ESSA Pharma is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for prostate cancer, with a particular focus on disrupting the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway, which is a key driver of cancer growth. Their lead candidate, masofaniten (formerly known as EPI-7386), is a first-in-class N-terminal domain androgen receptor inhibitor. This novel approach targets the N-terminal domain of the AR, an area not currently addressed by existing therapies, which typically focus on the ligand-binding domain. By selectively binding to the N-terminal domain, masofaniten aims to inhibit AR transcriptional activity and potentially overcome resistance mechanisms associated with current AR-targeted treatments.

ESSA Pharma is actively conducting clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of masofaniten. They are completing a Phase 1 open-label trial assessing masofaniten as a monotherapy for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) who have not responded to standard treatments. Additionally, they are conducting a Phase 1/2 trial to investigate the combination of masofaniten with enzalutamide in metastatic CRPC patients who have not yet received second-generation antiandrogen therapies. This dual approach underscores ESSA's commitment to advancing treatment options for prostate cancer by targeting the disease through innovative mechanisms that may enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Canada

ESSA’s initial focus is in the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a male hormone (androgen) driven malignancy, and six decades of drug development have resulted in continuous improvements in anti-androgen therapy. Yet resistance commonly develops to drugs.

ESSA had developed a new class of drugs, the “anitens”. These drugs interrupt androgen-driven biology in a novel manner and are active even in the setting of resistance to current anti-androgen therapies.

Cancer

Urogenital Diseases

ESSA Pharma

Prostate cancer

<p class="font_8"><strong>EPI-7386 is an investigational, highly-selective, oral, small molecule inhibitor of the N-terminal domain of the androgen receptor.</strong></p>

ESSA Pharma

Company Details