Trethera Secures Major NIH Funding to Fight Prostate Cancer

In a significant breakthrough, Trethera Corporation has been awarded a substantial $2.3 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding will propel the exploration of TRE-515, Trethera’s pioneering drug candidate, in combination with radiation therapy, targeting metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)—a dire condition that sadly claims the lives of 70% of its victims within five years of diagnosis.

A Strategic Move Towards Innovation

Dr. Ken Schultz, Chairman and CEO of Trethera, expressed excitement over the grant, emphasizing its importance: "This NIH funding solidifies our momentum in prostate cancer research, particularly following our recent FDA Fast Track designation. Such dual recognitions are uncommon and validate our scientific approach and observations." He highlighted that combining TRE-515 with precision-guided radiation therapies could exploit critical vulnerabilities in cancer cells, ultimately aiming to extend the lives of patients who currently have scant options.

How TRE-515 Works Its Magic

TRE-515 operates by inhibiting deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), a vital enzyme necessary for the nucleoside salvage pathway—essential for the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. By blocking this pathway, TRE-515 denies cancer cells the DNA building blocks they need to proliferate. Coupling it with radiation therapy further weakens the cancer cells’ ability to recover from DNA damage.

A Glimmer of Hope for Prostate Cancer Patients

With prostate cancer affecting 1.5 million men globally each year, resulting in over 40,000 deaths annually, the stakes are incredibly high. Despite advances in FDA-approved targeted radiation therapies for mCRPC, only 29.8% of patients experience significant improvement, leaving a troubling 70% with limited treatment benefits, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapies like TRE-515.

Experts Weigh In on the Potential of TRE-515

Dr. Michael Shepard, part of Trethera's Scientific Advisory Board and a distinguished Lasker Prize Laureate, stated, "Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, particularly once the disease becomes resistant and metastatic. A revolutionary treatment like TRE-515 combined with radiation therapy could potentially redefine our approach to this devastating illness."

Promising Preliminary Data Supports Development

In their evaluation, the NIH peer review panel noted, "Strong preliminary data suggests TRE-515 is an effective dCK inhibitor… combining it with radiation holds promise for preventing resistance and could broaden applications for a variety of cancers with significant commercial potential." Furthermore, it has demonstrated a commendable safety profile in early trials, paving the way for future research.

About Trethera: A Pioneer in Cancer Treatment

Trethera Corporation, founded by leading scientists from UCLA, is at the cutting edge of biopharmaceutical innovation, dedicated to developing novel therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancers. With TRE-515 at the helm of their research efforts, Trethera is championing a new frontier in cancer treatment, aimed at transforming outcomes for patients worldwide.