DeuterOncology is developing DO-2, a deuterated MET kinase inhibitor designed to enhance the efficacy and tolerability of targeted therapies for MET-driven lung cancer. This compound aims to reduce metabolic liabilities and improve drug exposure at lower doses, addressing the limitations of existing MET inhibitors in oncology treatments.
Funding
$7.3M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
NBFounders
Product
Problem
Existing MET (Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition) kinase inhibitors used in lung cancer therapy often exhibit tolerability issues and limited efficacy due to metabolic liabilities, hindering optimal drug exposure and potentially leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Resistance to these inhibitors can also emerge through alternative kinase pathways.
Solution
DeuterOncology is developing DO-2, a deuterated MET kinase inhibitor designed to improve the efficacy and tolerability of targeted therapies for MET-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By replacing a hydrogen atom with deuterium, DO-2 aims to reduce metabolic breakdown, extend plasma exposure, and allow for effective dosing at lower concentrations, potentially mitigating toxicity. DO-2 also exhibits activity on an alternative kinase within the RAS pathway, which may help overcome or delay resistance mechanisms. The company is also developing DO-1, a highly selective small molecule inhibitor of the MET kinase that was found to inhibit the organic cation transporter-2 (OCT-2).
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients with NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutations and/or MET amplification, as well as those with other advanced solid cancers.
Features
- DO-2: A deuterated MET kinase inhibitor with improved metabolic stability and extended plasma exposure.
- Designed to overcome tolerability issues associated with current MET kinase inhibitors.
- Exhibits activity on a secondary kinase in the RAS pathway to address potential resistance mechanisms.
- DO-1: A highly selective small molecule inhibitor of the MET kinase that was found to inhibit the organic cation transporter-2 (OCT-2).
- Scalable manufacturing process with excellent stability; CMC/GMP lot approved by regulatory authorities.
- Currently in Phase I clinical study with promising early results, including partial response and prolonged stable disease in some patients.