Astex parades technology in San Diego

Astex is dedicated to the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics for oncology and diseases of the central nervous system.

ASTX295 is an oral, potent inhibitor of the p53-MDM2 protein-protein interaction that was discovered by Astex using its proprietary structure-based drug design approach.

The compound was specifically designed to overcome the on-target toxicity seen in the first generation MDM2 antagonist compounds which have shown dose-limiting haematological toxicities in the clinic.

In contrast, ASTX295 is a potent MDM2 antagonist with a clean CYP/hERG profile and a shorter human half-life allowing for pulsatile pathway modulation while avoiding myelosuppression.

ASTX295 therefore has bone-marrow sparing characteristics which permit a differentiated safety profile to be presented at AACR. Astex is interested in discussing the further development of ASTX295 with potential partners.

Astex is developing a proprietary pipeline of novel therapies and has a number of partnered products being developed under collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., based in Tokyo.