New Jersey-based Accutar Biotechnology Inc., which is heavily backed by Chinese funds, has announced the first patient dosing in a Phase I trial for AC0682, an orally bioavailable chimeric degrader molecule targeting the ERα protein. The molecule, which previously entered a Phase I study in the US, is the firm’s clinical-stage candidate. The Phase I study will assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of AC0682 in Chinese patients with ER-positive breast cancer (see NCT05489679).
Company Background and Funding
Accutar was founded in 2015 as an artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered drug discovery firm with initial backing from the Beijing-based ZhenFund. Later investors include Yitu Technology, IDG Capital, and 3W Healthcare Fund. The company operates out of New Jersey and Shanghai, leveraging AI to accelerate drug discovery and development.
Chimeric Degradation Technology and ERα Targeting
Chimeric degraders enable targeted protein degradation by utilizing the cellular ubiquitylation process to degrade specific proteins. ERα is a hormone-regulated transcription factor that plays a critical role in breast cancer initiation and proliferation, with nearly 80% of breast cancers expressing ERα. In preclinical studies, AC0682 demonstrated potent and selective ERα protein degradation, favorable pharmacological properties, and promising anti-tumor activity in ER-positive animal tumor models.
Future Outlook
The initiation of the Phase I trial for AC0682 underscores Accutar Biotechnology’s commitment to advancing innovative treatments for ER-positive breast cancer. By leveraging AI-driven drug discovery, Accutar aims to develop targeted therapies that address significant unmet medical needs in oncology.-Fineline Info & Tech
