GO-203-2c is a cell-penetrating peptide that binds to MUC1, a protein that causes cancer (oncoprotein). MUC1 is over-expressed in many human cancers, such breast, prostate, lung, colon, pancreas, and ovary cancer, and has been associated with poor prognosis. GO-203-2c blocks homodimerization of the MUC1-C subunit required for nuclear translocation and downstream signaling. This binding eventually leads to cell death (in laboratory setting). Since MUC1 is over-expressed in many cancers, the potential of GO-203-2c in treatment of cancers is being investigated. A phase I clinical trial has been completed in which GO-203-2c was shown to be safe and demonstrating both anti-leukemia and immunomodulatory effects. A phase II study is investigating its potential in the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Lestaurtinib (CEP-701, KT-5555) is an orally bio-available polyaromatic indolocarbazole alkaloid derived from K-252a. Lestaurtinib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor which has been shown to potently inhibit FLT3 at nanomolar concentrations in preclinical studies, leading to its rapid development as a potential targeted agent for treatment of AML. Phase I studies have shown lestaturtinib to be an active agent particularly when used in combination with cytotoxic drugs. Currently, Phase II and Phase III studies are underway aiming to establish the future of this agent as a treatment option for patients with FLT3-ITD AML.

AT-9283 was being developed by Astex Pharmaceuticals as a treatment for cancer and myelofibrosis. AT-9283 is an inhibitor of mitosis (cell division) and is the second most progressed drug candidate in the Astex portfolio of novel molecularly targeted cancer drugs. All of Astex’s current products have been discovered internally using its proprietary drug discovery approach. AT9283 is a potent inhibitor of the Aurora A and B kinases and has been shown to arrest tumour growth in a range of tumour models. Aurora kinases play a key role in mitotic checkpoint control in cell division. Both Aurora A and B are over-expressed in many human tumours and are believed to be excellent targets for anti-cancer therapy.

CG-200745 is a novel inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs), initially developed by CrystalGenomics, Inc for treatment of various hematological and solid cancers. Combinations of CG-200745 with SN38 (the active form of irinotecan), or oxaliplatin were more effective than the agents alone when used to inhibit the growth of HCT116 cells. The protein expressions of acetyl-H3, p21, caspase-3, -8, and -9, PARP, and XIAP were affected in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HCT116 cells treated with the CG-200745 alone or combined CG-200745 and SN-38. In HCT116 xenografts, the HDACI CG-200745 in combination with irinotecan dramatically inhibited tumor growth without showing additive toxicity.

Pinometostat, also known as EPZ-5676, is a small molecule inhibitor of histone methyltransferase with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon intravenous administration, EPZ-5676 specifically blocks the activity of the histone lysine-methyltransferase DOT1L, thereby inhibiting the methylation of nucleosomal histone H3 on lysine 79 (H3K79) that is bound to the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion protein which targets genes and blocks the expression of leukemogenic genes. Epizyme is developing pinometostat, a small molecule inhibitor of DOT1L, for the treatment of patients with MLL-r, a genetically defined acute leukemia. Epizyme is conducting a phase 1 clinical trial in pediatric patients. Epizyme is evaluating preclinical combinations of pinometostat with other anti-cancer agents in MLL-r leukemia. Pinometostat is being developed in collaboration with Celgene. Epizyme retains all U.S. rights to pinometostat and has granted Celgene an exclusive license to pinometostat outside of the U.S.