BioCentury
ARTICLE | Distillery Therapeutics

Therapeutics: Integrin avβ3 (CD51/CD61)

June 23, 2016 7:00 AM UTC

In vitro and mouse studies identified a protein inhibitor of the integrin CD51/CD61 that could help treat cancer. In silico analysis of the binding interaction of CD2 analogs with CD51/CD61 and in vitro binding assays of the analogs identified a protein that bound CD51/CD61 outside the known CD2 binding site with a Kd of 4.3 nM. In a xenograft mouse model of CD51/CD61-driven prostate cancer and an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of breast cancer, the compound decreased tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis compared with vehicle, without overt toxicity in the liver, heart, lung, spleen or kidney. Next steps could include testing and improving safety and efficacy of the compound in animal models of other CD51/CD61-driven cancers.

Allegro Ophthalmics LLC, Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd and Senju Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have Luminate (ALG-1001), an oligopeptide against CD51/CD61, integrin αvβ5 and integrin αvβ1, in Phase II testing to treat vitreomacular traction (VMT), diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy. ...