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Scientists at Strathclyde have developed the first reported potent and selective IKK alpha inhibitors, and our lead compound has been shown to achieve 60% tumour growth inhibition
About
Scientists at Strathclyde have developed the first reported potent and selective IKK alpha inhibitors, and our lead compound has been shown to achieve 60% tumour growth inhibition in the metastatic PC3m xenograph prostate cancer model, despite its current sub-optimal PK (optimisation is ongoing). Consistent with this, in vitro studies have demonstrated a reduction in androgen receptor levels. Intriguingly, our scientists have identified a major cohort of prostate cancer patients with a specific molecular marker who have a significantly worse prognosis and in which an IKKα inhibitor could therefore potentially be of particular therapeutic benefit. This may enable an informative early stage trial design (further data available under CDA). In vitro data, including inhibition of colony formation and the induction of apoptosis, have implicated IKK alpha in a variety of other cancers, including pancreatic and colorectal cancers and leukaemia. Preliminary data in a primary tumour ex vivo study has shown induction of apoptosis in range of pancreatic cancer cell lines.
Key Benefits
• First-in-class compounds • Target unmet need • 60% tumour inhibition in PC3M mice
Applications
There were 1.3 million new cases of prostate cancer in 2018. Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death and has the worst survival rate of all cancers. New and effective treatments are urgently needed.