CAMBRIDGE, Md., Sept. 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ConverGene is pleased to announce that it has entered into a collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (“MD Anderson”) to characterize ConverGene’s first-in-class dual inhibitor of BET bromodomains and dopamine receptor 2, in ovarian carcinoma. Work will be done under the guidance of Dr. Sherry Wu in the laboratory of Dr. Anil Sood. The program will advance in 2 distinct phases. First the unique mechanism of action of the ConverGene lead compound will be assessed in vitro then clinically relevant activity will be determined utilizing in vivo model systems developed in the Sood lab.
Dr. Jeff Strovel, PhD, President and CEO of ConverGene, commented, “We are very excited to kickoff this study with MD Anderson. Our first-in-class cancer drug candidates will be evaluated by a world-class team working with a renown leader in the field of gynecological cancer.”
Dr. Anil Sood is Professor and Vice Chair for Translational Research in the Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Cancer Biology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is also Director of the multi-disciplinary Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program. Dr. Sood co-leads the Ovarian Cancer Moonshot Program.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About ConverGene
ConverGene (www.convergenepharma.com) is a small molecule discovery company leveraging rational drug design. Our mission is to develop therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action for patients with limited or no treatment options.
Our first-in-class lead drug program, CVG-101, contains small molecule inhibitors formulated for oral administration that are selective against BET proteins. CVG-101 contains multiple clinical candidates that exhibit dual activity, simultaneously inhibiting epigenetic processes within cancer cells as well as D2R which is a driver of proliferation and metastasis in cancer. We predict this drug will gain broad clinical usage due to its dual activity and potential to reduce the development of resistance.
ConverGene believes that its portfolio of intellectual property protects its product candidates and technologies. Opportunities to realize significant early value inflection points are available through strategic licensing of our drug candidates. For additional information on ConverGene, please visit its website at convergenepharma.com.
For more information please contact Dr. Elizabeth Smith, esmith@convergenepharma.com
