PhoreMost Unveils Lead Oncology Candidate PMC-001, a Next-Generation Oral Microtubule Targeting Agent for Brain Cancers, and Appoints Chief Medical Officer
Key Insights
PhoreMost announced PMC-001, a next-generation, orally bioavailable small molecule microtubule targeting agent for primary and secondary brain cancers, as its lead oncology programme.
PMC-001 differentiates from existing MTAs like taxanes through oral bioavailability and CNS penetration, addressing glioblastoma (search) and brain metastases from lung, breast, and other tumours.
Preclinical studies demonstrated strong anti-tumour efficacy with excellent tolerability; CMC is complete and regulatory filings for first-in-human Phase 1 trials are imminent.
PhoreMost Limited (search), a biotech company focused on turning scientific breakthroughs into life-changing cancer drugs, today announced its lead oncology programme, PMC-001, a next-generation small molecule microtubule targeting agent (MTA) for primary and secondary brain cancers. The milestone marks the Company's progress towards first-in-human clinical trials, with a pipeline of differentiated and first-in-class assets in oncology.
PMC-001 is a highly differentiated, orally bioavailable MTA, positioned to treat primary brain cancers, including glioblastoma (search), and secondary brain cancers frequently metastasising from advanced lung, breast and other tumour types, with strong potential for further indication expansion. While existing MTAs, such as taxanes, are broadly effective against multiple cancer types, they exhibit a lack of oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier penetration. Primary and secondary brain cancers represent areas of significant unmet clinical need and high prevalence, creating a multibillion-dollar market opportunity.
Differentiated Preclinical Profile and Mechanism
PMC-001 is a small molecule with favourable drug-like properties possessing oral activity, CNS penetration and ease of scaling. Preclinical safety and toxicology studies have demonstrated strong anti-tumour efficacy with excellent tolerability across diverse oncology-focused models with an attractive dosing regimen. Chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) has now been completed, and PhoreMost is preparing imminent regulatory filings for trial initiation. The programme originates from the Company's longstanding collaboration with Sentinel Oncology (search), with PhoreMost now taking the candidate forward.
Leadership to Drive Clinical Entry
Gabriel Fox, MB BChir, joins PhoreMost as Consulting Chief Medical Officer to lead the clinical development of PMC-001. Dr Fox completed his medical training at the University of Cambridge and brings 30 years of industry experience from global pharmaceutical companies such as Roche and Gilead Sciences, spanning the entire drug development process.
Dr Neil Torbett, CEO of PhoreMost, said: "PMC-001 shows striking tumour growth inhibition and holds great promise in delivering clinical benefit to patient groups that represent the highest areas of unmet need – announcing the programme is a fantastic milestone. With Gabriel's extensive experience, we are excited to build on the impressive preclinical proof points and progress towards first-in-human trials, to deliver on our promise of unlocking the next generation of medicines."
Dr Gabriel Fox, Consulting CMO of PhoreMost, added: "I am thrilled to be joining PhoreMost as it reaches this significant milestone and approaches clinical stage. PMC-001 has performed exceptionally well in preclinical studies, the nature of the asset and mechanism of action is particularly impressive and will deliver clinical efficacy inflections rapidly. PMC-001 is well positioned to make a real difference. Having seen first-hand the patient need for new treatment options for both primary brain cancers and cancers with brain metastases, I am excited to be a part of the team moving it into the clinic."