FF-10502-01: A Promising Pyrimidine Analogue for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

FF-10502-01 is a synthetic compound closely related to gemcitabine, distinguished by a sulfur substitution in its structure. It has shown promise in preclinical studies for various solid tumors, particularly pancreatic cancer (PANC). This research aimed to further explore its anti-tumor potential in PANC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.

The study involved ten PANC PDX tumors, the majority of which exhibited resistance to gemcitabine. Mice bearing these tumors were treated with varying doses of FF-10502-01, nab-paclitaxel, or gemcitabine, alone or in combination, over a 28-day period. Tumor measurements and animal weights were monitored, and statistical analysis was performed to assess treatment efficacy.

Results indicated that FF-10502-01, both as a monotherapy and in combination with nab-paclitaxel, was significantly more effective in suppressing tumor growth than the control group. Notably, this effect was observed regardless of the tumors' resistance to gemcitabine. In certain models, FF-10502-01 demonstrated superior tumor growth inhibition compared to gemcitabine, even when combined with nab-paclitaxel. Additionally, FF-10502-01 was better tolerated, with less associated weight loss.

In conclusion, FF-10502-01 has shown to be a potent new agent for PANC, with greater efficacy and better tolerability than gemcitabine-based treatments in PDX models. The compound is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials.