UK-based biotech PhoreMost has announced its lead programme, PMC-001, a next-generation small molecule microtubule targeting agent (MTA) for primary and secondary brain cancers.
The company will now progress the molecule towards first-in-human clinical trials, positioning it to treat primary brain cancers, including glioblastoma and secondary brain cancers frequently metastasising from advanced lung, breast and other tumour types.
PhoreMost added that the molecule shows strong potential for further indication expansion.
PMC-001 is a small molecule with favourable drug-like properties, including oral activity, CNS penetration and ease of scaling.
PhoreMost stated that preclinical data has demonstrated strong anti-tumour efficacy, excellent tolerability across diverse oncology-focused models and an attractive dosing regimen.
Existing MTAs, such as taxanes, are broadly effective against multiple cancer types, but lack oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier penetration.
Primary and secondary brain cancers represent a significant unmet clinical need and high prevalence, which PhoreMost says creates a multibillion-dollar market opportunity.
CMC has now been completed and PhoreMost said that it is preparing imminent regulatory filings for trial initiation.
The programme originates from the company's longstanding collaboration with Sentinel Oncology, with PhoreMost now advancing the candidate.
The company also announced the addition of Dr Gabriel Fox, MB BChir, as Consulting Chief Medical Officer to lead the clinical development of PMC-001.
He trained at the University of Cambridge and has 30 years of experience in drug development at companies such as Roche and Gilead Sciences.
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.
Speaking exclusively to Manufacturing Chemist, Dr Torbett added that the molecule had been under the radar for "quite some time."
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