DOYLESTOWN, PA — Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: APRE) has entered into a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) with MD Anderson Cancer Center to advance preclinical studies of its WEE1 kinase inhibitor, APR-1051. This collaboration aims to explore the drug’s potential in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), focusing on tumors associated with replication stress indicators, including both HPV-positive and HPV-negative cancers.
Under the agreement, Aprea will supply APR-1051 to MD Anderson researchers for a series of experiments aimed at evaluating the compound’s efficacy and mechanism of action. The research seeks to assess its potential for combination therapies, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The project is led by MD Anderson’s head and neck cancer experts, Professors Jeffrey N. Myers, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., and Abdullah A. Osman, Ph.D.
“This agreement with MD Anderson Cancer Center underscores our commitment to leveraging strong academic partnerships to advance our pipeline of DDR inhibitors,” said Oren Gilad, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Aprea. “HNSCC represents a major global health burden, and prior work conducted at MD Anderson, and published by Professors Myers, Osman and their colleagues, suggests that WEE1 kinase may present a promising therapeutic target. We look forward to the insights that will emerge from this important research.”
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly its HPV-associated subtype, presents significant clinical challenges despite the comparatively favorable prognosis of HPV-positive cases. Current standard treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often involve severe toxicity, leading to long-term complications for survivors. WEE1 kinase inhibition offers a novel approach by targeting DNA damage response pathways, potentially enhancing the efficacy of existing therapies.
HNSCC affects over 20,000 Americans annually, with HPV accounting for an estimated 70% of oropharyngeal SCC (OPSCC) cases. Research at MD Anderson has demonstrated that HPV-positive HNSCC tumors show high sensitivity to WEE1 inhibition, as documented in a 2015 Clinical Cancer Research study. Additionally, a subset of HPV-negative tumors may also respond positively to this therapeutic approach.
The partnership will contribute to ongoing efforts to advance APR-1051, a selective small molecule designed to address tolerability challenges associated with the WEE1 class of inhibitors. Aprea is currently evaluating the compound’s safety and efficacy in its ACESOT-1051 Phase 1 clinical trial, which targets patients with advanced solid tumors harboring specific genetic alterations.
Under the terms of the agreement, Aprea retains full ownership and rights to APR-1051 as it continues to explore its potential for transforming care options for HNSCC patients.
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