BioXcel Therapeutics’ immuno-oncology candidate BXCL701 was shown to enhance the anti-tumor effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in prostate models, according to an Oct. 5 poster session at the 24th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat in Washington, D.C.
The company reported recent findings from multiple studies showing that BXCL701 — a dipeptidyl peptidases (DPP) inhibitor — could inhibit tumor growth by increasing pro-inflammatory protein levels and immune-cell modulation in a series of cancer models.
The drug achieves this effect by inhibiting DPP8/9 and Fibroblast Activator Protein (FAP), which affect neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) at different stages of disease progression.