amcure: Reimagining angiogenesis

amcure GmbH is developing peptide-based inhibitors of CD44v6, a tumor-specific co-receptor of tyrosine kinases including VEGFR-2 and c-Met. The approach could allow for higher dosing with fewer side effects than direct-acting tyrosine kinase inhibitors, while beating back the formation of metastases.

According to CEO Matthias Klaften, the peptide drug candidates that target splice variant v6 of CD44 (CD44v6) show a "really astonishing effect on the formation of metastases" plus regression of already established metastases. "We do also see a very strong effect on the primary tumor."...