Unlimited potential in various medical sectors23 Apr 2024 11:18
The Checkpoint Kinase 1 (Chk1) programme was initiated and advanced into first clinical trials in collaboration with the Institute of Cancer Research and the CRT Pioneer Fund. The clinical candidate drug, SRA737 (formerly CCT245737), is one of the most advanced Chk1 inhibitors in the clinic, is highly selective for Chk1 and is administered orally. Two Phase 1/2 clinical trials for the candidate drug have been completed in genetically selected patients with advanced cancers, conducted by former licence partner, Sierra Oncology:
a monotherapy study evaluating SRA737 in patients with tumours identified to have genetic aberrations hypothesised to confer sensitivity to Chk1 inhibition, including ovarian, prostate, non-small cell lung, head & neck, anus, and colorectal cancers. For more information click here
a drug combination study evaluating SRA737 potentiated by low-dose gemcitabine (LDG) in four cancer indications, including ovarian, small cell lung, sarcoma, and cervical/anogenital. For more information on the trial click here
Preliminary safety & efficacy data support further development of SRA737+LDG for the treatment of anogenital cancer. Additionally, preclinical data demonstrates synergy of SRA737 and SRA737+LDG in combinations with immune checkpoint, Poly ADP Ribose Polymerase (PARP) and DNA polymerase inhibitors.
Sierra Oncology was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in July 2022. In October 2022, GSK communicated its intention to return the rights to SRA737 to the CRT Pioneer Fund. SRA737 was subsequently licensed to a private US-based biopharma company in January 2024.