Rakovina Therapeutics Inc (TSX-V:RKV) revealed new insights into its innovative kt-3000 series at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting held at the San Diego Convention Center.
During a session on Late Breaking Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics Research, Rakovina's scientific team delivered a presentation titled "Pharmacological Synthetic Lethality by Co-Inhibition of PARP and HDAC Enzymes," shedding light on how the combined inhibition of these enzymes can effectively eradicate cancer cells equipped with intact DNA repair mechanisms.
“We are very proud of our continued progress in our quest to find new treatments for cancer,” Rakovina executive chair Jeffrey Bacha said in a statement.
Bacha told investors that the firm continues to be “highly encouraged” about the direction of its pre-clinical research.
Daugaard highlighted the promising results.
“The combination of PARP and HDAC inhibition activity in one single drug candidate showed strong anti-tumor cell activity in DNA repair-proficient cells where single agent PARP inhibitors have limited effects,” Daugaard said.
“Our research continues to support the idea that the development of bifunctional PARP-HDAC inhibitors may provide a novel therapeutic opportunity for tumors with resistance to first-generation PARP inhibitors.”
Daugaard stated that the lead candidates from Rakovina Therapeutics' kt-3000 series, featuring dual-function PARP-HDAC inhibitors, show promise in overcoming treatment resistance and targeting cancers that typically respond poorly to first-generation PARP inhibitors like Ewing Sarcoma. This innovative approach not only addresses existing gaps in treatment but also holds potential for treating a broader spectrum of cancers beyond those covered by first-generation PARP inhibitors.
The development of Rakovina Therapeutics' kt-3000 series is partially supported by the St. Baldrick's Foundation Martha's BEST Grant for All, focusing on developing new therapies for Ewing sarcoma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer affecting children and young adults.
Rakovina recently announced a strategic shift in its business model, positioning itself as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence-driven precision research for cancer drug development.