Cancer

Cell culture studies suggest inhibiting CDK9 could help treat castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) that is resistant to BET bromodomain protein inhibitors. In a human BET inhibitor-resistant CRPC cell line, siRNA targeting CDK9 or two tool compound CDK9 inhibitors decreased proliferation compared with no treatment or non-targeting siRNA. Next steps could include testing CDK9 inhibitors in animal models of BET inhibitor-resistant CRPC.

Sanofi and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd. have alvocidib flavopiridol, a small molecule synthetic flavonoid CDK9 inhibitor, in Phase II testing for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and preclinical testing for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Sumitomo also has TP-1287, an oral prodrug of alvocidib, in preclinical testing for AML and solid tumors...