Malignant mesothelioma is one of several types of cancer that harbors a specific genetic alteration known as an MTAP deletion. This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a study looking at a new drug application that specifically binds to cells affected by this alteration.
Protein that Supports Mesothelioma Cell Survival is Target
Non-small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, and cholangiocarcinoma have all been identified as cancers in which methylthioadenosine phosphorylase, or MTAP deletion, occurs. It has also been established that in patients with this deletion, a protein called PRMT5 combines with 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine (MTA).
PRMT5 is necessary for cell survival, including the survival of mesothelioma cells. Recent studies have suggested that PRMT5 may function as an oncogene to drive cancer cell growth by epigenetic inactivation of several tumor suppressors. In response to this finding, Tango Therapeutics, a biotech company headquartered in Massachusetts, created a protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) inhibitor known as TNG462.
New Therapy Will Bind with Targeted Protein in Mesothelioma
In vitro studies conducted by Tango Therapeutics have shown that TNG462 binds to the PRMT5 cells that have complexed with MTA, and were 45 times more potent in these cells. The company wants to determine whether MTAP-deleted cancer cells will be equally vulnerable to TNG462 in mesothelioma patients, as well as in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and cholangiocarcinoma.
The Phase I/II trial of TNG462 in MTAP-deleted non-small cell lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and cholangiocarcinoma will begin this year. Speaking of the approval, Barbara Weber, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Tango Therapeutics said, “The IND clearance for TNG462 is a critical step toward addressing the significant unmet need of patients with MTAP-deleted solid tumors.By advancing … TNG462 into the clinic, we … maximize the opportunity to help patients with MTAP-deleted cancers given the breadth of potential indications. We look forward to results from these trials to optimize our development plans for these programs.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, innovative studies like these provide significant hope for prolonged survival. For information on where to access state-of-the-art care, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
