On January 17, 2023 MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE American: MAIA) reported the advancement of its Telomere-Targeting Molecule Program ("Project T3") (Press release, MAIA Biotechnology, JAN 17, 2023, View Source [SID1234626319]). MAIA is designing and evaluating multiple telomere-targeting compounds designed to modify the telomeric structure through the cancer cell – intrinsic telomerase activity – and thus cause the death of these cells. The studies, conducted in vitro in multiple cancer cell lines and in vivo in several pre-clinical cancer models, demonstrated the intended mechanism of action and high-level anti-cancer activity for these new molecules. The compounds belong to a new chemical class of molecules called telomere targeting divalent dinucleotides.
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MAIA has nominated one lead new molecular entity candidate (designated as MAIA-2021-20) and one back-up new molecular entity candidate (MAIA-2022-12) for further advancement into preclinical GLP-toxicity and other studies, and may advance one of these candidates into human clinical trials upon completion of the required preclinical evaluations. MAIA also has filed a broad provisional patent application covering the composition of matter for the new telomere-targeting molecules in the fourth quarter of 2022.
"The discovery and preclinical advancement of these new telomere-targeting compounds represent the beginning of a significant new chapter for MAIA," said Sergei Gryaznov, Ph.D., MAIA Chief Scientific Officer. "We have generated highly encouraging data in vitro and in vivo in several different tumor models showing impressive single-agent activity for the new compounds, as well as in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The observed anti-cancer activity is quite remarkable, often leading to complete tumor eliminations in in vivo models. We are working diligently to advance these candidates toward clinical development."
"Project T3 is a major step forward as we are generating novel direct telomere-altering compounds," said MAIA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vlad Vitoc, M.D. "We are advancing multiple compounds through comprehensive preclinical development as potential follow-on candidates to our lead therapeutic candidate, THIO, which is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 trial (THIO-101 trial) in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. We look forward to announcing further developments of MAIA’s proprietary new molecular entity candidates in 2023 and beyond."
At the XXIV International Round Table on Nucleosides, Nucleotides, and Nucleic Acids in Stockholm in August 2022, MAIA presented an overview of its promising THIO drug discovery platform for generating potential anti-cancer agents. The presentation demonstrated the importance of cancer cell telomeric DNA structural and functional integrity, as well as therapeutically attractive opportunity to induce stress, increase innate sensing and adaptive anti-tumor immunity via "cancer cell self-produced" chemical modification of telomeres.
About THIO
THIO (6-thio-dG or 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine) is a telomere-targeting agent currently in clinical development to evaluate its activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in sequential administration with LIBTAYO (cemiplimab) an anti-PD1 therapy, developed and commercialized by Regeneron. Telomeres play a fundamental role in the survival of cancer cells and their resistance to current therapies. THIO is being developed as a second or higher line of treatment for NSCLC for patients that have progressed beyond the standard-of-care regimen of existing checkpoint inhibitors.