Incyclix Bio has announced breakthrough findings in Nature Communications revealing new insights into their novel CDK2 inhibitor INX-315, marking a significant advance in targeted cancer therapy. The research identifies specific biomarkers that could predict treatment response and suggests potential strategies for overcoming resistance to existing cancer treatments.
Breakthrough in Understanding CDK2 Inhibition
Scientists have discovered that targeting CDK2 can trigger two distinct cellular responses depending on the tumor type. The research team utilized DEPMAP data analysis with the CHRONOS score to classify cell lines based on their dependencies on cyclins and CDKs that regulate the G1 to S phase transition.
"We found that pharmacologically targeting a single kinase, CDK2, can trigger two distinct cellular responses depending on the tumor type," explained Dr. Vishnu Kumarasamy, Research Assistant Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park's Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology and the study's first author.
Expanding Treatment Possibilities
The analysis revealed promising results across a broader spectrum of cancers than initially anticipated. Both breast and pancreatic cancer models showed significant responses to CDK2 inhibitors, particularly in cases where resistance to current treatments has developed.
Dr. Agnieszka Witkiewicz, Director of the Advanced Tissue Imaging Shared Resource at Roswell Park and co-corresponding author, emphasized the clinical potential: "We hope these findings with CDK2 inhibitors in preclinical models will be translated into new clinical trials to help breast cancer patients whose disease has progressed on CDK4/6 inhibitors - and provide new opportunities in multiple additional cancers."
Combination Therapy Strategy
The research suggests that combining INX-315 with CDK4/6 inhibitors could significantly expand its therapeutic applications. This approach shows particular promise in treating patients beyond those with CDK2-addicted cancers.
"By leveraging cell cycle biomarkers, we hope to be able to identify patients that will benefit most from combination treatments," stated Patrick Roberts, PharmD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Incyclix Bio. "These striking new findings validate the combination of INX-315 with CDK4/6 inhibitors as a promising therapeutic strategy."
Ongoing Clinical Development
INX-315 is currently undergoing clinical trials, with both monotherapy and combination dose-expansion studies in progress. The drug's high selectivity and potency for CDK2 position it as a potentially significant advancement in treating various cancer types, including ovarian, breast, and lung cancers.
