A novel AhR inhibitor ‘DA-4505’ improved the anti-cancer efficacy of surgical and chemotherapy via synergistic anti-tumor effects of aPD-1 (AACR 2023)
Here, we propose that a best-in-class AhR inhibitor, DA-4505, improves anti-tumor efficacy via modulation of tumor immune surveillance compared to BAY2416964, an AHR antagonist drug candidate being studied in the clinical phase. To evaluate anti-tumor effects of DA-4505 and BAY2416964, the two AhR inhibitors were dosed at 10 mg/kg once daily alone or in combination with aPD-1 (10 mg/kg) in surgical and chemotherapy models, and a PDX model (YHIM2004)...A tumor reduction was shown by treating DA-4505 alone or in combination with pembrolizumab compared to vehicle group (P<0.05)... The AhR inhibitor DA-4505 demonstrated an improvement in anti-tumor efficacy. In addition, it has shown a synergistic effect when combined with aPD-1. Discoveries from this study provide a preclinical rationale for future clinical implications in solid tumor.