ORIC Pharmaceuticals Announces Multiple Presentations at the 2024 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting

Rhea-AI Summary

ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announces multiple abstracts accepted for presentation at the 2024 AACR Annual Meeting. ORIC-944, a potent PRC2 inhibitor, shows promise in prostate cancer treatment. ORIC-613, a PLK4 inhibitor, demonstrates synthetic lethality in TRIM37-high cancer models.

Oncology Medical Research Analyst

The recent announcement by ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. regarding the acceptance of multiple abstracts for presentation at the AACR Annual Meeting is significant within the field of oncology drug development. The focus on ORIC-944, described as a potent and selective allosteric inhibitor of PRC2, highlights the ongoing efforts to target therapeutic resistance in prostate cancer. PRC2, or Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, plays a critical role in gene silencing and is implicated in cancer progression. The reported synergy of ORIC-944 with androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors could represent a substantial advancement in combination therapies for prostate cancer, particularly for patients exhibiting resistance to current AR-targeted treatments.

Furthermore, the development of ORIC-613 as a PLK4 inhibitor, with a unique mechanism of synthetic lethality in TRIM37 high cancer models, introduces a novel approach to targeting specific genetic vulnerabilities in cancer cells. Synthetic lethality occurs when the simultaneous impairment of two genes results in cell death, whereas impairment of only one of these genes does not. This strategy could be particularly effective in personalized medicine, targeting tumors with specific genetic profiles such as high TRIM37 expression. The potential cross-cancer application, with a notable prevalence in breast cancer, broadens the impact of this research.

For investors and stakeholders, these developments may signal a positive trajectory in ORIC Pharmaceuticals' pipeline, potentially leading to new treatment options and an expansion of the company's market presence in oncology therapeutics. However, it is essential to consider that these findings are preclinical and the success of these candidates in clinical trials is yet to be determined.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, the announcement from ORIC Pharmaceuticals could have a significant impact on the company's valuation and investor interest. The oncology market is highly competitive, with a constant demand for innovative treatments that can address drug resistance—a major challenge in cancer therapy. ORIC Pharmaceuticals' focus on developing best-in-class treatments positions them well within this space, especially if ORIC-944 and ORIC-613 continue to demonstrate efficacy in clinical trials. The company's strategy to present their research at a prestigious conference like AACR also allows for increased visibility among potential partners and investors.

It is important for investors to monitor the progression of these compounds through the clinical pipeline, as positive data could lead to partnerships, licensing deals, or even acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies. Conversely, any setbacks in development could have a negative impact on the company's market performance. The specificity of ORIC-613's mechanism against TRIM37-high tumors could also open niche market opportunities, potentially allowing for premium pricing if the compound reaches the market.

While these developments are promising, the actual market impact will depend on clinical trial outcomes, regulatory approvals and the ability to successfully commercialize the treatments. The long-term success will also hinge on the competitive landscape, including the emergence of alternative therapies and changes in treatment protocols.

Financial Analyst

Analyzing the financial implications of ORIC Pharmaceuticals' recent announcement requires a nuanced understanding of the drug development process and the associated costs. The transition from preclinical to clinical stages often involves a significant increase in investment, as clinical trials are resource-intensive. The potential for ORIC-944 and ORIC-613 to address unmet needs in prostate and breast cancer therapy, respectively, could justify these investments if the compounds demonstrate safety and efficacy in human trials.

Investors should evaluate the company's cash flow, research and development expenses and funding strategies to sustain these projects through to commercialization. The acceptance of abstracts at a major conference can sometimes lead to a short-term positive reaction in stock prices due to increased investor optimism. However, the long-term value will be determined by the successful navigation of clinical trials and regulatory pathways.

Given that the pharmaceutical industry is subject to stringent regulatory requirements, any delays or issues with clinical trials could impact the company's financial projections and timelines. It is also critical to assess the intellectual property portfolio of ORIC Pharmaceuticals, as patents and exclusivity rights can significantly affect the company's revenue potential from these compounds.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and SAN DIEGO, March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ORIC), a clinical stage oncology company focused on developing treatments that address mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, today announced that multiple abstracts have been accepted for presentation, including two oral presentations on ORIC-944, a potent and selective allosteric inhibitor of PRC2, at the 2024 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting taking place April 5-10, 2024, in San Diego, CA.

Invited speaker presentation details:
Title:	Discovery of ORIC-944, a novel inhibitor of PRC2 with best-in-class properties for the treatment of prostate cancer
Session Title:	New Drugs on the Horizon: Part 1
Date & Time:	Sunday, April 7, 2024, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. PT
Presenter:	Lori Friedman, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer
Abstract:	Embargoed until April 7, 2024
Oral presentation details:
Title:	ORIC-944, a potent and selective allosteric PRC2 inhibitor with best-in class properties, demonstrates combination synergy with AR pathway inhibitors in prostate cancer models
Abstract Number:	6856
Date & Time:	Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. PT
Session Category:	Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title:	Novel Antitumor Agents 5
Presenter:	Anneleen Daemen, Ph.D., Executive Director of Translational Medicine

Abstract Highlights

ORIC-944, a potent, highly selective, orally bioavailable inhibitor of PRC2 demonstrated single agent tumor growth inhibition in a spectrum of AR-positive in vivo prostate cancer models, including those expressing AR mutants or ARv7. Combining ORIC-944 with an AR inhibitor was synergistic in multiple prostate cancer cell line models, and combination efficacy for ORIC-944 with AR inhibition was confirmed in vivo. RNA-seq analysis of transcriptional changes induced by ORIC-944 provided mechanistic insight into the role of PRC2 in prostate cancer lineage plasticity and combination response. These results position ORIC-944 as a potential best-in-class PRC2 inhibitor for combination with AR inhibitors in patients with prostate cancer.

Poster presentation details:
Title:	ORIC-613, a potential first- and best-in-class, orally bioavailable, potent and selective PLK4 inhibitor with synthetic lethality in TRIM37 high cancer models
Abstract Number:	594
Date & Time:	Sunday April 7, 2024, 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. PT
Session Category:	Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title:	Kinase and Phosphatase Inhibitors 1
Location:	Poster Section 25

Abstract Highlights

ORIC-613 is an orally bioavailable, potent and exquisitely selective small molecule inhibitor of PLK4, which is synthetic lethal in tumor cells with high levels of TRIM37. ORIC-613 is highly selective against the kinome, including against the closely related aurora kinases and other PLK family members. Preclinical assessment in cancer cell lines revealed the synthetic lethality, with ORIC-613 having stronger potency in TRIM37-high cells as evidenced by inducing tumor cell death specifically in TRIM37-high versus TRIM37-wildtype cells. Analysis of genomic data from adult tumors indicates that increased TRIM37 copy number is found across a breadth of cancers, with notable prevalence in breast cancer. Oral dosing of ORIC-613 resulted in tumor growth inhibition and regressions in TRIM37-high xenograft breast tumors. These results position ORIC-613 as a potential first- and best-in-class development candidate, which demonstrates synthetic lethality in TRIM37-high tumors and has the potential to benefit these patients.

All regular abstracts are available for viewing via AACR’s online itinerary planner located, here. Invited speaker abstracts will be available for viewing the morning of their associated session.

About ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patients’ lives by Overcoming Resistance In Cancer. ORIC’s clinical stage product candidates include (1) ORIC-114, a brain penetrant inhibitor designed to selectively target EGFR and HER2 with high potency against exon 20 insertion mutations, being developed across multiple genetically defined cancers, (2) ORIC-944, an allosteric inhibitor of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) via the EED subunit, being developed for prostate cancer, and (3) ORIC-533, an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, a key node in the adenosine pathway believed to play a central role in resistance to chemotherapy- and immunotherapy-based treatment regimens, being developed for multiple myeloma. Beyond these three product candidates, ORIC is also developing multiple precision medicines targeting other hallmark cancer resistance mechanisms. ORIC has offices in South San Francisco and San Diego, California. For more information, please go to www.oricpharma.com, and follow us on X or LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding the potential best-in-class properties of ORIC-944; ORIC-613 as a potential first- and best-in-class development candidate; the development plans for ORIC-944 and ORIC’s other product candidates; the potential advantages of ORIC-944, ORIC-613 and ORIC’s other product candidates and programs; and plans underlying ORIC’s clinical trials and development. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “goal,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon ORIC’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: risks associated with the process of discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics and operating as an early clinical stage company; ORIC’s ability to develop, initiate or complete preclinical studies and clinical trials for, obtain approvals for and commercialize any of its product candidates; changes in ORIC’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates; the potential for clinical trials of ORIC’s product candidates to differ from preclinical, initial, interim, preliminary or expected results; negative impacts of health emergencies, economic instability or international conflicts on ORIC’s operations, including clinical trials; the risk of the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of ORIC’s license and collaboration agreements; the potential market for ORIC’s product candidates, and the progress and success of competing therapeutics currently available or in development; ORIC’s ability to raise any additional funding it will need to continue to pursue its business and product development plans; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; ORIC’s reliance on third parties, including contract manufacturers and contract research organizations; ORIC’s ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for its product candidates; the loss of key scientific or management personnel; competition in the industry in which ORIC operates; general economic and market conditions; and other risks. Information regarding the foregoing and additional risks may be found in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in ORIC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 6, 2023, and ORIC’s future reports to be filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and ORIC assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Contact:
Dominic Piscitelli, Chief Financial Officer
dominic.piscitelli@oricpharma.com
info@oricpharma.com

What is the focus of ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as mentioned in the press release?

ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical stage oncology company focused on developing treatments that address mechanisms of therapeutic resistance.

What is the name of the potent and selective allosteric inhibitor of PRC2 mentioned in the PR?

The potent and selective allosteric inhibitor of PRC2 mentioned is ORIC-944.

When and where will the 2024 AACR Annual Meeting take place?

The 2024 AACR Annual Meeting will take place on April 5-10, 2024, in San Diego, CA.

Who is the presenter for the oral presentation of ORIC-944 at the AACR Annual Meeting?

The presenter for the oral presentation of ORIC-944 is Anneleen Daemen, Ph.D., Executive Director of Translational Medicine.

What is the potential of ORIC-944 in combination with AR inhibitors according to the PR?

ORIC-944 shows combination synergy with AR pathway inhibitors in prostate cancer models, positioning it as a potential best-in-class PRC2 inhibitor for combination therapy.

What is the focus of ORIC-613 as mentioned in the press release?

ORIC-613 is a potential first- and best-in-class, orally bioavailable, potent and selective PLK4 inhibitor with synthetic lethality in TRIM37 high cancer models.

In which cancer cells does ORIC-613 demonstrate synthetic lethality?

ORIC-613 demonstrates synthetic lethality in tumor cells with high levels of TRIM37.

What results position ORIC-613 as a potential development candidate according to the PR?

ORIC-613 demonstrates synthetic lethality in TRIM37-high tumors and has the potential to benefit patients with this genetic profile.