Astellas Pharma to Acquire Propella Therapeutics for $175 Million to Advance Next-Gen Prostate Cancer Therapy PRL-02

Currently,Surgery and ChemistryCastrationYesTreatmentTransferProstateAdenocarcinoma (PC)Standard Method,But androgens produced by the adrenal glands, prostate, and the tumor itself will continue to drive tumor growth.。Due to the efficacy,Safety or ComplianceLimited, currently for advancedor high-risk PCTreatmentTherapeutic EffectNotReasonThink. Although there are a fewSeedAR AntagonistAntagonist ApprovedAccurateUsed forTreatment PC, but currentlyOnlyYesZytiga®（Abiraterone Acetate）HasPotentialZhuoMore MOA。HoweverAnd,ZytigaOralThe plan is veryComplex, and there is safetyIssues with safety and efficacy have led to patient complianceSexual aspects have gained attention.

Zytiga®

Compared with Zytiga, after intramuscular injection, PRL-02 reaches the target tissue through the lymphatic system, where it releases the precise level of abiraterone needed to block CYP17 lyase., lasting for 12 weeks, thereby reducing the risk of mid-term tumor breakthrough.PRL-02, like Zytiga®, targets the AR signaling pathway, specifically by blocking the CYP17 enzyme responsible for androgen production, thereby preventing downstream AR activation.Research results to date indicate that PRL-02 can preferentially inhibit CYP17 lyase without significantly affecting CYP17 hydroxylase, while minimizing increases in mineralocorticoids or reductions in glucocorticoids.

New clinical data show that, compared with the standard therapy Zytiga®, PRL-02 is more effective, much safer, and more convenient for patients.PRL-02 Currently ongoingPhase 1 Clinical Trial, PreliminaryPlanIn 2024AdvanceEntered Phase 2a Clinical TrialsTest.

PropElla has mainly developed a platform that combines medicinal chemistry with lymphatic targeting. In addition to PRL-02, a new drug candidate has also been developed.Drug CGS-200-5 for controlling moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain.