Development of a first-in-class inhibitor of FIH for cancer immunotherapy

Project Information

FIH-IO

Grant agreement ID: 101069333

DOI

10.3030/101069333

Project closed

EC signature date 12 May 2022

Start date 1 June 2022

End date 30 November 2023

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 150 000,00

Coordinated by

ASOCIACION CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION COOPERATIVA EN BIOCIENCIAS
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FIH-IO (Development of a first-in-class inhibitor of FIH for cancer immunotherapy)

Reporting period: 2022-06-01 to 2023-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The project addresses a significant gap in current cancer treatment options by focusing on a novel approach to immunotherapy. Despite advances in immuno-oncology, current treatments like checkpoint receptor blockade are limited to a small subset of cancers and patient groups. Our laboratory is pioneering a treatment targeting the enzyme "Factor Inhibiting HIF" (FIH) to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy, particularly for lung adenocarcinoma—a segment with dire medical need due to poor survival rates and limited therapeutic options. The project's goal is to improve treatment efficacy and to provide more affordable options. By developing this novel therapy and exploring technology transfer options, the project aims to significantly impact the quality of life for patients and reduce the economic burden on health systems.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The team has successfully identified and developed multiple selective inhibitors of FIH, ready for optimization and progress into a new class of immunotherapies. Through diverse scientific methodologies, including structural biology and medicinal chemistry, we have progressed from exploring the biology of FIH to hit identification. We have also validated our approach using transgenic mouse models and primary human T cells. The achievements so far represent promising steps toward a new, more effective treatment for cancer, with lung adenocarcinoma being the initial focus

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Our project is differentiated from current immuno-oncology treatments. The results have demonstrated that targeting FIH can inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation and potentiate the hypoxia response in T cells, offering a unique mechanism of action distinct from existing therapies. The potential impact is substantial, with the possibility of improving outcomes for a broad range of cancers. To ensure further success, continued research, investment in commercialization, and a supportive regulatory environment will be key. By project completion, we anticipate a comprehensive overview of the results that will support the transformative potential of this new therapy.