Therapeutics: Glutaminase (GLS)
Mouse studies suggest combining metformin and GLS inhibitor-loaded nanoparticles could help treat pancreatic cancer. In a patient-derived xenograft mouse model of pancreatic cancer, the GLS inhibitor CB-839 or a GLS inhibitor tool compound decreased tumor growth compared with vehicle. Also in the model, nanoparticles loaded with the tool compound decreased tumor growth compared with free compound or unloaded nanoparticles. In the model, the tool compound-loaded nanoparticles plus metformin decreased tumor growth compared with either agent alone. Next steps could include testing the metformin-nanoparticle combination therapy in other models of pancreatic cancer.
Calithera Biosciences Inc. has CB-839 in Phase I/II testing for solid tumors, Phase I testing for breast cancer, hematologic malignancies and leukemia and preclinical testing for multiple myeloma (MM)...