VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rakovina Therapeutics Inc. (TSX-V: RKV) (“Rakovina” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new cancer therapies based on novel DNA-damage response targeting technologies, announces the presentation of a poster showcasing initial results of its Deep Docking Artificial Intelligence (AI) drug discovery screening at the 29th Annual Meeting and Education Day of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO), which was held November 21-24 in Houston, TX.
The poster, titled “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence for the Discovery of Novel PARP1-Selective Inhibitors for Use Against Brain Tumors,” highlighted rapid virtual multi-billion compounds screen to identify selective inhibitors of PARP-1, a key enzyme involved in DNA repair that plays a critical role in brain cancer progression. Inhibition of PARP-1 has shown promise in sensitizing cancer cells to treatment.
The poster provided insight into the compounds’ chemical properties affecting absorption, stability, and the ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier. The poster also profiled candidates that are predicted to have similar or improved PARP-1 selectivity and central nervous system (CNS) exposure compared with AZD9574, a novel development-stage blood-brain barrier penetrant and selective inhibitor of PARP-1.
“Our team reached a significant milestone this fall with the initial results of our Deep Docking AI screening efforts, successfully evaluating billions of molecular structures within the projected timeframe described at the outset of the collaboration,” said Jeffrey Bacha, Executive Chairman of Rakovina Therapeutics. “We were thrilled to present these preliminary findings to leading brain cancer researchers, clinicians, and potential pharmaceutical partners at the prestigious SNO conference. Our poster highlighted the transformative power of AI in accelerating the discovery of potential best-in-class drug candidates.”
“Our innovative approach is not only improving the efficiency of drug discovery, but it is also enhancing the specificity and efficacy of potential therapeutics. Our novel class of PARP-1 selective inhibitors can offer hope for more effective treatments in the fight against primary brain tumors and cancers that have metastasized to the brain,” he added. “The next step is to select a lead candidate molecule based on wet lab validation for target selectivity, metabolic and pharmacokinetic parameters, CNS penetration, and activity against cancer.”
First-generation poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have dramatically improved patient outcomes in certain mutated cancers but are limited in their utility to treat brain malignancies as they cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier. They also have adverse side effects that are possibly driven by the collateral inhibition of PARP-2. The successful development of a PARP-1 selective CNS penetrant inhibitor could reduce toxicity, while providing a new therapeutic option for brain tumors.
Upcoming Video Conference Call
Rakovina Therapeutics will host a video conference call on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 10am PST to further discuss the data presented at the Society for Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting and discuss next steps and upcoming milestones in the PARP inhibitor and other development programs.
Register for the webinar or access the live stream here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AN3vaQBaSp6p4aRKo05utw#/registration
About the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) Annual Meeting
The SNO Annual Meeting is the premier global event in neuro-oncology, bringing together over 2,600 researchers, clinicians, and scientists from more than 40 countries to advance the field of neuro-oncology. This influential conference features leading experts in oncology, providing a platform for the latest research, treatments, and innovations. The 2024 meeting took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, from November 21-24. For more information, visit: https://soc-neuro-onc.org/SNOAnnualMeeting/Default.aspx.
About Rakovina Therapeutics Inc.
Rakovina Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical research company focused on the development of innovative cancer treatments. Our work is based on unique technologies for targeting the DNA-damage response powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) using the proprietary Deep-Docking™ platform. By using AI, we can review and optimize drug candidates at a much greater pace than ever before.
The Company has established a pipeline of distinctive DNA-damage response inhibitors with the goal of advancing one or more drug candidates into human clinical trials in collaboration with pharmaceutical partners.
Further information may be found at www.rakovinatherapeutics.com.
The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the content of this press release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Notice Regarding Rakovina Therapeutics Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding the Company and its respective business, which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the proposed business plan of the Company and other statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “is expected”, “expects”, “scheduled”, “intends”, “contemplates”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “proposes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events, or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of the Company. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the Company, including risks regarding the medical device industry, economic factors, regulatory factors, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth and competition.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The reader is referred to the Company’s most recent filings on SEDAR+ for a more complete discussion of all applicable risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company’s profile page at www.sedarplus.ca.
For Further Information Contact:
Jeffrey Bacha, BSC, MBA
Executive Chairman and Director
info@rakovinatherapeutics.com
Investor Relations and Media:
Susan Xu
Investor Relations
IR@rakovinatherapeutics.com
778-323-0959
