Dracen announces two DRP-104 presentations at AACR

NEW YORK, June 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Dracen Pharmaceuticals Inc., announced today that two posters profiling its lead glutamine antagonist, DRP-104, will be presented June 22-24 during the American Association for Cancer Research Virtual meeting. One poster describes the immuno-metabolism and anti-cancer effects of DRP-104; and, the other profiles the potent, consistent single agent activity in KEAP1 mutant tumor models of NSCLC.

"As our lead asset DRP-104 advances in phase I clinical development, our preclinical data continues to confirm its promising profile both as a single agent and in combination therapy" said Robert Wild, Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer of Dracen Pharmaceuticals. "The data being presented at AACR demonstrates that DRP-104 has a significant direct effect on tumors as well as profound remodeling of the tumor microenvironment; the latter leading to stimulation of both the innate as well as the adaptive immune systems resulting in therapeutic synergy with checkpoint inhibitors. Additionally, DRP-104 has demonstrated potent and broad antitumor activity in both murine and patient derived lung adenocarcinoma and squamous tumor models with KEAP1 mutations. The data suggests that DRP-104 is a promising therapy to treat KEAP1 mutant lung cancers and we are excited about advancing this promising compound in the clinic."

The presentation details are as follows:

Broad Acting Glutamine Antagonism Remodels the Tumor Microenvironment; Induces Distinctive Immune Modulation; and, Synergizes with Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Abstract Date: June 22nd at 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Abstract ID: 5607

Uncovering metabolic bottlenecks in KEAP1 mutant lung cancer
Abstract Date: June 22nd at 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Abstract ID: 2569

About DRP-104
Our lead glutamine antagonist, DRP -104, is currently in early stage clinical development. The mechanisms of action for DRP-104 include: a) direct inhibition of tumor cell addiction to glutamine leading to substantial single agent activity and tumor regression; b) broad metabolic remodeling of the tumor microenvironment leading to enhanced anti-tumor immune activity; and, c) stimulation of T effector, NK and NKT cells and inhibition of immunosuppressive MDSC and macrophage cells, leading to greater long-term durable responses and survival.

About Dracen Pharmaceuticals
Dracen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately held biotech company developing proprietary anti-cancer drugs that target immuno-metabolism. Dracen's investors include Deerfield Management; Osage University Partners; and The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (IOCB Prague). Dracen is headquartered in New York, NY with research operations in San Diego, CA.

SOURCE Dracen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.