Targeted Immunotherapy for KRAS-Driven Cancers

Application

Targeted immunotherapy and companion biosensing approach for cancers harboring the KRASG12V mutation.

Key Benefits

  • First-in-class therapeutic strategy specifically designed for KRASG12V-positive cancers.
  • Addresses a significant unmet need in oncology where no approved KRASG12V-targeted therapies currently exist.
  • Restores the body’s natural immune response to improve tumor cell elimination.

Market Summary

KRAS mutations are among the most common cancer-driving alterations and are found across major tumor types, including lung, pancreatic, colorectal, and thyroid cancers. The KRASG12V mutation alone represents 85% of all cancer mutations, yet there are currently no approved drugs that directly address this mutation. With growing interest and investment in precision oncology and immunotherapy, there is a strong unmet need for mutation-specific therapies that can expand treatment options and improve patient outcomes for KRAS-driven cancers.

Technical Summary

Emory researchers have identified a previously unexploited interaction involving the KRASG12V mutant protein that plays a role in suppressing the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. By disrupting this interaction using a proprietary peptide-based inhibitor, the technology restores immune signaling and enhances cancel cell killing in KRASG12V-positive tumors. This approach introduces a new therapeutic target and modality for KRAS-mutant cancers and provides a foundation for developing next-generation immunotherapies with strong differentiation from existing oncology pipelines.

Development Stage

In vitro studies completed with co-culture data showing interaction between KRASG12V and JAK1.

Patent Information:
Title App Type Country Serial No. Patent No. File Date Issued Date Expire Date
KRAS Mutant Protein-Protein Interaction Targets And Inhibitors For Cancer Therapy Nationalized PCT - Foreign Canada 3,142,404   12/1/2021    
KRAS G12V Mutant Binds to JAK1, Inhibitors, Pharmaceutical Compositions, and Methods Related Thereto Nationalized PCT - United States United States 17/617,269   12/7/2021    
KRAS Mutant Protein-Protein Interaction Targets And Inhibitors For Cancer Therapy Nationalized PCT - Foreign EP 20818184.2   12/16/2021