Columbia Technology Ventures

Therapeutic method to overcome basal cell carcinoma resistance

This technology is a therapeutic method utilizing bromodomain-containing proteins to treat drug-resistant basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).

Unmet Need: Limited treatment options for basal cell carcinomas due to drug resistance

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are a prevalent form of malignant skin cancer; genetic conditions such as basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) and Gorlin-Goltz syndrome promote the uncontrolled growth of BCCs. BCCs are commonly treated with FDA-approved Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, including vismodegib or sonidegib. However, drug resistance is extremely common, limiting the effectiveness of treatment options for patients.

The Technology: Therapeutic strategy for restoring Smoothened (SMO) inhibitor effectiveness

This technology is a therapeutic that combines the use of BRD7 and BRD9 inhibitors to treat basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) that were previously resistant to FDA-approved Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors. Bromodomain-containing proteins are identified as dysregulated in drug-resistant BCCs. By modulating protein levels, the potency of BCC to SMO inhibitors is restored, significantly increasing efficiency in BCC treatment options and combination therapies.

Applications:

  • Restoration of SMO inhibitor sensitivity
  • Targets for drug discovery
  • Research and design method for other basal cell carcinoma (BCC) biomarkers
  • Research and design method for Hedgehog (Hh) signaling-related cancers

Advantages:

  • Improved effectiveness in BCC treatment
  • Various administration methods
  • Combination drug therapy options
  • Localized site-specific delivery

Lead Inventor:

David Rinsey Bickers, M.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Tech Ventures Reference: