unesbulin (BMIi-1)

We and others have shown that treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy agents (e.g. Cisplatin, Carboplatin) induce Bmi-1 expression and increase the fraction of highly tumorigenic CSC in HNSCC. In vivo, Bmi-1 inhibition with PTC596 suppressed Cisplatin-mediated increase in the fraction of ALDHhighCD44high cells (cancer stemness). Collectively, these preclinical results demonstrate that Bmi-1 is a key mediator of head and neck cancer stemness and suggest that HNSCC patients might benefit from treatment with a Bmi-1 inhibitor combined with a conventional chemotherapeutic agent.

This work provides the foundation for clinical validation of small-molecule inhibitors synergistic with PTC-596 to improve the durability of remissions and extend survival of patients with treatment-refractory Group 3 MB.

P2/3, N=360, Terminated, PTC Therapeutics | Active, not recruiting --> Terminated; Business decision

To date, there have been no reports on the combination of BMI1-targeted therapy and immunotherapy in cervical cancer. This review, therefore, elucidates the current state of research and explores the potential and perspectives of combining targeted therapy with immunotherapy for cervical cancer.

P1, N=64, Active, not recruiting, Nationwide Children's Hospital | Trial primary completion date: Aug 2024 --> Mar 2024

P1, N=64, Active, not recruiting, Nationwide Children's Hospital | Trial primary completion date: Mar 2024 --> Aug 2024

P1, N=27, Completed, University of Oklahoma | Active, not recruiting --> Completed | Trial completion date: Dec 2024 --> Mar 2024

Here we revealed how EGFR-mutant landscapes are affected at the single-cell resolution level during Unesbulin treatment. This novel drug, by targeting cancer cells and their interactions with crucial TME components, could be envisioned for future therapeutic advancements.

P1, N=41, Completed, PTC Therapeutics | Active, not recruiting --> Completed

Of particular interest is the observation that PTC596, alone or in combination with PRIMA-1 and etoposide, significantly reduced GSH levels, increased peroxide production, stimulated lipid peroxidation, and induced ferroptosis. Therefore, these findings suggest that PTC596, by inhibiting BMI-1 and triggering ferroptosis, could be a promising approach to fight chemoresistance.

P1, N=64, Active, not recruiting, Nationwide Children's Hospital | Recruiting --> Active, not recruiting | Phase classification: P1b --> P1

No meaningful difference in unesbulin PK was observed between C2 and C1. The combination therapy of 1000 mg/m IV DTIC q21d and 300 mg unesbulin BIW in a staggered regimen is well tolerated in patients with LMS.