A novel CXCR4 antagonist IgG1 antibody (PF-06747143) for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is highly expressed and associated with poor prognosis in multiple malignancies. Upon engagement by its ligand, CXCL12, CXCR4 triggers intracellular signaling pathways that control trafficking of cells to tissues where the ligand is expressed, such as the bone marrow (BM). In hematologic cancers, CXCR4-driven homing of malignant cells to the BM protective niche is a key mechanism driving disease and therapy resistance.

Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO) Inclusion to Induction Chemotherapy Eliminates Leukemic Initiating Cells and Significantly Improves Survival in Mouse Models of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) is an anti-CD33 antibody-drug conjugate for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although GO shows a narrow therapeutic window in early clinical studies, recent reports detailing a modified dosing regimen of GO can be safely combined with induction chemotherapy, and the combination provides significant survival benefits in AML patients. Here we tested whether the survival benefits seen with the combination arise from the enhanced reduction of chemoresidual disease and leukemic initiating cells (LICs).

Epigenetic reprogramming by tumor-derived EZH2 gain-of-function mutations promotes aggressive 3D cell morphologies and enhances melanoma tumor growth.

In addition to genetic alterations, cancer cells are characterized by myriad epigenetic changes. EZH2 is a histone methyltransferase that is over-expressed and mutated in cancer. The EZH2 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations first identified in lymphomas have recently been reported in melanoma (~2%) but remain uncharacterized.

Targeted delivery of a poorly water-soluble compound to hair follicles using polymeric nanoparticle suspensions.

This study explored the utility of topically applied polymeric nanoparticle suspensions to target delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs to hair follicles. Several formulations of amorphous drug/polymer nanoparticles were prepared from ethyl cellulose and UK-157,147 (systematic name (3S,4R)-[6-(3-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-2,2,3-trimethyl-4-(2-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydropyridazin-6-yloxy)-3-chromanol), a potassium channel opener, using sodium glycocholate (NaGC) as a surface stabilizer. Nanoparticle suspensions were evaluated to determine if targeted drug delivery to sebaceous glands and hair follicles could be achieved.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of amino-pyridines as androgen receptor antagonists for stimulating hair growth and reducing sebum production.

A series of amino-pyridines were synthesized and evaluated for androgen antagonist activities. Among these compounds, (R)-(+)-6-[methyl-(1-phenyl-ethyl)-amino]-4-trifluoromethyl-nicotinonitrile was the most active example of this class. This compound displayed potent androgen receptor antagonist activity as well as favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics for a potential topical agent.