RaCRx is working with Dr. Charles Manning on inhibitors of glutamine transporter ASCT2, of which V-9302 is an example. ASCT2 inhibitors deprive cancer cells of glutamine, weakening them and make more glutamine available to immune cells attacking cancer, strengthening them.
Animal studies demonstrate that ASCT2 inhibitors are effective as single agents and in
combination with other therapies against multiple cancers.
Single Agent
In vitro and in vivo studies establish that V-9302 is effective alone against colorectal, pancreatic, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Combination therapy
Animal studies establish that V-9302 works synergistically in combination with chemotherapy and targeted agents, e.g. anti-EGFR and 2-Deoxyglucose, against colorectal and TNBC. Prospective cancer targets for combination therapy include pancreatic, lung, glioblastoma, and hepatocellular cancers.
We believe ASCT2 inhibitors will work synergistically with RaCR-101 and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).
THE PROBLEM
Cancer cells outcompete immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) for glutamine, an essential nutrient. This “glutamine steal” weakens immune cells while strengthening cancer cells.
THE SOLUTION
By inhibiting the glutamine transporter, ASCT2, GTI drugs reverse the glutamine steal, making more glutamine available to immune cells in the TME while starving cancer cells of glutamine.
THE FUTURE
Because ASCT2 inhibitors enhance the immune system’s ability to kill cancer cells, we believe they will work synergistically with RaCRx-101 and ICI drugs, as they have been proven to do with other cancer therapies.
