RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Nov. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — G1 Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:GTHX), a clinical-stage oncology company, announced the publication “CDK4/6 Inhibition Augments Anti-Tumor Immunity by Enhancing T Cell Activation,” is available online in the journal Cancer Discovery.
The research, conducted in collaboration with leading academic cancer centers, demonstrates that transient inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) with trilaciclib (and other selective CDK4/6 inhibitors) activates effector T cells and enhances anti-tumor immunity in preclinical models. While chronic exposure to CDK4/6 inhibitors can block T cell proliferation, in vivo studies showed that short-term exposure to CDK4/6 inhibitors results in increased T cell recruitment and enhanced effector cell function in tumors, which significantly augments anti-tumor efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors.
“This research reinforces our hypothesis that transient inhibition of CDK4/6 is critical for enhancing anti-tumor immunity,” said Mark Velleca, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of G1. “We’re excited about the findings, which further support our rationale for combining trilaciclib with chemotherapy, as well as checkpoint inhibitors.”
“We believe that the addition of trilaciclib to chemotherapy/checkpoint combinations will not only preserve immune system function, but will also directly enhance effector T cell activity,” added Raj Malik, MD, Chief Medical Officer of G1. “Trilaciclib, the only short-acting, intravenous CDK4/6 inhibitor in development, is currently being tested in four Phase 2 trials, including a study in small-cell lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and Tecentriq®, with or without trilaciclib (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03041311).”
About G1 Therapeutics, Inc.
G1 Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. G1’s two clinical assets, trilaciclib and G1T38, are CDK4/6 inhibitors, a validated and promising class of targets for anti-cancer therapeutics. Trilaciclib and G1T38 have broad therapeutic potential in many forms of cancer and may serve as the backbone of multiple combination regimens. In addition, G1 is advancing G1T48, a potential first/best-in-class oral selective estrogen receptor degrader, or SERD, which is targeted for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer.
G1 is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C. For additional information about G1, please visit www.g1therapeutics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the therapeutic potential of trilaciclib, G1T38 and G1T48, and are based on G1 Therapeutics’ expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause G1 Therapeutics’ actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in G1 Therapeutics’ filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” sections contained therein and include, but are not limited to, the inherent uncertainties associated with developing new products or technologies and operating as a development-stage company; G1’s ability to complete clinical trials for, obtain approvals for, and commercialize any of its product candidates; G1’s ability to recruit and enroll patients in our studies; competition in the industry in which we operate; and market conditions. Except as required by law, G1 Therapeutics assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available.
Contacts:
Investors:
Robert Uhl
Westwicke Partners
858-356-5932
robert.uhl@westwicke.com
Media:
Sarah Hall
6 Degrees Communications
215-313-5638
shall@6degreespr.com
