I've summarized the recent characterizations of the new candidate below...
HB - highly targeted, pan-inhibitor of oncogenic drivers [Nature Biotech Podcast 9/13]
HB - highly differentiated, challenging target, unmet need, well defined medical importance [JP Morgan]
TC - signaling kinase, in a class known to be driver of set of oncogenes in specific tumors [Leerink]
HB - class is well understood and clinically validated, but with a unique target product profile [2 Qtr EC]
(Hopefully RBC tomorrow and Cowen next Tues. will add color to the above)
Since Peter has convinced me the shelved, formerly the lead, compound is (most likely) the EGFRm candidate I've narrowed my new prediction to either MET/RON or Her2/Her3. I think HB's pan-inhibitor means targeting the kinase and known mutations as well as potentially alternate activated pathways such as PI3K for either above. This would be same strategy as '113, a pan-ALK inhibitor with alternate activity in secondary oncogene (albeit weak in the case of EGFRm) . My problem with KIT, PDGFR, VEGFR, FGFR, FLT3 or RET is why advance a candidate in late 2014 that diminishes Pona's potential. In a supposed shareholder value creating year this wouldn't make sense. I think the new candidate was expedited due to its marketable expansion of pipeline, lab expertise, and revenue potential.
Footnote: Interesting that HB stated [Nature Biotech Podcast in [Sept 2013] his personal goal of seeing next two candidates into clinical trials. To me this means the second candidate (3rd gen EGFRm) will not be far behind, likely by mid-2015. Since both candidates were described in late 2012 as progressing well both could be IND ready this year. |
