drug_discoveryResearchers at Avidin have synthesized analogues of novel thalidomide-related Immune Modulatory Drugs (IMIDs) which may have benefits over the current treatments for solid tumors. The IP held by Avidin on the novel IMIDs, the trifluorinated-alkylamino-imids is valuable, offering the possibility of widening the application of the currently used thalidomide or RevlimidTM (Celgene Inc.).

New Analogues

Avidin has synthesized more than 150 trifluorinated-alkylamino-imid derivatives and tested them on various cancer cell lines. Analogues have been optimized for better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodinamic profiles, and efficacy in vivo. The isomer-selective synthesis of the lead molecule, Avinomid (Ac-2010) is straightforward and can be easily upscaled to kilograms under GMP conditions.

Pre-clinical Results

Results Avinomid showed impressive effectiveness against DEN-induced hepatic cancer in mouse. The number and the volume of cancer decreased dramatically by 3x/week i.p. administration of 3 mg/kg Avinomid. Avinomid showed toxic side effects at 30 mg/kg dose in an acute experiment. Avidin finished acute GLP toxicology in rats.

Mechanisms of action

Avinomid binds lipid droplets and induce oxidative/ER stress in cancer cells. It is an inhibitor of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). PDI has multiple roles, acting as a chaperone, a binding partner of other proteins, and a hormone reservoir as well as a disulfide isomerase in the formation of disulfide bonds. PDI is involved in maintenance of ER homeostasis. PDI inhibitor, Ac-2010 alters the expression of components of the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) machinery and reduce the cells ability to cope with acute ER stress, properties that are relevant to cancer development and therapy.

Applications

The main indication for which thalidomide and Lenalidomid are currently used is multiple myeloma. Our new analogues showed impressive effectiveness against solid tumors, including liver cancer, therefore the application of Avinomid would be wider than the currently used thalidomide or Revlimid.

IP position

Avidin has a patent application for the therapeutic application (cancer, inflammation, infectious diseases) of trifluorinated-alkylamino-imids, as new compounds. The patent was entered to PTC in June, 2008. Avidin has patented novel analogs with superior efficacy from the family of trifluorinated-alkylamino-imids, including Ac-2010 in December, 2010. The patents enable long-term exploitation of the IP.