Abstract 4512: Discovery of highly potent, selective, and orally bioavailable IKZF2 degrader and its anti-tumor activity in syngeneic mouse models

Abstract

Abstract Molecular glue degraders (MGDs) are emerging as innovative therapeutic modalities, owing to their efficacy in targeting previously undruggable targets. MGDs induce close proximity between the target protein and E3 ligase, resulting in the degradation of the target protein. In the wake of the remarkable success of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, various approaches to modulate the activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) activity have been explored. Tregs represent the primary immune suppressor and significantly impede antitumor immune responses. IKZF2, a marker of stable suppressive Treg, is essential for maintaining the stable Treg cell phenotype. Depletion of IKZF2 can induce a transition from Treg to effector T cell (Teff) phenotypes, thereby enhancing anti-tumor responses. Leveraging an Immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), Novartis has developed the IKZF2 degrader DKY709, which is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials, both as a monotherapy and in combination with a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor. In this presentation, we present the preclinical results of the best-in-class IKZF2 degrader, PRT-101. PRT-101 elicits rapid and robust degradation of IKZF2, demonstrating subnanomolar DC50 and achieving 100% Dmax in a proteasome- and CRBN-dependent manner. However, PRT-101 does not induce the degradation of well-known neosubstrates, including IKZF1, IKZF3, SALL4, and CK1a. Global proteomic analysis reveals that PRT-101 exclusively facilitates IKZF2 degradation. The degradation of IKZF2 by PRT-101results in an increase in IL-2 secretion, a marker of T effector function. Furthermore, oral administration of PRT-101 exhibits excellent pharmacokinetics, concurrent with IKZF2 degradation, yielding superior anti-tumor effects compared to DKY709 in the MC38 mouse syngeneic model. In conclusion, our findings underscore the potential of the novel IKZF2 degrader as a promising immuno-oncology target for the treatment of solid tumors. Citation Format: Seulki Park, Jeong Hee Moon, Gaseul Lee, Hyun Jin Kim, Jeong-Hoon Kim, Jong Yeon Hwang. Discovery of highly potent, selective, and orally bioavailable IKZF2 degrader and its anti-tumor activity in syngeneic mouse models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4512.