Agios Receives ABC2 Funding For Brain Cancer Research

Agios Pharmaceuticals (Agios) has received funding from Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2). ABC2’s funding will enable new research investigating IDH1 gene mutations in brain cancer, with the goal of supplementing Agios’s ongoing research into the development of new IDH1 therapeutics and diagnostics.

Recent research by Agios scientists published in the journal, Nature established that the mutated form of the enzyme IDH1 produces a metabolite, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG), which may contribute to the formation and malignant progression of gliomas, the most common type of brain cancer.

David Schenkein, CEO of Agios, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with ABC2 on this important research into the role of the IDH1 mutation in brain cancer. ABC2 has a track record of partnering with biotech companies to bring drugs to patients more quickly. Agios is aggressively developing new therapeutics specifically targeting IDH1 which we hope can have a profound impact on the lives of patients with brain cancer.”

Max Wallace, CEO of ABC2, said: “The Agios approach to cancer metabolism research has revealed a new strategy for treating this deadly disease. Beyond the compelling scientific evidence, we are excited to be partnering with such an exceptional team with a proven track record of success.”