Pacylex Pharmaceuticals is advancing a novel approach to cancer treatment by developing N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors (NMTis) as potential payloads for antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). The company's CEO, Michael Weickert, will present groundbreaking research at the 2nd Annual ADC Payload Summit in Boston, highlighting the potential of these innovative compounds.
The company's lead drug, zelenirstat, has shown significant promise in early clinical trials. In a Phase 1 study involving 24 patients with heavily pretreated lymphoma and solid tumors, the drug demonstrated remarkable potential. Patients receiving the recommended Phase 2 dose experienced notably better progression-free and overall survival rates, with 57% showing stable disease or improvement over 6-16 months.
Zelenirstat works by targeting multiple critical processes in cancer cell growth and survival. It inhibits myristoylation—a key protein modification process—and disrupts cellular mechanisms essential for cancer progression. The drug has been particularly effective in blocking respiratory Complex I formation in new mitochondria, thereby potentially interrupting cancer cell metabolism and metastasis.
Pacylex's approach is unique in its comprehensive strategy. The company holds an exclusive license for 503 NMTis, with 28 compounds showing potent activity against human NMT1. This extensive library provides a robust platform for developing targeted cancer therapies across various cancer types.
The research suggests NMTis could represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering a mechanism that simultaneously affects multiple cancer cell processes. By targeting critical cellular functions, these inhibitors show potential for more comprehensive and potentially more effective cancer interventions.
