Bringing MYC inhibition to the brain by ultrasound technology

ongoing

Brain tumours and brain metastases pose a significant therapeutic challenge due to limited treatment options, fatally linked to high morbidity and mortality. Treatment of these cancers is hindered by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), that restricts the free passage of molecules larger than 400 daltons, reducing the effectiveness of therapeutically impermeable compounds. While deregulation of the MYC oncogene is a main feature of these cancers, to date, effective and clinically-viable, BBB-permeable MYC inhibitors are lacking. This project proposes to combine Omomyc (OMO-103), developed in our laboratory and the best characterized, direct MYC inhibitor, with Carthera's SonoCloud technology, which temporarily disrupts the BBB using ultrasound. Omomyc is currently under clinical evaluation for other systemic aggressive cancers, under the sponsorship of Peptomyc, a spin-off from our lab, focusing on clinical application of our inhibitors. This new investigation will establish the feasibility and viability of its commercial development into a disruptive novel treatment for primary and metastatic brain tumours. This combination aims to enhance OMO-103 delivery to the brain, to improve its therapeutic efficacy and reducing any potential systemic side effects. The synergy between these technologies has the potential to generate new intellectual properties, facilitate technology transfers, and address a growing market for brain tumour therapies. By overcoming the BBB challenge and directly targeting MYC, this approach could significantly impact brain cancer treatment and create new commercial opportunities.