Novel TGFβ-directed therapy approach that exclusively targets tumour cells

Purpose and goal:

MetaCurUm Biotech AB (MCU) is a biotechnology company with documented experience in developing new cancer therapies. MCU is developing the drug candidate Meta-CD - an innovative cancer-specific therapy that prevents metastasis and tumor growth of prostate cancer. We are also developing a method to stratify patients using a companion diagnostics (CDX).

Meta-CD, is directed against an oncogenic TGFβ Type I receptor, without affecting healthy cells and normal physiological TGFβ function. Expected results and effects:

We aim to validate our drug target in clinical materials mainly in prostate cancer and to develop Meta-CD towards clinical trials. It involves extensive studies including bioinformatic analyses, in vitro studies with prostate cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models (PDX) as well as development of a monoclonal antibody that is crucial for patient stratification (CDX). Finally, we will test the effect of Meta-CD in upcoming in vivo studies in the most suitable PDX models.

Approach and implementation:

Over the next 24 months, we will further characterize and validate Meta-CD to increase a successful in vivo study in clinically relevant patient-derived xenograft mCRPC models. Validation of Meta-CD to be used for efficacy studies will be done to ensure the quality of Meta-CD, before entering crucial experiments in mCRPC patient-derived organoid model systems. Develop a monoclonal antibody against our drug target (CDx). An efficacy study of Meta-CD in an orthotopic mCRPC model will be finalized