Small molecule treatment for MAPK-regulated cancers

This technology is a small molecule that selectively targets the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) core pathways, regulated by Germinal Center Kinase (GCK), and inhibits cell growth for the treatment of cancers, notably multiple myeloma.

Unmet Need: Therapeutics addressing immunomodulatory-resistant hematologic cancers

Hematologic malignancies, such as multiple myeloma (MM), are often treated with therapeutic antibody treatments. However, even with recent advancements in antibody therapies, patients suffering from MM continue to show a median survival rate of only 5 to 6 years due to drug resistance, relapse, and MAPK-mediated survival signaling. It is therefore critical to find a therapeutic alternative that can target pathways to induce myeloma cell death.

The Technology: MAP4K2 inhibitor as a therapeutic for cancers marked by MAPK pathway

This technology presents a small molecule inhibitor targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase 2 (MAP4K2) pathway—a key pathway involved in B cell to plasma cell differentiation. Inhibition of MAP4K2, in vivo, has shown a decrease in cell proliferation across several multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines, including cell lines resistant to immunomodulatory drugs. This technology has been validated on human tissue samples.

Applications:

  • Therapeutic for multiple myeloma
  • Therapeutic for any cancer for which MAPK signaling pathways plays a role in genesis
  • Diagnostic assays for hematological cancers.
  • Drug screening for synergistic candidates
  • Researching mechanisms of selective inhibition of MAP4K2
  • Research tool for modulating B cell behavior and differentiation

Advantages:

  • Treatment of cancers resistant to antibody immunotherapies
  • Ease of administration
  • Readily translatable to other cancers affected by MAPK core signaling pathway

Lead Inventor:

Suzanne Lentzsch, M.D., Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (US 20230092728)

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

  • IR CU20017, CU20016, CU20015, CU20014, CU17162

  • Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka