Vividion obtains clinical-stage WRN inhibitor rights from Roche.

Vividion Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Bayer, has expanded its portfolio by securing the global rights to a pioneering cancer drug from its partner, Roche. The drug, identified as VVD-214 or RO7589831, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of certain cancers, particularly those with high microsatellite instability (MSI-high). This MSI-high characteristic signifies a defect in the DNA repair mechanism, which is commonly observed in cancers such as colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, and gastric tumors. VVD-214 is distinctive as it targets the Werner helicase (WRN), a crucial enzyme involved in DNA repair.

The development of VVD-214 is part of a collaborative effort between Vividion and Roche, initiated in a 2020 partnership. The drug functions by inhibiting WRN, thereby causing DNA damage in cancer cells, which can potentially lead to their destruction. Currently, VVD-214 is undergoing phase 1 clinical trials, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with Keytruda, an established immunotherapy drug.

Early results from these trials, which were shared at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in April, have demonstrated promising efficacy signals in the targeted cancer types. These findings have fueled optimism among researchers and stakeholders at Vividion. Aleksandra Rizo, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of Vividion, expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of VVD-214 in their drug portfolio, highlighting its status as the only covalent inhibitor of WRN in clinical development globally. She emphasized the potential of VVD-214 to significantly advance cancer treatment options, aligning with Vividion's mission to innovate therapies for serious diseases.

Christian Rommel, Ph.D., Global Head of Research and Development at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division, also remarked on the promising potential of VVD-214 to enhance treatment options for patients with MSI-high cancers—a group with substantial unmet medical needs. Rommel underscored the success of Vividion’s chemoproteomics technology in identifying novel treatment avenues for complex diseases, recognizing VVD-214 as a valuable addition to their therapeutic arsenal.

Vividion, acquired by Bayer for $1.5 billion in 2021, has been pushing the boundaries of drug discovery with its innovative approach. Alongside VVD-214, the company’s pipeline includes several other clinical-stage candidates, such as an oral KEAP1 activator, an oral STAT3 inhibitor, and an oral RAS-PI3Kα inhibitor, targeting various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

While Vividion and Roche are trailblazers in bringing a covalent WRN inhibitor to clinical trials, Eikon Therapeutics is also developing a similar candidate aimed at MSI-high and other cancers deficient in DNA repair. This competitive landscape highlights the ongoing efforts and innovations in the biotechnology field to address challenging and previously unmet needs in cancer treatment.

In summary, the acquisition of VVD-214 marks a pivotal moment for Vividion Therapeutics, reinforcing its commitment to transforming oncology treatment through cutting-edge research and development. With the backing of Bayer and continued collaboration with Roche, Vividion is poised to make significant strides in the battle against cancer, offering hope to patients with difficult-to-treat tumors.