Oncology
Understanding and Fighting Cancer
Cancers are diseases where defects in the regulation of replication and cell death (or apoptosis) result in the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells. Broadly speaking, there are two avenues to attacking cancer. The first is to directly disrupt replication and the second is to target growth and survival signaling pathways. Either approach can arrest the growth of the cancer and result in a cytotoxic response wherein the cancer cells are killed.
Compounds in Development
Sunesis is engaged in developing therapeutics that interfere with replication and survival signaling of rapidly proliferating cells. Three Sunesis compounds are in clinical development. Vosaroxin causes cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis by interfering with the process of replication. We are exploring the activity of vosaroxin in Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancers and in acute myeloid leukemia. SNS-032 is also a cell-cycle inhibitor, and in addition targets survival signals that sustain the cancer. SNS-032 is in clinical development of multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. SNS-314 targets mitosis and triggers apoptosis. SNS-314 is in the initial stages of clinical study in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Collaboration Expands our Reach
Clinical development of oncology therapeutics is a concerted, multidisciplinary effort that leverages talent within Sunesis, as well as our academic and industry collaborators. As we advance our lead compound to late-stage clinical trials, we have established a clinical development leadership team with extensive product development and regulatory expertise. Our internal team is pleased to collaborate with leading oncology researchers as we leverage an in-depth understanding of each of our compounds to identify indications and rational combination strategies, and to recognize relationships between dose, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and clinical outcomes. These collaborative efforts support decision making and intelligent drug development to provide the greatest opportunity to benefit cancer patients with new treatment options.
