Potential Breakthrough Therapy for Cancer based on Pepscan’s CLIPS Technology
Pepscan, a company specializing in CLIPS technology, recently announced a significant breakthrough in their drug development program. The UK-based Bicycle Therapeutics team utilized Pepscan's CLIPS technology to identify a bicyclic CLIPS peptide capable of selectively binding to a protein called MT1-MMP found on tumor cells.
To enhance the peptide's effectiveness, a toxin payload was attached, resulting in the creation of a 'Bicycle Drug Conjugate (BDC)' known as BT1718. Remarkably, BT1718 has demonstrated rapid tumor penetration. Additionally, due to its peptidic nature, BT1718 can be efficiently eliminated through the kidneys, reducing potential toxicity associated with payload-mediated gastrointestinal and liver effects.
Preclinical studies utilizing various patient and cell-derived mouse xenograft models have shown superior efficacy of BT1718 compared to standard of care controls. As a result, BT1718 is now set to enter the first stage of clinical testing in human patients. The upcoming Phase 1 study will be sponsored and funded by Cancer Research UK, the largest cancer charitable organization in the UK.
This exciting development in the CLIPS-based lead program represents a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. It underscores the potential of bicyclic '2-CLIPS' peptides as a new generation of biotherapeutics, providing antibody-like affinity and selectivity within a compact, fully synthetic molecule.
Pepscan's CLIPS technology continues to be instrumental in discovering innovative bicyclic 2-CLIPS peptides for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
