Breakthrough Cancer Therapy Halts Tumor Growth
Breakthrough Cancer Therapy Halts Tumor Growth
Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and Vividion Therapeutics have developed a novel therapy that stops cancer growth without harming healthy cells. This innovative treatment targets the interaction between the RAS protein and the enzyme PI3K, which is essential for tumor cell proliferation. Unlike previous approaches, it selectively blocks the cancer-driving signals while preserving normal cellular functions, reducing harmful side effects.
Innovative Mechanism and Preclinical Success
The new compound prevents RAS from binding PI3K, a key step in cancer cell signaling, without disrupting PI3K's other roles in healthy cells. In preclinical tests on mice with RAS- and HER2-mutated tumors, the therapy effectively halted tumor progression and showed no signs of elevated blood sugar or other adverse effects. Combining this compound with additional drugs enhanced and prolonged tumor suppression, demonstrating promising synergy.
Path to Clinical Application
Currently entering its first human clinical trial, this therapy represents a major advance in precision oncology. If successful, it could offer safer, more effective treatments for many cancers driven by RAS and HER2 mutations, improving patient outcomes while minimizing toxicity. This breakthrough exemplifies how targeted molecular strategies can revolutionize cancer care.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Francis Crick Institute
The **Francis Crick Institute** is a leading biomedical research center in London focused on understanding the fundamental biology underpinning human health to improve disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It operates as an independent charity and houses over 1,500 scientists working in multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation across biomedical and physical sciences[1][2][3]. Founded legally in 2015, the institute emerged from the strategic partnership and integration of major UK research entities: the Medical Research Council’s National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Cancer Research UK's London Research Institute (LRI), the Wellcome Trust, University College London (UCL), King's College London, and Imperial College London. This collaboration aimed to create a new kind of research institute that goes beyond traditional structures by integrating physical, clinical, and biomedical sciences to foster breakthroughs in human biology and disease[2]. The Crick’s iconic building was completed and opened in 2016 by Queen Elizabeth II, marking a new era for UK biomedical research. The institute’s vision is to be a global leader in discovery science with a focus on "discovery without boundaries," encouraging open collaboration and innovation. Its research strategy emphasizes breakthrough science that can translate into health and economic benefits for the UK, positioning it as both a scientific and economic asset[1][3]. Notable achievements include pioneering work in molecular biology, genetics, and immunology, which contribute to understanding complex diseases such as cancer and infectious illnesses. The Crick also fosters a progressive workplace culture, demonstrated by high staff engagement (84% engagement score) achieved through inclusive communication and initiatives that align with staff values, such as sustainability-linked incentives[4]. Overall, the Francis Crick Institute represents a bold, multidisciplinary approach to biomedical research, combining government, charity, and academic resources to accelerate discovery and improve global health outcomes while supporting economic growth in the UK’s life sciences sector[1][2][4].
Vividion Therapeutics
Vividion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics, particularly targeting traditionally undruggable proteins implicated in cancer and immune disorders. Founded on groundbreaking research from The Scripps Research Institute, where scientists including Professors Ben Cravatt, Phil Baran, and Jin-Quan Yu demonstrated the use of covalent fragments to irreversibly bind shallow protein pockets, Vividion pioneers a "covalent-first" chemoproteomics platform. This innovative technology enables the identification of hundreds of previously unknown functional pockets on validated disease-related proteins, expanding the scope of druggable targets beyond conventional methods[1][2][3][4]. Operating as a wholly owned yet independently managed subsidiary of Bayer AG, Vividion integrates its proprietary drug discovery platform with a full spectrum of drug development capabilities, from early screening to clinical trials. The company’s mission centers on transforming patient care globally through novel small molecule therapeutics, driven by scientific curiosity and innovation[1][2][4]. Since its inception, Vividion has secured significant venture capital funding, including a $45 million Series A and over $200 million across subsequent rounds supported by leading investors such as ARCH Venture Partners, Celgene Corporation, and SoftBank Investment Advisers. It also established a $101 million strategic collaboration with Celgene to develop first-in-class therapeutics focusing initially on oncology and inflammation[3]. Vividion’s drug candidates, emerging from its chemoproteomic platform, are currently advancing in clinical trials, underscoring its commitment to addressing major unmet medical needs. The company recently expanded with a new global research and development center, further positioning itself at the forefront of small molecule drug discovery innovation[2]. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Vividion Therapeutics exemplifies a cutting-edge biotech enterprise that blends pioneering science with strategic partnerships to unlock the therapeutic potential of the human proteome previously deemed unreachable by traditional drug discover
