Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (RXRX) recently shared results from its Phase 1/2 study of REC-617, a selective CDK7 inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors. The data, presented at an AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research, highlight the drug's potential in addressing aggressive cancers driven by cell cycle dysregulation and transcriptional addiction.
REC-617 demonstrated dose-linear pharmacokinetics, indicating predictable drug behavior within the body. The drug also exhibited rapid absorption and robust pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker modulation, suggesting effective target engagement. Notably, a patient with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer achieved a partial response during monotherapy dose-escalation. Additionally, four patients showed stable disease for up to six months of treatment.
CDK7 Inhibition: A Novel Approach
"Cell cycle dysregulation and transcriptional 'addiction' are both hallmarks of many aggressive cancers," stated David Hallett, chief scientific officer of Recursion Pharmaceuticals. CDK7 inhibition offers a dual-pronged approach, targeting both mechanisms while aiming for a favorable therapeutic index. Recursion's precision design platform facilitated the creation of REC-617, characterized by rapid oral absorption to minimize gastrointestinal tissue exposure, a suitable half-life for managing side effects, and target engagement at the IC80 level.
Future Development Plans
Recursion intends to proceed with monotherapy dose escalation and initiate combination studies in the first half of 2025. The company anticipates presenting further REC-617 data at upcoming medical conferences.
REC-1245: Targeting DNA Damage Response
In related news, Recursion announced the dosing of the first patient in its Phase 1/2 clinical trial of REC-1245, a new chemical entity designed to treat biomarker-enriched solid tumors and lymphoma. REC-1245 represents an alternative strategy for modulating DNA damage response pathways and was developed using Recursion’s AI-enabled drug discovery platform.
Nvidia's Investment
It is noteworthy that Nvidia has invested in Recursion, as revealed in a 13-F filing with the SEC earlier this year. According to the most recent filing on Nov. 14, Recursion is Nvidia's third-largest investment, following Arm Holdings and Applied Digital.
