MAIA Biotechnology Reveals Higher Anticancer Potency of Telomere-Targeting Compounds Derived from THIO
30 Outubro 2023 - 9:41AM
Business Wire
Study results warrant further in vivo in-depth investigation
of THIO conjugates as second generation cancer therapies
MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE American: MAIA), a clinical stage
company developing telomere-targeting immunotherapies for cancer,
today announced positive results from an investigational new
drug-enabling study of the Company’s second-generation
telomere-targeting agents derived from lipid-modified THIO
molecules. MAIA’s second-generation telomere-targeting molecule
program seeks to discover new compounds with improved specificity
towards cancer cells relative to normal cells, potentially
increased anticancer activity, and stronger chemistry manufacturing
control characteristics.
“In this study we demonstrated broad-spectrum
therapeutically-attractive opportunities for specific telomeric
stress-inducing treatments. The results demonstrate an increase in
innate sensing and adaptive antitumor immunity via the
self-produced chemical modification of cancer cell telomeres by
THIO,” said MAIA’s Chief Scientific Officer Sergei Gryaznov,
Ph.D.
The new THIO prodrugs are lipid conjugated compounds derived
from THIO. The prodrugs are pharmacologically inactive compounds
that, after intake, are metabolized into a pharmacologically active
drug. In vitro, these compounds were able to induce telomeric DNA
damage responses that were similar or more profound than those for
THIO, as assessed by quantitative Telomere Damage Induced Foci
assays (TIF formation). Efficient formation of micronuclei
structures was also observed. Initial in vivo evaluation of the
anticancer activity, conducted in human xenografts and murine
syngeneic models of colorectal cancer, demonstrated potent
anticancer activity at relatively low dose levels for one of the
lead lipid conjugates.
“Our findings from this study demonstrate the significance of
telomeric DNA structural and functional integrity for cancer cell
survival. The high potency of these THIO-like agents warrants
further in vivo in-depth investigation as a potential next
generation of telomerase-mediated telomere-targeting compounds,”
said Vlad Vitoc, M.D., MAIA’s Chief Executive Officer.
The findings were presented by Dr. Gryaznov at the International
Biochemistry Congress 2023, organized by the Turkish Biochemical
Society and held in Turkey. The findings are detailed in the
abstract available in the event website under Speakers, Sergei M.
Gryaznov and Lecture Abstract sections.
The telomere-centric action of MAIA’s lead candidate THIO is
being evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials (THIO-101) in
non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients.
About THIO
THIO (6-thio-dG or 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine) is a first-in-class
investigational telomere-targeting agent currently in clinical
development to evaluate its activity in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
(NSCLC). Telomeres, along with the enzyme telomerase, play a
fundamental role in the survival of cancer cells and their
resistance to current therapies. The modified nucleotide
6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine (THIO) induces telomerase-dependent
telomeric DNA modification, DNA damage responses, and selective
cancer cell death. THIO-damaged telomeric fragments accumulate in
cytosolic micronuclei and activates both innate (cGAS/STING) and
adaptive (T-cell) immune responses. The sequential treatment with
THIO followed by PD-(L)1 inhibitors resulted in profound and
persistent tumor regression in advanced, in vivo cancer models by
induction of cancer type–specific immune memory. THIO is presently
developed as a second or later line of treatment for NSCLC for
patients that have progressed beyond the standard-of-care regimen
of existing checkpoint inhibitors.
About MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.
MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on
the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class
drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to
meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer.
Our lead program is THIO, a potential first-in-class cancer
telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment
of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more
information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.
Forward Looking Statements
MAIA cautions that all statements, other than statements of
historical facts contained in this press release, are
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject
to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that
may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels or activity,
performance or achievements to be materially different from those
anticipated by such statements. The use of words such as “may,”
“might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,”
“believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “future,” “potential,”
or “continue,” and other similar expressions are intended to
identify forward looking statements. However, the absence of these
words does not mean that statements are not forward-looking. For
example, all statements we make regarding (i) the initiation,
timing, cost, progress and results of our preclinical and clinical
studies and our research and development programs, (ii) our ability
to advance product candidates into, and successfully complete,
clinical studies, (iii) the timing or likelihood of regulatory
filings and approvals, (iv) our ability to develop, manufacture and
commercialize our product candidates and to improve the
manufacturing process, (v) the rate and degree of market acceptance
of our product candidates, (vi) the size and growth potential of
the markets for our product candidates and our ability to serve
those markets, and (vii) our expectations regarding our ability to
obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our
product candidates, are forward looking. All forward-looking
statements are based on current estimates, assumptions and
expectations by our management that, although we believe to be
reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Any forward-looking statement
expressing an expectation or belief as to future events is
expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time
such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements
are not guarantees of future events and are subject to risks and
uncertainties and other factors beyond our control that may cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any
forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks
only as of the date on which it was made. We undertake no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise, except as required by law. In this release, unless the
context requires otherwise, “MAIA,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” and
“us” refers to MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
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Investor Inquiries MAIA Biotechnology Joseph McGuire
Chief Financial Officer jmcguire@maiabiotech.com 904-228-2603
Investor Relations ir@maiabiotech.com
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