CAMBRIDGE, Md., April 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ConverGene has entered into a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Molecular Neuropharmacology Section (MNS) of The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health. Under this agreement, ConverGene will collaborate with Dr. David Sibley who is a world-renowned expert in dopamine receptors and their role in neuronal signaling. Together, the groups will optimize and develop novel antagonists of D2 dopamine receptors (D2R). These antagonists include ConverGene’s lead molecules in the CVG-101 series. It has been shown that D2Rs are over-expressed in several types of human cancer, including glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer, and that D2R inhibition is associated with anti-cancer activity. This work will expand the understanding of D2R pharmacology and signaling as it relates to oncology targets and help advance ConverGene’s lead drug molecules towards the clinic.
Dr. Jeff Strovel, PhD, President and CEO of ConverGene, commented, “Our CRADA with MNS enables ConverGene to work with NIH scientists at the cutting edge of understanding how D2R antagonists interact with cancer cells. We are excited to kick-off the collaboration with MNS and enhance our understanding of the mechanism of action of our first-in-class dual inhibitors and help them advance towards becoming unique drugs in the fight against cancer.”
Dr. David Sibley Chief of the Molecular Neuropharmacology Section added, “The use of D2R antagonists is an exciting development in cancer therapeutics and we look forward to working with ConverGene in characterizing the mechanism(s) of action of these agents.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
About ConverGene
ConverGene (www.convergenepharma.com) is a small molecule discovery company leveraging rational drug design. Our mission is to develop therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action for cancer patients with limited or no treatment options.
Our lead drug program, CVG-101, is a first-in-class, oral, small molecule inhibitor selective against BET proteins. CVG-101 contains multiple clinical candidates that exhibit dual activity, simultaneously inhibiting epigenetic processes within cancer cells as well as D2R which is a driver of proliferation and metastasis in cancer. We predict this drug will gain broad clinical usage due to its dual activity and potential to reduce the development of resistance.
ConverGene believes that its portfolio of intellectual property protects its product candidates and technologies. Opportunities to realize significant early value inflection points are available through strategic licensing of our drug candidates. For additional information on ConverGene, please visit its website at convergenepharma.com.
For more information please contact Dr. Elizabeth Smith, esmith@convergenepharma.com.