Description:
Malignant melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer and accounts for almost 80% of skin cancer deaths. About 60% of melanomas have a mutation in the BRAF oncogene at V600E. The FDA recently approved (January 2014) the combination of a BRAF inhibitor (Dabrafenib) and a MEK 1/2 inhibitor (Trametinib) to treat this type of melanoma. A problem with this therapy has been the development of cell resistance and and back acquired resistance in many patients. This invention has provided a novel drug combination to overcome this resistance.
Reference Number: D-1099
Market Applications:
Features, Benefits, & Advantages:
This research has determined that Mcl-1 is over expressed with the treatment of both BRAF Inhibitors and/or MEK 1/2 inhibitors. The addition of a Mcl-1 inhibitor to the combination therapy prevents cells from becoming resistant to treatment and will also revert back acquired resistance. This invention provides a novel drug combination which would not only overcome BRAF inhibitor resistance but also improve overall treatment of late stage malignant melanoma.
• Preventing resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors
• Reverting resistance in cancer cells
• May prevent resistance for any inhibitor that targets the MAPK pathway
Intellectual Property:
A U.S. provisional patent, 62/026,970 was filed on 07/21/2014.
Development Stage:
This technology is part of active and ongoing research program.
Researchers:
Sanjay Srivastava, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo
Neel Fofaria, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo
Keywords:
BRAF, B-Raf inhibitors, MEK inhbitors, Mcl-1 inhibitors, BRAF inhibitor resistance, Dabrafenib, Trametinib, Vemurafenib, Melanoma, Combination therapy