PepKon is developing small peptides that mimic the C-terminal domain of Thrombospondin-1 to induce calcium-dependent, immunogenic cell death in cancer cells by targeting the CD47 protein, which allows tumors to evade immune response. Their lead candidate, PKT16, aims to treat various leukemias and solid tumors with demonstrated efficacy and no observed toxicity in preclinical studies.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Many cancer cells evade immune detection through the overexpression of CD47, a "do not eat me" signal, which prevents macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. Current anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies under development by large pharmaceutical companies may have limitations.
Solution
PepKon is developing small peptides, specifically PKT16, that mimic the C-terminal domain of Thrombospondin-1 to target the CD47 protein on cancer cells. These peptides induce calcium-dependent, immunogenic cell death, triggering a unique mechanism of action distinct from anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated efficacy in various leukemias and solid tumors without observed hematological or organ toxicity. The peptides are designed to bind to CD47 with high affinity, composed of ten amino acids, and exhibit stability and solubility properties suitable for pharmaceutical development.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes researchers and clinicians focused on developing novel cancer therapies, particularly for leukemia and solid tumors, seeking treatments with a unique mechanism of action and demonstrated safety profile.
Features
- Induces calcium-dependent, caspase-independent, and immunogenic cell death in cancer cells.
- Targets CD47, a "do not eat me" signal, to promote macrophage-mediated phagocytosis.
- Demonstrated in vivo tumor regression in several types of leukemias and solid cancers.
- Exhibits no hematological or organ toxicity in preclinical studies.
- Composed of ten amino acids designed to bind to CD47 with high affinity.
- Cost-effective manufacturing and suitable stability and solubility properties for pharmaceutical development.
- Has its own laboratory to synthesize its own peptides and conduct laboratory studies.