Small Molecules targeting cancer stem cells

Curtana Pharmaceuticals is focused on developing highly targeted therapies for brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma in adults and medulloblastoma in children. The company is advancing a novel small molecule therapy known as CT-179, which targets Olig2, a transcription factor associated with cancer stem cells that plays a crucial role in tumor initiation and growth. This first-in-class inhibitor has demonstrated the potential to significantly prolong survival in relevant animal models. Curtana has submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA and received a Study May Proceed letter, along with Fast Track designation, indicating the agency's recognition of the therapy's potential benefits.

The company's approach involves integrating the Olig2 inhibitor with conventional treatment methods at the time of diagnosis, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies. Curtana's drug development program is rooted in pioneering research led by Dr. Santosh Kesari, and the company has a strong leadership team with extensive experience in cancer treatment and drug development. Since its inception in 2013 and subsequent relocation to Austin, Texas, following a significant grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, Curtana has been committed to generating clinical trial data to ensure the safety and efficacy of CT-179, ultimately supporting its approval and availability for patients suffering from aggressive brain cancers.

United States

Curtana Pharmaceuticals is a privately-held, preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class, small molecule therapeutics that are highly specific for cancer stem cells in the central nervous system (CNS) for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) and other brain cancers.

Curtana Pharmaceuticals

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