Talabostat inhibits dipeptidyl peptidases (DPPs), which are enzymes that regulate biological processes, including tumor growth and immune responses. As a stromal targeted agent, talabostat inhibits fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a DPP that has been shown to contribute to tumor growth.
Point Therapeutics has now revealed that talabostat also targets DPP 8 and DPP 9, which have been demonstrated to enhance immune functions in preclinical studies.
New preclinical data presented at the company's recent R&D day show that talabostat's inhibition of DPP 8 and DPP 9 may enhance immune functions and promote the body's natural ability to fight cancer.
“These proof of concept data are important because they validate a preclinical mechanism that is quite unique in oncology. The very nature of talabostat's dual mechanism of action speaks to its potential versatility as a targeted agent with broad utility in several different cancers,” said Dr Charles Dinarello, a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.