Lantern’s current portfolio consists of four drug candidates and an ADC program across 8 tumor targets, including two phase 2 programs. Lantern believes that the use of machine learning, genomics and computational methods can help accelerate the development and commercialization of small molecule-based therapies. These drugs can be targeted to patients whose genomic profile identifies them as having the highest probability of benefiting from the drug, thereby creating the potential to achieve better outcomes.
Mechanism of Action
LP-284, is a stereoisomer of LP-184 and a new chemical entity currently in early preclinical R&D stages. It is a distinct pharmaceutical agent with cancer cell-killing activity differing from LP-184 in terms of target indications, potency, metabolism, pharmacokinetics and toxicity. Its mechanism of action is likely related to DNA-damage and DNA-repair inhibition in cancer cells.
Background
LP-284 is a fully synthetic molecule belonging to the new generation of acylfulvenes, a family of naturally-derived anti-cancer drug candidates. It is currently being evaluated for activity in a spectrum of hematological cancers. Together with the work of collaborators, the roadmap to advancement of LP-284 to the clinic includes identification and validation of target indications, response gene signature development leading to IND-enabling pharmacokinetic profiling, tolerability and dose range finding studies followed by clinical protocol development.
Mechanism of Action
LP-184, or hydroxyureamethylacylfulvene, is a small molecule drug candidate currently in preclinical development. It is a next generation alkylating agent that preferentially damages DNA in cancer cells that overexpress certain biomarkers and is from the fulvene class of compounds.
Background
LP-184 is a promising member of a new generation of acylfulvenes, a family of naturally-derived anti-cancer drug candidates. In preclinical studies, LP-184 has shown significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity and substantially reduced toxicity as compared to earlier generation acylfulvenes. In addition, we have used our RADR™ platform together with the work of collaborators, to develop a patient-specific biomarker test predictive of LP-184’s efficacy. We plan on using this test to facilitate patient selection in our planned Phase 1 clinical trial for LP-184.
Mechanism of Action
LP-300, or Disodium 2,2’-dithio-bis-ethane sulfonate, is a small molecule entity with cysteine modifying activity on select proteins. LP-300 works to modulate multiple cellular pathways simultaneously and is a potential first-in-class combination agent indicated in NSCLC.LP-300 shows cysteine modifying activity on select proteins (ALK), and has shown that it modulates protein function (EGFR, MET, and ROS1). It also acts as a chemo-sensitizer for combination therapies by inactivating proteins that are modulating cellular redox status and drug resistance (TRX, GRX) and possesses chemoprotectant activity that reduces toxicities associated with Taxane / Platinum based chemotherapies.
Background
LP-300, originally branded as Tavocept®, is a molecular entity that we believe may be capable of ameliorating the toxic side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin. It also acts as a chemoenhancer and has been studied in multiple randomized, controlled, multi-center non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trials that included administration of either paclitaxel and cisplatin and/or docetaxel and cisplatin. Retrospective analyses of the results of a multi-country phase III lung cancer trial in subgroups of adenocarcinoma patients receiving LP-300, paclitaxel and cisplatin demonstrated substantial improvement in overall survival, particularly among female non-smokers, where a 13.6 month improvement in overall survival (p-value 0.0167, Hazard Ration 0.367) in favor of LP-300 was observed, as compared to placebo in the subgroup of paclitaxel/cisplatin-treated patients. We are focused on repositioning LP-300 as a potential combination therapy for non-smoking (or never-smoking) female NSCLC patients with histologically defined adenocarcinoma. Currently there is no approved therapy specifically for the growing indication of non-smokers (or never-smoking) with NSCLC, and female non-smokers appear to be uniquely responsive to LP-300. With both chemoprotective and chemosensitizing activity, LP-300 has potential as a combination agent or adjuvant in front line, second line or salvage therapy in newly diagnosed, relapsed, metastatic or advanced NSCLC for overall survival enhancement and toxicity alleviation from primary chemotherapy or standard of care.
Mechanism of Action
LP-100 or 6-hydroxymethylacylfulvene exploits cancer cells’ deficiency in DNA repair mechanisms. LP-100 shows multiple cytotoxic effects on tumor cell biology such as DNA adduct formation, RNA polymerase stalling and redox protein modification. It demonstrates enhanced sensitivity in DNA repair deficient (e.g. ERCC3 mutant or knockout) in vitro and in vivo models. LP-100 leads to rapid inhibition of DNA synthesis and induction of DNA damage. LP-100 is a monofunctional covalent DNA binder that inhibits DNA synthesis and replication, affects cell cycle and induces apoptosis. DNA repair of LP-100-induced lesions is mediated by components of the transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) pathway. LP-100 produces damage to DNA that can only be repaired by the TC-NER pathway.
Background
LP-100 was first developed by MGI Pharma and later in collaboration with global pharma company, Eisai. LP-100 has shown strong clinical anti-tumor activity against a 10-12% of patients with multidrug resistant advanced prostate cancer with notable resolution of bone metastases. Lantern’s process was to uncover a genomic signature that determines potential responders, develop suitable preclinical data, and successfully out-license it to Oncology Venture (a European Biotech) in 18 months. LP-100 is currently in an active phase II clinical trial in in AR-targeted and Docetaxel-pretreated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients.
