A28 Therapeutics is developing a targeted lytic peptide platform, specifically the AT-101 compound, which binds to LHRH receptors overexpressed on various cancer cells to induce cell death while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This approach addresses the need for more effective and less toxic cancer treatments across multiple solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current cancer treatments often lack specificity, leading to significant damage to healthy tissues and severe side effects for patients. Many cancers overexpress LHRH receptors, but existing therapies do not effectively target this vulnerability to selectively destroy cancer cells. This results in a need for more targeted and less toxic cancer therapies.
Solution
A28 Therapeutics is developing a targeted lytic peptide platform, centered around its lead compound AT-101, designed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. AT-101 is a conjugated peptide comprised of a lytic peptide (CLYP-71) linked to a ligand of the LHRH hormone. This construct binds to LHRH receptors, which are overexpressed on the surface of many cancer cells, delivering the lytic peptide directly to the tumor. The lytic peptide then disrupts the cancer cell membrane, leading to targeted cell death. This approach allows for the treatment of various solid tumors and hematological malignancies, both as a monotherapy and in combination with other cancer drugs.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes oncologists and cancer patients seeking more effective and less toxic treatment options for a range of solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
Features
- AT-101: A targeted lytic peptide conjugate designed to selectively kill cancer cells.
- LHRH receptor targeting: Exploits the overexpression of LHRH receptors on cancer cells for targeted drug delivery.
- CLYP-71 lytic peptide: Disrupts cancer cell membranes, leading to cell death.
- Broad applicability: Potential for treating multiple solid tumor cancers and hematological malignancies.
- Combination therapy: Synergizes with checkpoint inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, and chemotherapy drugs.
- Clinical validation: Demonstrated an attractive safety profile and promising anti-tumor activity in a Phase 2a study.