DRL Diagnostic Research Laboratory’s Post

In a study funded by our division, Meisam Bagheri, Ph.D., Todd Miller, PhD, Diwakar Pattabiraman, et al. found that eribulin (an FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drug) induces chromatin remodeling to reverse epithelial to mesenchymal transition and sensitizes cancer cells to other chemotherapies in preclinical models of triple-negative #BreastCancer. https://lnkd.in/erd5cpTu

🌟 Can Nanobody-Based CAR-T Cells Revolutionize Glioblastoma Treatment? 🌟 Glioblastoma is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with limited options and poor outcomes. In a recent study, Fien Meeus and Karine Breckpot explored the potential of nanobody-based CAR-T cells targeting B7-H3, a protein overexpressed in glioblastoma. Key Insights: • Preclinical models showed significant anti-tumor activity, demonstrating the therapeutic promise of nanobody-based CAR-T cells. • However, on-target, off-tumor toxicity due to B7-H3 expression in normal tissues highlights the need for refined targeting strategies. Why It Matters: This research underscores the innovative role of nanobody technology in tackling solid tumors while balancing efficacy and safety—a critical step toward more effective cancer immunotherapies. 💡 A promising advancement in the fight against glioblastoma through nanobody innovation. 👉 Learn more about the study here: https://lnkd.in/gMd9jx2E First author: Fien Meeus Group leader: Karine Breckpot

(Celecoxib + tucidinostat) by Great Novel Therapeutics Biotech & Medicals for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. (Celecoxib + tucidinostat) is under clinical development by Great Novel Therapeutics Biotech & Medicals and currently in Phase I for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. According to GlobalData, Phase I drugs for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer have an 84% phase transition success rate (PTSR) indication benchmark for progressing into Phase II. GlobalData Plc 's report assesses how (Celecoxib + tucidinostat)’s drug-specific PTSR and Likelihood of Approval (LoA) scores compare... Check out the full story 👉 https://zurl.co/wV3s (PHARMAC) #biotech #genetics

Today on #WorldCancerResearchDay, we proudly stand with the global scientific community to underscore the critical role that research plays in improving cancer survival rates and enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families. At Zymeworks, we are deeply committed to the belief that continued research, innovation, and scientific advancement can profoundly impact the lives of cancer patients. As we advance our pipeline of multifunctional therapeutics, we honor our exceptional team of researchers, experts, and partners who are dedicated to harnessing the potential of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and multispecific antibody therapeutics (MSATs) to address high unmet needs in the treatment of difficult-to-treat cancers. Together, we are driving innovation within #cancerresearch and remain unwavering in our commitment to making a meaningful difference. #AntibodyDrugConjugates #MultifunctionalTherapeutics #Biotech #DrugDevelopment #DrugDiscovery #CancerAwareness #Oncology #ResearchandDevelopment

Results from the GARNER study have just been published in Clinical Cancer Research. The GARNER study is the largest high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patient cohort ever assembled with both clinical and genomic detail. Recognizing that DNA alterations may not fully identify all patients who could potentially benefit from FGFR-targeted therapy, the study utilized GeneCentric’s RNA-based FGFR Predictive Response Signature (FGFR-PRS), which identified over twice as many patients with an activated FGFR pathway compared to patients with FGFR DNA alteration biomarkers. Read more at https://bit.ly/3BoqqqL #oncology #precisionmedicine #biotechnology #pharmaceuticals #RNAseq

The potential for AI to change cancer drug discovery and development https://lnkd.in/gjs23mzE

Vir Biotechnology has announced a new partnership with Sanofi, securing worldwide licenses for three innovative cancer therapies. This agreement includes T-cell engagers (TCEs) and a novel masking platform technology aimed at enhancing cancer treatment safety and efficacy. The licensed TCEs, such as SAR446309 for HER2+ tumors, SAR446329 for metastatic prostate cancer, and SAR446368 for EGFR-expressing tumors, are designed to selectively activate within the tumor environment. This approach could provide safer, more effective treatments for patients. Marianne De Backer, Vir's CEO, emphasized the patient-focused approach of this collaboration. This agreement also represents a significant milestone for Vir's strategic focus on clinical-stage opportunities. With several data readouts expected in late 2024 and 2025, Vir is progressing toward developing transformative therapies for severe diseases. #Healthcare #LifeSciences #Biotechnology

Our review on Peptides as innovative strategies to combat drug resistance in cancer therapy has been published in Drug Discovery today and is now available for reading. The review's three areas of focus for peptides to target drug resistant-cancer: Targeting tumour lipid membranes to kill proliferative & non-proliferative cells Peptide-drug conjugates to overcome drug efflux & improve tumour selectivity Cyclic peptides for targeting intracellular proteins in drug-resistant cancer Many thanks to my two amazing supervisors Sónia Troeira Henriques Henriques & Aurelie Benfield for their help and input along the way. Hopefully the beginning of more to come. Translational Research Institute Australia QUT (Queensland University of Technology)

LucidQuest Strategic Insights (lqventures.com) >>> Gene&Cell Therapy >> Oncternal stops cancer trials and begins search for future business options: After disappointing efficacy data and a patient death, Oncternal Therapeutics is discontinuing two trials and looking for strategic alternatives. The San Diego company said it would end a Phase 1 trial investigating ONCT-534, a dual-action androgen receptor inhibitor, in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In the early-stage study, the drug did not show clinically meaningful improvements in diseases like prostate-specific antigen levels, the company said Thursday. Its other candidate, the ROR1-targeting autologous CAR-T, dubbed ONCT-808, showed anti-tumor activity at all doses in aggressive B cell lymphoma. That included a complete metabolic response lasting eight months and long-term persistence of the CAR-T cells. While the asset also came with “expected treatment-emergent adverse events” for a CAR-T therapy, a patient died from “complications of shock” at the highest dose. Based on these results, the company said it would stop development, cut its workforce and look for other options, including asset sales, licensing or a merger or acquisition. James Breitmeyer “In light of these data and the challenging financing environment, we intend to explore strategic options with the hope of advancing and realizing value from our pipeline including ONCT-534, ONCT-808, zilovertamab and ONCT-216,” President and CEO James Breitmeyer wrote in a statement. Oncternal’s stock $ONCT dipped nearly 3% on Friday morning, trading at $1.65. Zilovertamab is a monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit the function of ROR1. It is in separate investigator-led studies in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. ONCT-216 is currently not listed in the company’s R&D pipeline. In April 2022, it discontinued recruiting subjects in a Phase 1/2 trial in Ewing sarcoma to “reallocate resources.” #lucidquest #genetherapy #celltherapy

NEJM: Quite simply the most impressive waterfall plot I’ve ever seen in solid tumour oncology, speaking to the power of immunotherapy in biomarker selected populations. Looking forward to many more plots like this in the future as we progress our understanding of cancer biology and therapeutics. 1) Study investigated 111 patients with locally advanced dMMR colon cancer 2) 95% had a major pathological response and 68% had a complete response after only two cycles of neoadjuvant immunotherapy (nivolumab and ipilumimab) 3) With a median follow-up of more than 2 years, none of these patients have had recurrence of their disease https://lnkd.in/eKnjVwKP #medicine #research #healthcare #health #drugdevelopment #pharmaceutical #oncology #cancer #cancerresearch #biomarkers #innovation #technology