SAN DIEGO and TORONTO - Aptose Biosciences (NASDAQ:APTO) Inc. (NASDAQ: APTO, TSX: APS), a precision oncology company with a current market capitalization of $11.35 million, has announced the publication of preclinical data for its lead hematology compound, tuspetinib (TUS), in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research Communications. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company's stock has experienced significant pressure, down 92.4% over the past year, though technical indicators suggest the stock may be oversold. The study details TUS's mechanism of action and its potential efficacy in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially when combined with other agents.
The research, titled "Preclinical development of tuspetinib for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia," marks the first preclinical profiling of TUS, an oral kinase inhibitor. It is currently in clinical development for the treatment of AML. The study highlights TUS's ability to inhibit a cluster of oncogenic signaling kinases associated with AML and shows its potent activity against AML cell lines and Ba/F3 cells expressing various forms of FLT3.
Additionally, TUS demonstrated the ability to extend survival in multiple AML models, including xenograft models of FLT3 mutant human AML. It was well tolerated and showed enhanced activity when combined with venetoclax (VEN) or 5-azacytidine. Notably, the combination of TUS with venetoclax revealed a synthetic lethality that could help overcome resistance to VEN.
Aptose is currently enrolling newly diagnosed AML patients in a Phase 1/2 clinical study to receive a triplet combination of tuspetinib, venetoclax, and azacitidine (TUS+VEN+AZA). Earlier clinical studies have already been completed in patients with relapsed or refractory AML receiving TUS as a single agent or in combination with VEN. InvestingPro data reveals the company faces financial challenges with rapid cash burn and negative free cash flow of -$37.18 million in the last twelve months, highlighting the importance of successful clinical developments.
William G. Rice, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Aptose, expressed optimism about the breadth of antileukemic activity TUS may demonstrate across diverse AML patient populations. The company is looking forward to further data from the ongoing clinical trial of the triplet combination therapy.
Aptose Biosciences is committed to developing precision medicines for unmet medical needs in oncology, focusing on hematology. The company's pipeline includes small molecule cancer therapeutics designed to be effective as single agents and to enhance the efficacy of other anti-cancer therapies without overlapping toxicities. With an overall financial health score of 1.16 (rated as 'Weak' by InvestingPro), investors seeking deeper insights into Aptose's financial metrics and growth potential can access over 10 additional ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis through InvestingPro's advanced analytics platform.
The information reported is based on a press release statement from Aptose Biosciences Inc.
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