Abstract
Hemispherian is advancing first-in-class therapeutics for cancers that are historically difficult to treat. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the primary indication for our lead compound GLIX1, which is currently in late-stage preclinical development. GLIX1 is developed together with a biomarker-based companion diagnostic assay to pair diagnostics and optimal treatment. It is Hemispherian’s mission to provide superior treatment options for brain cancer patients. Hemispherian’s proprietary molecules selectively target the DNA damage response in cancer cells. These molecules take advantage of a pre-existing condition of all cancer cells – nearly all cancer cells have a reduction in levels of the DNA base modification, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Hemispherian scientists have found that restoration of this base modification to normal cells activates the DNA damage response resulting in cancer cell death. Targeting of the enzyme responsible for maintaining genomic 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, TET2, led to the discovery of the GLIX family of molecules. Hemispherian’s lead GLIX molecules, GLIX1 and GLIX5, show excellent efficacy in vivo in xenograft models, have a superior safety profile, are orally bioavailable and are blood brain barrier penetrant. GLIX efficacy against a panel of patient-derived cell lines representing a broad spectrum of pediatric and adult brain tumor diagnoses will be discussed. Taken together, these molecules have an exceptional profile for treating a broad range of cancers including cancers of the brain.