A clinical trial has been initiated for an innovative drug candidate, 23ME-01473, developed by 23andMe Holding Co., a prominent entity in human genetics and biopharmaceuticals. The drug aims to enhance the body's anti-cancer defenses by targeting the ULBP6 protein, which is implicated in immunosuppression. The Phase 1 study marks the third drug target to be clinically tested, stemming from 23andMe's proprietary research platform that leverages a vast database of human genetic data.
Jennifer Low, the head of therapeutics development at 23andMe, highlighted the significance of this development, emphasizing the company's commitment to advancing therapies based on genetic insights. The drug candidate, '1473, is designed to counteract the shedding of ULBP6 by cancer cells, which can hinder the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate tumors. By blocking this interaction, '1473 may improve the immune response against cancer. Additionally, the drug is engineered to enhance the Fc receptor's ability to destroy cancer cells expressing ULBP6.
The ULBP6 target was identified using 23andMe's immuno-oncology genetic signature approach, which focuses on genetic variants that correlate with increased immune function and reduced cancer risk. The Phase 1 study, registered as NCT06290388, is an open-label, multi-center trial assessing the safety and tolerability of '1473 in patients with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. It also aims to determine the drug's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile to establish the optimal dosage for future trials.
23andMe is a consumer healthcare company that utilizes genetic information to empower individuals with knowledge for a healthier future.
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