The objective is to discover selective CNS penetrant inhibitors of the kinase responsible for phosphorylation of OLIG2 and a potential target for treatment of glioblastoma. In this proposal, Curtana Pharmaceuticals Inc. will discover new kinase inhibitors based on findings that prototypical compounds inhibit OLIG2 phosphorylation and the degree of inhibition is dependent on key aspects of compound structure. A medicinal chemistry plan is proposed to identify new compounds with improved properties. These compounds will be assessed for kinase inhibition and then screened for metabolic stability. Stable compounds will be assessed in vivo for CNS penetration. The inhibitor with the best profile will be tested further in a preliminary efficacy model for efficacy in tumor reduction of human-derived glioblastoma tumors grafted into mouse flank to prove feasibility for the approach. This inhibitor will be tested for drug interaction risk to validate the inhibitor for further development or to identify risks requiring lead optimization.

Public Health Relevance

The objective is to discover selective CNS penetrant inhibitors of casein kinase II, the kinase responsible for phosphorylation of OLIG2 and a potential target for glioblastoma, a disease which is a significant cause of mortality and survival is limited.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43CA213695-01A1
Application #
9347477
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Franca-Koh, Jonathan C
Project Start
2017-09-13
Project End
2019-08-31
Budget Start
2017-09-13
Budget End
2019-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Curtana Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
078816532
City
Austin
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78754