Insilico Medicine has announced that its AI-designed drug, ISM5939, has received FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance for the treatment of solid tumors. This marks a significant advancement in the application of artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical research and development, potentially offering a new therapeutic avenue for patients with advanced cancers. The drug, an innovative oral small molecule, targets the enzyme ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1).
Targeting ENPP1 for Enhanced Anti-Tumor Immunity
ENPP1 plays a crucial role in nucleotide metabolism and purinergic signaling pathways, influencing immune responses and cancer progression. Overexpression of ENPP1 is associated with metastasis and poor outcomes in various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and lung cancer. ISM5939 inhibits ENPP1, which preserves extracellular cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) levels, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immunity by promoting immune cell infiltration and activity within the tumor microenvironment.
AI-Driven Drug Discovery and Preclinical Efficacy
ISM5939 was developed using Insilico Medicine’s Chemistry42 platform, completing the lead identification process in just three months. Preclinical trials demonstrated the drug's potency and selectivity in inhibiting ENPP1. In vivo studies using the MC38 tumor model showed significant efficacy, with a 67% tumor growth inhibition at a 30 mg/kg oral dose administered twice daily. Furthermore, ISM5939 amplified the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-L1 and anti-PD-1 therapies, indicating a synergistic potential.
Phase I Clinical Trials on the Horizon
With IND clearance secured, Insilico Medicine is preparing to initiate Phase I trials to assess ISM5939’s safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and early efficacy in patients with advanced solid tumors. These trials will also explore optimal dosing strategies and the drug's potential to enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies. Sujata Rao, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Insilico Medicine, expressed enthusiasm for the forthcoming clinical signal of ISM5939, highlighting its favorable safety window and high potential for combination therapy.
The Broader Impact of AI in Drug Development
Feng Ren, Ph.D., Co-CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Insilico Medicine, emphasized the importance of real-world proof-of-concept cases in the AI-driven drug discovery industry. He noted that ISM5939 is the 10th AI-enabled drug candidate from Insilico to receive IND approval, underscoring the potential of their proprietary AI platform. Insilico has nominated 20 preclinical candidates and received IND clearance for 10 molecules since 2021. This FDA approval not only validates Insilico Medicine’s AI-driven approach but also signals a breakthrough in addressing unmet medical needs in oncology with innovative technologies.
