Dracen Pharmaceuticals is focused on developing innovative cancer therapies that leverage the concept of immuno-metabolism. Their lead candidate, sirpiglenastat (DRP-104), is a glutamine antagonist designed to irreversibly inhibit all known enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism. This unique mechanism aims to directly induce tumor cell apoptosis while simultaneously remodeling the tumor microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. The company’s approach targets "glutamine-addicted" tumors, which are particularly susceptible to this form of treatment, and aims to improve patient outcomes by increasing the efficacy of existing immuno-oncology therapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors.

The company is currently advancing sirpiglenastat through clinical trials, including a collaboration with Merck to evaluate its safety and efficacy in combination with KEYTRUDA for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Dracen's research emphasizes the dual role of their therapies in not only shrinking tumors but also in stimulating immune cell activity, thereby potentially leading to more durable responses and extended survival rates. This innovative approach positions Dracen Pharmaceuticals at the forefront of cancer treatment, addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology.

United States

Private biotech company leveraging immuno-metabolism to create a potential new treatment paradigm with broad application for many cancer types.

Dracen Pharmaceuticals

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