ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORIC) has announced new preclinical data for its oncology drug candidates, ORIC-944 and ORIC-613, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting. These findings highlight the potential of these drugs to address therapeutic resistance in cancer.
ORIC-944: A Potential Best-in-Class PRC2 Inhibitor
ORIC-944, a PRC2 inhibitor, is being developed for the treatment of prostate cancer. Preclinical data suggest that ORIC-944, when combined with androgen receptor (AR) inhibitors, demonstrates significant efficacy. The drug's properties indicate it may surpass existing PRC2 inhibitors such as PF-06821497, tazemetostat, and CPI-0209 in terms of effectiveness.
Data presented at the AACR meeting showcased ORIC-944's strong potency and a favorable clinical half-life of approximately 20 hours. This pharmacokinetic profile could establish ORIC-944 as a best-in-class treatment option for prostate cancer, particularly when used in conjunction with AR inhibitors. The combination therapy aims to overcome resistance mechanisms that often limit the effectiveness of AR inhibitors alone.
ORIC-613: Targeting TRIM37-High Tumors
In addition to ORIC-944, ORIC Pharmaceuticals also presented preclinical data for ORIC-613, a selective inhibitor of PLK4 (Polo-like kinase 4). PLK4 is a protein kinase involved in cancer cell proliferation, making it a potential therapeutic target. ORIC-613 has demonstrated synthetic lethality in TRIM37-high tumor models. TRIM37 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is overexpressed in several cancer types.
The data suggest that ORIC-613 could be a first- and best-in-class treatment option for patients with tumors characterized by high TRIM37 expression. The compound has shown potent and selective inhibition of PLK4, resulting in tumor regressions in preclinical studies. This targeted approach aims to selectively eliminate cancer cells with high TRIM37 expression, potentially minimizing off-target effects and improving treatment outcomes.
Broader Oncology Pipeline
ORIC-944 and ORIC-613 are part of ORIC Pharmaceuticals' broader strategy to develop precision medicines that overcome cancer resistance mechanisms. The company's pipeline also includes ORIC-114, which targets EGFR and HER2 mutations, and ORIC-533, an inhibitor of CD73 being developed for multiple myeloma. These programs reflect ORIC's commitment to addressing unmet needs in oncology through innovative drug development.
ORIC Pharmaceuticals' next earnings date is set for May 6, 2024, where stakeholders will be looking to see how these developments translate into financial results.
