Samuraciclib (CT7001): A Comprehensive Profile of a Novel CDK7 Inhibitor in Oncology

II. Introduction to Samuraciclib (CT7001)

Overview and Identification

Samuraciclib, also designated CT7001 and ICEC0942, is an investigational small molecule drug candidate currently undergoing clinical evaluation.1 It possesses the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number 1805833-75-3 and the DrugBank identifier DB16061.5 Originally discovered at Imperial College UK, Samuraciclib is being developed by Carrick Therapeutics, an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing highly differentiated therapies.2

Drug Class and Rationale for Targeting CDK7

Samuraciclib functions as a selective, orally available inhibitor of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 7 (CDK7).1 CDK7 represents a compelling target in oncology due to its multifaceted roles in fundamental cellular processes frequently dysregulated in cancer.1 Firstly, CDK7 is a critical regulator of transcription, particularly for genes involved in oncogenesis and cell survival.1 Secondly, it plays a pivotal role in controlling cell cycle progression.1 Thirdly, CDK7 activity has been implicated in the development of resistance to established cancer therapies, notably anti-hormone treatments in breast and prostate cancers.1 Furthermore, elevated levels of CDK7 have been observed in various cancer types and often correlate with clinical outcomes, suggesting a heightened dependency of tumor cells on CDK7 activity compared to normal tissues.31 Therefore, inhibiting CDK7 offers a promising therapeutic strategy to simultaneously disrupt these key cancer-driving pathways.