Debiopharm advances into the highly anticipated clinical phase for their potent WEE1 inhibitor

Lausanne (ots) - Debio 0123 starts first-in-human, dose escalation phase I
clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of the compound in combination
with carboplatin to treat refractory solid tumors

Debiopharm (www.debiopharm.com), a Swiss biopharmaceutical company, announced
today the advancement of their first-in-human, phase 1 study with the cancer
treatment Debio 0123, an oral, potent and highly selective WEE-1 inhibitor, in
combination with carboplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors. This dose
escalation trial will be conducted in patients with refractory solid tumors that
have recurred or progressed following prior platinum-based chemotherapy and for
which no standard treatment is available. Currently one of three WEE1 inhibitors
in clinical development, the Debio 0123 program was initiated based on the
deepened understanding of the DNA damage response (DDR) of cancer cells.

Initially discovered by the cutting edge biotech company, Almac Discovery,
before being licensed by Debiopharm, Debio 0123 has shown anti-tumor activity
both as a single agent and in combination with carboplatin in pre-clinical
cancer models. The advancement of Debio 0123 into clinical studies may reveal
improved therapeutic results for cancer patients.

"This clinical phase of Debio 0123 is highly anticipated in light of the
therapeutic potential of the molecule. Pre-clinical research results suggests
that this potent WEE-1 inhibitor has the potential to show activity in cancer
patients, particularly in combination with DNA damaging treatments, such as
chemo- and radiation-therapies" explained Angela Zubel, Chief Development
Officer, Debiopharm.

The DNA in cancer cells can be damaged by a variety of treatments such as
radiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, DNA topoisomerase inhibitors and
platinum-based chemotherapy. When this damage occurs, the cells respond by
pausing the cell cycle temporarily to allow for DNA repair, hence reducing the
effectiveness of cytotoxic therapies against the cancer cells. Treatments such
as Debio 0123 which inhibit the DDR are promising drug candidates as they can
enhance the effects of DNA damaging therapies and promote a lethal response. The
WEE-1 kinase is a key regulator of several cell cycle checkpoints including
G2/M. WEE-1 inhibition can force cells in a state of arrest to continue the cell
cycle, ultimately leading to cell death. The resulting impairment of the G2-M
checkpoint would prevent cancer cells from repairing induced DNA damage,
considerably enhancing the effect of the DNA damaging therapy and thus
optimizing the therapeutic outcome.

Debiopharm's commitment to patients

Debiopharm develops innovative therapies that target high unmet medical needs in
oncology and bacterial infections. Bridging the gap between disruptive discovery
products and real-world patient reach, we identify high-potential compounds and
technologies for in-licensing, clinically demonstrate their safety and efficacy
and then select large pharmaceutical commercialization partners to maximize
patient access globally.

Visit us www.debiopharm.com/

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Pressekontakt:

Dawn Haughton - Communication Manager
dawn.haughton@debiopharm.com
Tel: +41 (0)21 321 01 11

Additional content: https://www.presseportal.de/pm/121610/4538187
OTS: Debiopharm International SA

Original-Content von: Debiopharm International SA, übermittelt durch news aktuell