Researchers from the University of Alberta have uncovered significant findings about zelenirstat, a novel drug developed by Pacylex Pharmaceuticals, that could potentially transform approaches to treating aggressive breast cancer. The study, set to be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, reveals how the drug disrupts mitochondrial complex I formation and oxidative phosphorylation in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells.
The research highlights zelenirstat's ability to reduce growth in TNBC stem cells, a critical breakthrough with potential implications for preventing cancer metastasis. Dr. Luc Berthiaume, Chief Scientific Officer at Pacylex, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation plays a crucial role in cancer stem cell survival and metastasis.
This latest research builds upon previous studies demonstrating zelenirstat's effectiveness in disrupting growth signaling and energy production in acute myeloid leukemia cells. The drug's mechanism of targeting N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) represents a potentially innovative approach to cancer treatment across different cancer types.
Pacylex has already completed a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose study on zelenirstat, which showed promising safety, tolerability, and early signs of efficacy. The company currently has an ongoing clinical study in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia patients and continues to develop its portfolio of NMT inhibitors.
The research presented at AACR could represent a significant step forward in understanding and potentially treating triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer with limited treatment options. By targeting mitochondrial function, zelenirstat offers a novel approach that could complement existing cancer therapies.
