Scenic Biotech Announces Positive Preclinical Data for its QPCTL Inhibitor SC-2882 as Potential New Therapeutic Approach for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Scenic Biotech, a pioneer in the discovery of genetic modifiers developing therapeutics to treat severe diseases, has revealed encouraging preclinical data for its lead small molecule QPCTL inhibitor, SC-2882. The data, presented by Leandro Cerchietti, MD, at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, highlights SC-2882’s potential as a new treatment avenue for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL).
DLBCL is the most common cancer of the lymphatic system, responsible for 25-30% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, with characteristics of rapidly growing tumor masses or enlarging lymph nodes. The new preclinical data demonstrates that treatment with SC-2882 in a DLBCL mice model led to a significant decrease in tumor growth, an increase of CD3+ T cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment, and a reduction in immunosuppressive immune cells.
These findings suggest that QPCTL inhibition in DLBCL exhibits anti-lymphoma effects and holds promise as a potentially effective therapeutic approach for this type of cancer. The positive preclinical data represents a significant step forward in the advancement of SC-2882 as a potential treatment for DLBCL, particularly for post-CART relapsed or refractory DLBCL patients and earlier lines of treatment with non-chemotherapy or immuno-oncology-based approaches.
QPCTL is an intracellular enzyme that modulates the activity of CD47 and several chemokines in cancer, resulting in immune escape of cancer cells. SC-2882 specifically targets QPCTL, inhibiting the CD47-SIRPα don’t eat me checkpoint, and reducing immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. Analysis of DLBCL patient datasets has revealed a negative correlation between QPCTL expression and overall and progression-free survival.
In a murine model of DLBCL, treatment with SC-2882 led to a significant decrease in tumor growth without any evidence of systemic toxicity. Additionally, the evaluation of the tumor microenvironment showed an increased infiltration of CD3+ T cells and a reduction in tumor-associated macrophages and regulatory T cells in SC-2882-treated mice compared to the control group. These results indicate that SC-2882 possesses anti-tumor effects by modulating immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.
Scenic Biotech aims to finalize IND-enabling studies for SC-2882 and intends to submit its initial clinical trial filing to regulatory authorities in 2024 to initiate clinical evaluation. With its innovative approach to identifying genetic modifiers and developing first-in-class therapies, the company is dedicated to addressing the high unmet medical needs for severe diseases.
As Scenic Biotech continues to progress its pipeline of modifier therapies, it seeks to rebalance health in patients with life-threatening inherited disorders. The positive preclinical data presented at the ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition provides validation for their approach and opens doors to potential breakthroughs in rare diseases.
The promising results of Scenic Biotech’s research and the potential of SC-2882 as a new therapeutic approach for DLBCL offer hope for improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer. The company’s dedication to developing innovative genetic modifiers underscores the importance of continued advancements in the field of oncology and the potential for transformative therapies to make a significant impact on patients’ lives.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment plans.
