Led by cancer research pioneers, MEKanistic introduces a breakthrough drug that more effectively shrinks tumors—with less toxicity in preclinical trials
This is the original company launch press release from June 2022. Development timelines referenced in this historical document have been updated as the company has progressed through IND-enabling studies and secured significant milestones including NCI NExT Program support (2023) and Nature Cancer publication (2024).
For current development status and updated timelines, please visit:
Clinical Progress Page |
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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Venture studio Invenshure announces the launch of MEKanistic Therapeutics, a biotechnology company redefining precision oncology. Co-inventors and pioneers in the MEK inhibitor field, Judith Sebolt-Leopold, PhD, and Christopher Whitehead, PhD, MBA, have rationally designed a drug that blocks two key pathways (EGFR and PI3K) used to signal cancer cell growth, with a single molecule. In preclinical studies, this first-in-class dual inhibitor shows unparalleled tumor shrinkage without the toxicity generally associated with current kinase inhibitors.
Co-inventor and pioneer in the MEK inhibitor field. Chief Scientific Officer at MEKanistic Therapeutics. Her groundbreaking research established the foundation for modern MEK inhibitor therapies.
Co-inventor with extensive expertise in kinase inhibitor development. Pfizer Global R&D veteran with deep experience in drug discovery and development.
"MEKanistic is using cutting edge computational tools to not only understand how these pathways work, but also design medications that perfectly fit within those sites to inhibit the spread of cancer. We have two unique advantages. First, our lead drug's expanded therapeutic window means dramatically reduced side effects for cancer patients. Second, when it's paired with existing cancer therapies, our drug makes them much more effective. We are excited to partner with Pfizer Global R&D veterans, Drs. Leopold and Whitehead to propel this important technology forward into clinical trials."
— Danny Cunagin, CEO of MEKanistic Therapeutics
MEKanistic will be launching a round of funding in the coming weeks to support the translation of our lead candidate (MTX-531) towards IND approval later this year with the anticipation of initiation of Phase 1 clinical trials in early 2023.
"MTX-531's initial application targets head and neck cancers with 900,000 cases worldwide per year. Ultimately, this drug has possible future applications for colon/rectal, esophageal, pancreatic, and some breast cancers. Our work could potentially impact millions of people each year."
— Dr. Judith Sebolt-Leopold, Chief Scientific Officer
First-in-class drug that blocks both EGFR and PI3K pathways with a single molecule—addressing the key drivers of cancer cell growth and resistance.
Dramatically reduced side effects compared to current kinase inhibitors, meaning better tolerability and quality of life for cancer patients.
When paired with existing cancer therapies, MTX-531 makes them significantly more effective—opening multiple commercial pathways.
Initial focus on head and neck cancers (900K cases/year), with applications for colorectal, esophageal, pancreatic, and breast cancers—potentially impacting millions annually.
Invenshure is a venture studio that scours university research labs for novel and disruptive technologies ready for commercialization. Invenshure partners with top scientists, physicians, and researchers from the most trusted institutions in healthcare and technology. The company focuses on high-growth sectors including biotech, genomics, healthcare IT, diagnostics, cloud computing technologies, and wireless technologies. For more information, visit invenshure.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam Becker, MEKanistic
612.200.3080
adambecker@mekanistic.com