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Onconova Therapeutics Presents Preclinical Data Characterizing Rigosertib’s Mechanisms of Action at the AACR Targeting RAS Conference
Data suggest rigosertib stimulates an anti-cancer immune response via NLRP3 activation, providing mechanistic support for clinical trials of
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[{"type":"text","content":"Data suggest rigosertib stimulates an anti-cancer immune response via NLRP3 activation, providing mechanistic support for clinical trials of rigosertib-checkpoint inhibitor combinations Data reveal potential targets engaged by rigosertib to inhibit the RAS-MAPK pathway, the overactivation of which is implicated in a range of cancers NEWTOWN, Pa., March 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ONTX), (“Onconova”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products for patients with cancer, announced new preclinical data characterizing rigosertib’s mechanisms of action in a poster at the American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference on Targeting RAS (AACR Targeting RAS Conference). “The preclinical results presented at the Targeting RAS Conference increase our understanding of rigosertib’s anti-cancer effects and thereby represent a valuable tool to inform its continued clinical development,” said Mark Gelder, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Onconova. “I am particularly encouraged by data showing rigosertib-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These data provide additional support for previously reported clinical results in KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer that suggest rigosertib can synergize with checkpoint inhibition to drive clinical response in patients with various KRAS mutations that failed prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Data identifying potential targets through which rigosertib inhibits RAS-MAPK signaling are also compelling, as this pathway plays a key role in the formation and growth of a variety of cancers. Collectively, these data provide a mechanistic rationale for the differentiated potential of rigosertib when compared to the FDA approved agents that target only the KRAS G12C mutation.” Preclinical studies featured in the poster evaluated mechanisms by which rigosertib may activate an anti-cancer immune response and inhibit the RAS-MAPK pathway. Results indicate that rigosertib stimulates an immune response via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which leads to the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Additional data identified the proteins NQO2, ERO1A, and NEK7 as potential novel targets that may be modulated by rigosertib. Activation of NQO2 and/or ERO1A leads to reactive oxygen specie...