Patients diagnosed with advanced liposarcoma (LPS) face a significant treatment challenge, as current chemotherapy approaches exhibit low response rates of only 25%, leading to a dismal overall survival at 5 years, ranging between 20% to 34%.

The Need

Despite extensive efforts, there has been no substantial improvement in prognosis for nearly two decades. The aggressive clinical behavior of LPS and its resistance to chemotherapy have been linked to the aberrant activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. However, existing attempts to target AKT clinically have not yielded successful outcomes. A critical need exists for a novel therapeutic technology that can effectively combat LPS by targeting AKT in a precise and efficient manner.

The Technology: Revolutionary IWS1 Inhibitors

Researchers at The Ohio State University have discovered how the phosphorylation of the transcription elongation factor IWS1 by AKT contributes to LPS tumor biology and have developed novel compounds designed to inhibit IWS1. By targeting IWS1, we aim to disrupt the AKT-mediated phosphorylation process that promotes the maintenance of cancer stem cells and contributes to a "metastable" cell phenotype characterized by mesenchymal/epithelial plasticity. This cutting-edge approach offers a promising solution to combat LPS progression and metastasis effectively.

Benefits/Advantages

• Enhanced Treatment Efficacy: By specifically targeting IWS1, our inhibitors have the potential to significantly improve response rates and overall survival in patients with advanced liposarcoma. This breakthrough approach may revolutionize LPS treatment and outcomes, providing a positive impact on patient lives.

• Reduced Side Effects: As our technology selectively targets the AKT pathway through IWS1 inhibition, it may lead to reduced off-target effects commonly associated with conventional chemotherapy. This ensures a more tolerable treatment experience for patients, enhancing their quality of life during therapy.

• Potential for Combination Therapies: Our IWS1 inhibitors open new possibilities for combination therapies, complementing existing treatment modalities and potentially enhancing their efficacy. The versatility of this technology allows for integration into comprehensive treatment strategies tailored to individual patients.