C4X Discovery Holdings PLC (AIM:C4XD) has announced positive results from a preclinical evaluation of its MALT-1 inhibitor programme.
Xenograft study found that following oral dosing at 30 milligrams per kilogram, significant tumour growth inhibition was observed. This is comparable to data obtained from Johnson & Johnson's (NYSE:JNJ) clinical compound JNJ-67856633, which is currently in a phase I clinical trial.
MALT-1 is a key regulator of B-cell receptor (BCR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) signalling.
Its over-expression or over-activation has been observed in a range of lymphomas and leukaemias such as MALT lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Inhibition of MALT-1 has the potential to be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating haematological cancers, the drug discovery group said.
The C4X MALT-1 inhibitor program has now advanced into the preclinical candidate selection phase.
In a statement, Dr Nick Ray, the company’s chief scientific officer, said: "Showing activity comparable to the industry's lead clinical compound with our first compound in this key xenograft model, coupled with the range of improved compounds following behind, gives us confidence in nominating candidate-quality molecules within the next six months."
He added that the results of the study were a key trigger to initiate early-stage conversations with potential partners in the pharmaceutical industry in order to maximize the value of this programme.
C4X has a reputation for producing high-quality small molecule candidates, as seen in its recent out-licensing agreement with AstraZeneca worth up to US$401mln.