Tasca Therapeutics Doses First Patient in Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of CP-383 for Advanced Solid Tumors
Tasca Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing targeted therapies for genetically defined cancers, announced today that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 1/2 clinical trial of CP-383, the company’s lead drug candidate. The initiation of patient dosing marks a critical step in translating it’s innovative preclinical science into potential real-world benefits for cancer patients.
A First-in-Class Small Molecule Candidate
CP-383 is a first-in-class small molecule engineered to modulate a central oncogenic signaling pathway implicated in the growth and survival of multiple tumor types. Many cancers driven by genetic mutations develop resistance to currently available therapies, leaving patients with few treatment options. Preclinical research has shown that CP-383 exerts robust anti-tumor activity across a diverse set of tumor models, including cancers known to respond poorly to existing treatments.
The drug was discovered and developed using it’s proprietary drug discovery auto-palmitoylation platform. This platform integrates pathway biology, structure-based drug design, and precision oncology strategies, allowing the company to tackle previously “undruggable” cancer targets. By focusing on auto-palmitoylation, a key regulatory mechanism of certain oncogenic proteins, it has opened up a new avenue in cancer drug development.
Leadership Perspective
Dr. Milenko Cicmil, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tasca Therapeutics, underscored the importance of this milestone:
The dosing of the first patient with CP-383 is a major milestone for Tasca and a testament to the innovation and dedication of our team. CP-383 is a highly differentiated small molecule that targets a key pathway implicated in multiple difficult-to-treat cancers. We are looking forward to rapidly enrolling this study and beginning to define the clinical profile of this novel, targeted oncology candidate.”
About the Phase 1/2 Trial
The ongoing trial is a multi-center, open-label Phase 1/2 study designed to evaluate CP-383 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The study is structured in two key stages:
- Phase 1 (Dose Escalation): This stage will determine the safety, tolerability, and optimal dosing regimen of CP-383 while also assessing its pharmacokinetic profile.
- Phase 2 (Dose Expansion): Following the identification of a recommended dose, the trial will expand into biomarker-enriched cohorts, allowing to test CP-383’s clinical activity in genetically defined subsets of patients.
By incorporating biomarker-driven enrollment, it aims to accelerate the development of CP-383 as a precision therapy, potentially enabling more effective and targeted treatment strategies for patients who are most likely to benefit.
Strategic Financing to Support Clinical Growth
Alongside the clinical progress, Tasca announced the second closing of its $67 million Series A financing round, underscoring strong investor confidence in its scientific platform and pipeline. This financing round attracted new participation from 8VC, a leading venture capital firm with deep expertise in biotechnology and life sciences.
The inclusion of 8VC strengthens it’s investor base, which already includes major life sciences backers. As previously disclosed, the Series A financing was co-led by Regeneron Ventures and Cure Ventures, with additional support from Invus Group. The funding provides Tasca with the necessary resources to advance CP-383 through early clinical development and continue expanding its discovery platform.
Investor Endorsement
We are thrilled to support it’s clinical development of CP-383. The discovery of a druggable auto-palmitoylation pocket represents a breakthrough in targeting previously intractable cancer drivers. We believe Tasca’s team, platform, and mechanistic insight into oncogenic signaling have the potential to reshape the treatment landscape for genetically defined cancers. We’re excited to join backing their vision to dramatically improve the lives of cancer patients.”
About Tasca Therapeutics
Tasca Therapeutics is a biotechnology company utilizing its proprietary auto-palmitoylation platform to advance precision therapies for patients with high unmet medical needs in oncology. Leveraging deep expertise in tumor biology and drug design, Tasca is building a pipeline of novel therapeutics that target genetically and functionally validated cancer drivers. Learn more at Tasca Therapeutics
