Targeting Drug-resistant Prostate Cancer with IL-23 Inhibitors
An opportunity to partner with a world-leading academic drug development group in the development of IL23 inhibitors for prostate cancer
Background
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has played an instrumental role in establishing targeted androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as a mainstay of prostate cancer treatment. ICR researchers have illuminated the biology of castration resistant prostate cancer, discovered the CYP17-targetingprostate cancer drug abiraterone, and led major trials of this and other ADT methods. ICR scientists have continued to generate new understandings of prostate cancer and pioneer new treatments, for example proving the potential of treatments targeting the DNA Damage Response such as PARP inhibitors.
A surprising recent finding from their prostate cancer programme, in collaboration with the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland and others, shows that the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-23 (IL23) – secreted by tumour associated myeloid-derived suppressor cells –drives castration resistance through activating the androgen receptor.
Technology Overview
Studies in mice have confirmed the effectiveness of IL23-targeting agents in reversing resistance to ADT (). The ICR, having filed a patent covering the use of IL23 inhibitors in castrate-resistant prostate cancer, is now seeking a commercial partner to further develop a drug.
Stage of Development:
Patent has been filed covering the use of IL-23 inhibitors for prostate cancer, following surprising discovery that IL-23 secreted by myeloid suppressor cells confers resistance to androgen deprivation therapy.
Publication:
Calcinotto A et al. IL-23 secreted by myeloid cells drives castration-resistant prostate cancer. Nature 559, 363–369 (2018)
Applications
Inhibitors of interleukin-23 (IL-23) could show benefit in a significant proportion of patients with advanced, castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Opportunity
The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is seeking a partner to continue the development ofIL-23 inhibitors in advanced, castration resistant prostate cancer.
Development team is part of world’s largest academi early‑phase clinical trial unit in oncology, with successes including the development of abiraterone and leading trials demonstrating the benefit of PARP inhibitors in prostate cancer.