4 April 2017, Dundee, UK, Ex Scientia Ltd (Exscientia), an innovative company at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence-driven drug discovery, is pleased to announce that the latest results of its collaboration with Evotec to develop adenosinergic small molecules focused on immuno-oncology will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting (Washington, DC, USA).
Highlights of the poster include presentation of a selective adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) antagonist, currently being explored for candidate selection, as well as first demonstration of a bispecific small molecule (a single, low molecular weight compound with dual pharmacology) capable of simultaneously antagonising A2AR and inhibiting CD73. These results represent rapid progress in a timeframe of less than 12 months since the announcement of this partnership in April 2016.
The adenosine pathway is one of the main drivers of tumour progression by acting on two key features of the tumour micro-environment; evasion of the host immune system and angiogenesis. Expression of CD73 on tumour cells and on immunosuppressive cell subsets leads to the generation of adenosine. Adenosine inhibits the biological functions of T lymphocytes infiltrating the tumour by binding to A2AR.
The presentation details are as follows:
Targeting the adenosine immunosuppressive pathway for cancer immunotherapy with small molecule agents. A2AR, CD73 specific and A2AR/CD73 Bispecific small molecules for Immuno-Oncology.
Fons, P., et al.
• Session PO.TB06.05 - Tumor Microenvironment 5
• Poster presentation 2634
• Tuesday, 4 April 2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET), Convention Center, Halls A-C, Poster Section 42
Notes for editors
Exscientia is at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery and design. By fusing the power of AI with the discovery experience of seasoned drug hunters, we are the first company to automate drug design, surpassing conventional approaches.
Our innovative platform enables breakthrough productivity gains with new approaches to improve drug efficacy. It is delivering a pipeline of efficacious, bispecific small molecules, as well as highly selective single target candidates, for multiple indications.
Each bispecific small molecule is a single compound with integrated pharmacology against two distinct targets. This offers an innovative strategy to address efficacy challenges. Exscientia has also extended its capabilities to phenotypic-driven drug discovery, where complex disease profiles are addressed. Exscientia is developing candidate molecules through collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical companies; current partners include Evotec (immuno-oncology), Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals (CNS). www.exscientia.co.uk
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