Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is set to present new data on its neuroendocrine tumor (NET) pipeline at the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) Annual Meeting in Chicago, November 21-23, 2024. The company will showcase its nonpeptide drug conjugate platform, featuring CRN09682, a lead candidate targeting somatostatin receptor 2 (SST2)-expressing tumors, and present Phase 2 trial results for paltusotine, an oral SST2 agonist for carcinoid syndrome.
Novel Nonpeptide Drug Conjugate Platform
CRN09682 represents a novel approach, utilizing a small molecule GPCR ligand to deliver a potent anti-cancer agent to tumor cells with high selectivity. Preclinical data demonstrates the drug's potent and selective anti-tumor activity. The company plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for CRN09682 in early 2025. This innovative platform aims to enhance tumor penetration, selectively bind to SST2 expressing tumor cells, induce internalization, and intracellularly release a potent anti-tumor agent, while minimizing systemic exposure and associated toxicities.
Paltusotine Phase 2 Trial Results in Carcinoid Syndrome
Data from a Phase 2 trial of paltusotine in carcinoid syndrome will also be presented. The trial, which included 36 participants, demonstrated that paltusotine reduced the frequency and severity of carcinoid syndrome symptoms and was well-tolerated. Paltusotine is a once-daily, oral, nonpeptide, selective SST2 agonist being developed for the treatment of acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome. These findings support further clinical development of paltusotine for this indication.
Crinetics' Commitment to Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment
"We are eager to share our latest pipeline progress at NANETS 2024. Crinetics is committed to the neuroendocrine tumor community, and we are now utilizing our world class drug discovery and development capabilities to support people living with both functional and non-functional NETs," said Scott Struthers, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crinetics. The company's focus extends to both functional and non-functional NETs, addressing a significant unmet need in this patient population.
About CRN09682
CRN09682 is designed to target SST2, a receptor frequently expressed in neuroendocrine tumors. By linking an SST2 agonist with the cytotoxic drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), CRN09682 aims to selectively kill tumor cells while minimizing systemic toxicity. The drug is manufactured using traditional chemical synthesis methods, offering advantages over antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that require more complex manufacturing processes.
About Paltusotine
Paltusotine is an investigational, once-daily, oral, selective somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) nonpeptide agonist. It has completed Phase 3 clinical development for acromegaly and is in Phase 2 clinical development for carcinoid syndrome associated with neuroendocrine tumors. The goal is to provide a reliable and consistent control of acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome through an oral option.
