Prelude Therapeutics is undergoing a strategic shift, significantly streamlining its clinical pipeline to focus on the promising potential of its SMARCA2 degrader and CDK9 inhibitor in cancer treatment.
The company has identified PRT3789, a first-in-class highly selective degrader of the SMARCA2 protein, as its “top priority.” Prelude aims to generate initial proof-of-concept data for this compound, which holds promise for approximately 70,000 patients in the US and Europe with cancers carrying the SMARCA4 mutation. In line with this focus, Prelude has entered into a multiyear collaboration with AbCellera to develop and commercialize cancer drugs, with the first program involving SMARCA degraders. Simultaneously, Prelude plans to advance its own SMARCA2 degrader through a phase 1 trial for patients with biomarker-selected SMARCA4-mutated cancer, with results expected in the coming year.
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“We made significant progress in the third quarter with our four clinical-stage molecules and, as planned, conducted a rigorous assessment of each program. Based on this assessment, we are prioritizing our resources on our first-in-class SMARCA2 degrader molecules, IV and oral, and our potential best-in-class CDK9 inhibitor program. We are confident that these two programs represent compelling opportunities for demonstrating clinical proof-of-concept in 2024, for advancing into potential phase 2/3 registration studies, and for becoming important new medicines.”
– Kris Vaddi, Ph.D., CEO
With a robust financial position, holding $230.5 million in cash and equivalents at the end of September, Prelude has the resources to support its near-term objectives, ensuring continued operations into 2026.
Prelude Therapeutics’ strategic pivot reflects its commitment to advancing innovative therapies in the fight against cancer, capitalizing on the potential of its SMARCA2 degrader and CDK9 inhibitor as key elements of its clinical pipeline.
