The startup develops a proprietary B-Raf inhibitor, a small molecule that enhances the administration of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in cancer therapy. This approach minimizes cutaneous side effects, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and the quality of life for patients undergoing EGFR therapy.
Funding
$8.7M 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.
Founders
Product
Problem
Patients undergoing cancer therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors or radiation often experience dermal toxicities, such as acneiform lesions and radiation dermatitis. These side effects can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and may lead to reduced compliance with their prescribed anti-cancer treatment. Currently, there are limited FDA-approved treatments specifically designed to prevent or treat these dermatological side effects.
Solution
Lutris Pharma is developing LUT014, a first-in-class, topical B-Raf inhibitor designed to mitigate dermal toxicities associated with EGFR inhibitors and radiation therapy. LUT014 leverages the paradoxical effect of B-Raf inhibitors to reverse the inhibitory effect of EGFR inhibitors on downstream proteins in skin cells, reducing acneiform lesions. The topical application of LUT014 stimulates proliferation of basal keratinocytes, driving the repopulation of epidermal keratinocytes, and improving upon the time to dermatitis resolution.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes oncology patients undergoing treatment with EGFR inhibitors for cancers such as colorectal, lung, head & neck, and breast cancers, as well as patients receiving radiation therapy, particularly those with breast cancer.
Features
- Topical gel formulation for direct application to affected skin areas
- Utilizes a B-Raf inhibitor to modulate the MAPK signaling pathway in skin cells
- Designed to reduce the severity and incidence of acneiform lesions induced by EGFR inhibitors
- Investigational New Drug (IND) program regulated and supervised under the Oncology Division at the FDA
- Completed Phase 1/2 study demonstrated efficacy and safety in breast cancer patients with radiation dermatitis
- Currently in Phase 2 clinical trial for metastatic colorectal cancer patients with EGFR Inhibitor induced acneiform lesions
- Granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for the treatment of EGFRI-Induced Acneiform Rash
- Protected by a comprehensive patent portfolio covering the use of B-Raf inhibitors for treating cutaneous reactions