Pfizer Partners with Ranok Therapeutics to Advance Tumor-Selective Protein Degradation Therapy Using CHAMP Platform

On November 29, 2021, Ranok Therapeutics announced an agreement with Pfizer to utilize its proprietary CHAMP (Chaperone-Mediated Targeted Protein Degradation) technology platform for the development of innovative therapies targeting an undisclosed cancer target.

In recent years, targeted protein degradation has become a new direction for small molecule drug development. Chaperone proteins in cells bind to substrate proteins, mediating their proper folding and maintaining their stability and activity. Importantly, many mutated proteins associated with cancer progression often bind to chaperone proteins. Moreover, in tumors, the complexes formed by chaperones are in a highly activated state compared to healthy tissues. This results in small molecules that bind to chaperones having unique tumor-selective pharmacokinetic characteristics.

In some cases, molecular chaperones can bind to E3 ubiquitin ligases, mediating the degradation of substrates by the proteasome. The CHAMP technology platform developed by Yanuo Biopharmaceutical Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. utilizes a bifunctional molecule that brings the molecular chaperone protein/E3 ligase complex close to the target protein, promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of the target protein. Compared with other targeted protein degradation therapies, it can selectively accumulate in tumors, potentially enhancing the safety of the drug.

▲Principle of CHAMP Technology Platform (Image Source: Yanuo Biopharmaceutical Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. Official Website)

Yanuo Biopharmaceutical Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. is developing innovative drugs for cancer and other major diseases through this platform to improve patients' long-term quality of life and meet unmet clinical needs. Currently, several small-molecule anti-tumor compounds are about to enter clinical trials or are in the preclinical development stage.

References:

[1] Ranok Therapeutics Announces Agreement with Pfizer on Targeted Protein Degradation. Retrieved November 29, 2021, from https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211129005350/en

(Original text has been abridged)

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