We have assembled one of the deepest RAS/MAPK pathway-focused pipelines in the industry, consisting of modality-agnostic programs aligned with our three therapeutic strategies of: (1) targeting key upstream and downstream signaling nodes in the RAS/MAPK pathway; (2) targeting RAS directly; and (3) targeting escape routes that emerge in response to treatment. The target breadth and molecular diversity represented in our pipeline enable us to pursue a systematic, data-driven clinical development effort to identify single agent and combination approaches with the goal of prolonging survival in a wide range of patient populations with high unmet needs.
Our RAS-targeting franchise is advancing molecules that potently and selectively bind oncogenic RAS alterations (e.g., G12X, G13X +/- Q61X) and block activation of wildtype RAS isoforms that mediate tumor resistance. These molecules prevent RAS-mediated signaling either by preventing RAS from binding to downstream effector proteins by forming a RAS-Cyclophilin A protein complex (as in the case of ERAS-0015) or by locking KRAS in the inactive GDP-bound state (as in the case of ERAS-4001). In preclinical studies that included contemporaneous side-by-side comparisons, ERAS-0015 demonstrated 5- to 10-fold greater in vitro and in vivo potency and favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties and pharmacokinetic (PK) performance in animal species over another pan-RAS molecular glue in development. ERAS-4001 is a potent and selective inhibitor of KRAS that has the potential to provide an improved therapeutic window over RAS inhibitors and prevent KRAS wildtype-mediated resistance over mutant-selective approaches. ERAS-0015 and ERAS-4001 are being evaluated in the clinic in patients with (K)RASm solid tumors.
Naporafenib is a potential first-in-class pan-RAF kinase inhibitor (with high potency and selectivity against BRAF and CRAF), and has been studied in over 600 patients to date. We are evaluating the molecule in the clinic in patients with NRASm melanoma, and indication where it has already shown promising clinical proof of concept. In addition, we are exploring various combinations with other programs in our pipeline to target other RAS/MAPK pathway-driven tumors.
Inhibition of wildtype EGFR signaling mediated by overexpression of EGFR has shown promise in treating various tumors, including HNSCC and CRC. In tumors where overexpression of EGFR is thought to be the primary driver of EGFR signaling, an antibody-based approach is the most effective way to target the receptor, and approved antibodies have demonstrated good tolerability as well as activity by inhibiting EGFR activation and mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), a process by which the antibody alerts the immune system to attack the bound tumor cell. However, all approved anti-EGFR antibodies target domain III (D3) only, which is the inactive conformation of wildtype EGFR, and no approved antibodies target domain II (D2), which is the active, ligand binding, conformation of wildtype EGFR. Antibodies targeting D2 are expected to be more effective when epidermal growth factor (EGF) or other members of the EGF family are overexpressed. We are developing a bispecific antibody that is active against both the inactive and active conformations of wildtype EGFR.
Erasca is in the process of initiating a number of clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of our therapeutic candidates—as monotherapy and in combination regimens—across a range of tumor types.
As an oncology healthcare professional, should you have a patient who may be interested in participating in such a clinical trial, consult the list below of our clinical trials currently open for enrollment—for eligibility criteria and further details. Your interest and participation is critical to the success of these trials and is instrumental in the development of desperately needed new medicines with the potential to benefit many people with cancer.
For any questions about our clinical trials, please contact us via email at clinicaltrials@erasca.com.