Carrick Therapeutics, a company focused on creating new cancer treatments, has recently started a significant study (Phase 1b/2 clinical trial) to test a combination of two experimental drugs, samuraciclib and vepdegestrant, on patients with a specific type of advanced breast cancer.
This trial is specifically for women whose cancer is positive for estrogen receptors (ER+) and negative for the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2-), and who have previously been treated with a type of medication known as CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Samuraciclib, developed by Carrick, is a new type of drug intended to block a protein called CDK7, which helps cancer cells grow and divide. On the other hand, vepdegestrant, being developed by Arvinas and Pfizer, is designed to destroy the estrogen receptor in cancer cells, a key driver of growth in certain breast cancers.
The trial aims to find the right doses of these drugs when used together and to check their safety and effectiveness in treating the cancer.
The study is part of a larger research effort called the TACTIVE-U study and is a collaborative effort between Carrick, Arvinas, and Pfizer. Information about the trial is available online, and those interested can reach out to Carrick Therapeutics for more details.
Vepdegestrant has shown promise in early research, significantly reducing estrogen receptors in cancer cells and shrinking tumors in animal studies. It has been more effective than some existing treatments, both alone and in combination with other drugs.
Pfizer and Arvinas have partnered to further develop and potentially market this drug, sharing the costs and profits.
Samuraciclib is at the forefront of drugs targeting CDK7, with potential benefits in various cancers beyond breast cancer, such as prostate, pancreatic, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. It has been recognized by the FDA for accelerated development in certain breast cancer patients resistant to current treatments.
Carrick is exploring its use in combination with several other drugs for advanced breast cancer.
Carrick Therapeutics’ samuraciclib, is in advanced testing for breast cancer, and another drug, CT7439, targeting different cancer-driving proteins, is on the horizon for clinical trials.
