Advantages
- Proven Target Validity in Small Molecules & Nucleic Acids: Highly selective and potent anti-tumor activity validated by Cligosiban and acyclic nucleic acids (SNA or L-aTNA).
- High Expandability to Diverse Modalities: Limited expression in normal tissues makes the target ideal for antibodies, ADCs, and nucleic acids.
- Clear Mechanism & Established Safety Profile: Induces G1 arrest and inhibits invasion while averting toxicity in normal cells.
- High Potential in Orphan Drug Markets: Direct intervention in intractable cancers presents strong potential for orphan drug designation.
Current Stage and Key Data
Demonstrated in vivo anti-tumor efficacy (pleural dissemination model) & exploring applications to diverse modalities.
‐Completed Proof-of-Concept: Confirmed efficacy with a small molecule agent (Cligosiban) and significantly improved IC50 values via acyclic nucleic acid (SNA or L-aTNA) oligonucleotide.
‐Sustained Efficacy & Safety: SNA demonstrated nuclease resistance and no toxicity toward normal bronchial epithelial cells.
‐In Vivo Tumor Growth Suppression: Confirmed significant tumor growth inhibition by SNA in nude mouse xenograft models.
Partnaring Model
Joint R&D, patent licensing, and packaging partnerships utilizing various modalities or DDS technologies.
- Potential partners: Companies possessing drug discovery platforms (antibodies, ADCs, nucleic acids) and pharmaceutical companies strong in orphan oncology fields.
Background and Technology
Intractable tumors such as malignant mesothelioma show limited efficacy with existing drugs, creating an urgent need for innovative therapies. Comprehensive genomic analysis revealed that OXTR is prominently overexpressed in mesothelioma and serves as an independent factor for poor prognosis. The research group has already demonstrated proof-of-concept and superior anti-tumor efficacy using both a small-molecule inhibitor (Cligosiban) and acyclic nucleic acid (SNA or L-aTNA) therapeutics. Based on these findings, we aim to collaborate on novel drug discovery across broad modalities, including antibodies and ADCs.
Principal Investigator
Ichidai Tanaka (Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, THERS)
Patents and Publications
- Patent pending