Cancer remains one of the most common causes of death in Europe and new and improved treatments are urgently needed. We have identified the dCTP pyrophosphatase (dCTPase) enzyme to be involved in the degradation of nucleoside analogues used in cancer treatment. After validating dCTPase as a target to improve nucleoside analogue therapy we developed a potent and selective low nM dCTPase inhibitor in house. We demonstrated that our inhibitors synergistically induced cell death in cancer cells when combined with cytidine analogue treatment while no increased toxicity was shown in normal cells (Llona-Minguez et al. J Med Chem 59(3):1140-1148).
Parallel to further pre-clinical development of our dCTPase inhibitors we have in this programme explored the commercial potential of our dCTPase inhibitors. A business development plan, market analysis and IP strategy were developed in collaboration with Oxcia AB. Our project has been presented to several pharmaceutical companies and business event, and a patent has been filed to protect IP. Further pre-clinical development and investments are needed to take the project closer to market and facilitate a business deal with a pharmaceutical company.
