold the key to blocking one of the most intractable oncogenes. Scientists at the University of Chicago have designed a synthetic molecule that effectively mimics a module of MAX's binding domain. In parallel, the Omomyc protein OMO-103, developed by researchers at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) in Barcelona, successfully completed a phase I clinical trial. From different therapeutic perspectives, both approaches corner Myc and predict the advance of this slow line of research.

Researchers from the University of Zaragoza and Promontory Therapeutics Inc. have discovered that PT-112, which has a multimodal mechanism of action, could have different clinical applications in cancer treatment due to its effects on mitochondria in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). PT-112 is an immunogenic small molecule currently in phase II development in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The researchers designed PT-112 to target advanced solid tumors, such as thymus, small-cell, non-small-cell lung or CRPC.