Therapeutic KCNK9 Antibody

Value Proposition

• First-in-Class Targeting of a Novel Oncogenic Ion Channel: Inhibiting KCNK9 represents a new therapeutic modality in cancers where traditional approaches
• Tumor-Specific Overexpression Enables Selectivity: KCNK9 is overexpressed in various tumors (e.g., breast, gastric, lung) but has limited expression in most normal tissues
• Pro-Apoptotic & Anti-Proliferative in Preclinical Models: Inhibition leads to membrane depolarization, cellular stress, and apoptosis, directly countering the oncogenic gain-of-function seen in tumors.

Unmet Need

The unmet need addressed by KCNK9 inhibitors is substantial, particularly in cancers where KCNK9 is overexpressed. This overexpression is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis, highlighting the potential impact of targeted therapies.

• Breast Cancer - overexpressed in approximately 40% of breast cancers
• Lung Cancer - Overexpression of KCNK9 is reported in approximately 30% of lung cancers.
• Ovarian Cancer - overexpressed in over 90% of ovarian tumors

Technology Description

Researchers at Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland and Kennedy Krieger Institute have developed the first specific and clinically translatable KCNK9 inhibitor. Researchers have been able to see results that show inhibition of cancer cell viability in itro, cancer xenograft growth and tumor metastasis in vivo. This method could be used to help selectively target tumors that overexpress KCNK9, disrupting cancer cell survival mechanisms.

Stage of Development:  Currently ready for corporate partnership.

Data Availability:  Data available upon request.

Related Technology:  C13386

Publication

1. US-2023-0220067 - Humanized antibodies directed against kcnk9