Shuttle Pharma’s Selective HDAC Inhibitor Exhibits ATM Activation and Modulation of ER Expression Resulting in Substantial Growth Inhibition of Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer Cells, as Reported in PLOS ONE
Shuttle Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHPH) has announced the publication of a manuscript in PLOS ONE detailing the effectiveness of their pre-clinical HDAC inhibitor asset, SP-1-303. The study shows that SP-1-303 activates ATM protein and modulates estrogen receptor expression, resulting in significant growth inhibition of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells (ER + BC).
SP-1-303, developed in Shuttle Pharma's laboratories, is a selective Class I HDAC inhibitor that targets HDAC1, 3, and 6. It demonstrates direct cellular toxicity in ER + BC and increases PD-L1 expression, suggesting potential for combination therapy with immune checkpoint blockers. The research, conducted by Dr. Mira Jung and Dr. Scott Grindrod, highlights SP-1-303's promising therapeutic approach for treating ER + breast cancers.
- Publication of research in peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE, increasing scientific credibility
- SP-1-303 shows significant growth inhibition of ER + breast cancer cells
- Potential for combination therapy with immune checkpoint blockers due to increased PD-L1 expression
- Selective targeting of Class I HDACs and ATM offers a promising therapeutic approach
- SP-1-303 is still in pre-clinical stage, indicating a long path to potential commercialization
- No mention of financial implications or timeline for further development
Insights
The breakthrough reported by Shuttle Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. focuses on the impact of their HDAC inhibitor, SP-1-303, which showcases promising pre-clinical results in inhibiting the growth of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells (ER + BC). An Oncology Doctor would note that targeting HDACs, particularly Class I, as well as ATM activation, presents an innovative approach in cancer therapeutics. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that play a significant role in modifying the expression of genes involved in cancer proliferation. By inhibiting HDAC1, 3 and 6, SP-1-303 appears to disrupt the regulatory mechanisms within cancer cells, leading to their growth inhibition. Importantly, the reported increase in PD-L1 expression suggests potential synergies when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially enhancing the therapeutic benefits via an improved immune response.
These findings are promising for future clinical applications, especially for patients with ER + BC who may benefit from a more targeted and effective treatment with minimal damage to surrounding normal cells. However, further clinical trials are essential to validate these pre-clinical results and to ensure safety and efficacy in a clinical setting.
The publication in PLOS ONE regarding SP-1-303 from Shuttle Pharmaceuticals underlines a notable advancement in the pre-clinical phase of drug development. From a research perspective, activating the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM) while modulating estrogen receptor expression to inhibit cancer cell growth is particularly insightful. ATM activation is associated with the DNA repair process and its role in enhancing cancer cell sensitivity to radiation could provide a dual benefit in treatment involving radiation therapy. The combination approach of using SP-1-303 with existing treatment modalities, such as immune checkpoint blockers, could potentially elevate the effectiveness of cancer therapies.
For investors, the progress of SP-1-303 represents a speculative yet potentially high-reward opportunity. The transition from pre-clinical to clinical phases will be critical and closely monitored. Given the competitive nature of cancer therapies, Shuttle Pharmaceuticals' ability to demonstrate robust clinical data and secure regulatory approvals will determine the long-term financial prospects of this asset.
GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shuttle Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHPH), (“Shuttle Pharma”), a discovery and development stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on improving outcomes for cancer patients treated with radiation therapy (RT), today announced the publication of a manuscript reporting on the ability of one of the Company’s HDAC inhibitor pre-clinical assets, SP-1-303, which exhibits ataxia-telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM) activation and modulation of estrogen receptor expression resulting in substantial growth inhibition of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells (ER + BC).
The published manuscript, titled "Dual-targeting class I HDAC inhibitor and ATM activator, SP-1-303, preferentially inhibits estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cell growth,” reports the work of Dr. Mira Jung, Professor of Radiation Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center, and Dr. Scott Grindrod, Shuttle Pharma’s Principal Scientist, and was published in PLOS ONE, a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Public Library of Science (PLOS).
SP-1-303, initially discovered and synthesized in Shuttle Pharma’s laboratories by Dr. Grindrod, is one of the Company’s pre-clinical selective Class I HDAC inhibitors. Histone deacetylase inhibitors sensitize cancers to the effects of radiation, protect normal tissues from radiation injury and activate the immune system. SP-1-303 is a selective Class I HDAC inhibitor that inhibits HDAC1, 3 and 6 and has direct cellular toxicity in ER + BC. Furthermore, SP-1-303 increases the PD-L1 expression level in a time-dependent manner, supporting combination of SP-1-303 with an immune checkpoint blocker to enhance the therapeutic benefits.
“Inhibition of cancer cell growth with little effect on surrounding normal cells is the desired strategy for treatment of cancers,” commented Anatoly Dritschilo, M.D., CEO of Shuttle Pharmaceuticals and a co-author of the report. “The report highlights to the scientific and financial community how combined targeting of Class I HDACs and ATM by SP-1-303 offers a promising therapeutic approach for treating estrogen receptor positive breast cancers and supports further preclinical evaluation as a potential therapeutic agent.”
A copy of the publication is available at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0306168#sec018
About Shuttle Pharmaceuticals
Founded in 2012 by faculty members of the Georgetown University Medical Center, Shuttle Pharma is a discovery and development stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on improving the outcomes for cancer patients treated with radiation therapy (RT). Our mission is to improve the lives of cancer patients by developing therapies that are designed to maximize the effectiveness of RT while limiting the side effects of radiation in cancer treatment. Although RT is a proven modality for treating cancers, by developing radiation sensitizers, we aim to increase cancer cure rates, prolong patient survival and improve quality of life when used as a primary treatment or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. For more information, please visit our website at www.shuttlepharma.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the development of our company. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Shuttle Pharma’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2024, as well other SEC filings. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by federal securities laws, Shuttle Pharmaceuticals specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Shuttle Pharmaceuticals
Anatoly Dritschilo, M.D., CEO
240-403-4212
info@shuttlepharma.com
Investor Contacts
Lytham Partners, LLC
Robert Blum
602-889-9700
shph@lythampartners.com
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