Abstract 4573: Pre-clinical evaluation of small molecule CHK2 inhibitor, ART446, pre-IND candidate that enhances the olaparib and irinotecan

Abstract Background: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) plays a pivotal role in DNA damage repair. Tumors with DNA Damage Response (DDR) defects exhibit increased susceptibility to drugs targeting PARP. The drugs induce DNA damage like Irinotecan (a Topoisomerase I inhibitor) are widely used in clinic as well. However, intrinsic resistance remains a significant obstacle, leading to frequent treatment failures. Chk2 is activated in response to these DNA damage inducing agents and hold the cell cycle. We developed pre-IND candidate ART446, with the aim of exploring its therapeutic potential in sensitizing DNA damage-targeting reagents. Results: In the radiometric HopSpot Kinase Assay, ART446 demonstrated significant inhibition of Chk2 (IC50, 9 nM). In HT-29 colon adenocarcinomas, co-treatment with SN38 and ART446 exhibited a synergistic therapeutic effect in vitro, with a subsequent in vivo tumor growth assay demonstrating a remarkable combined effect (TGI; Irinotecan, 46%; ART446, 16%; combined, 83.4%). Further extending our investigation to triple-negative breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-436, characterized by a BRCA1 mutation, we explored the sensitization potential of ART446 to PARP inhibitors. Strikingly, the combination therapy with a PARP inhibitor, Olaparib surpassed monotherapy outcomes, resulting in complete tumor growth inhibition (TGI: Olaparib, 73%; ART446, 20%; combined, 102%). Mechanistic insights revealed an increase in gamma H2AX levels by ART446 and a decrease in active forms of Chk2 which were activated by Olaparib affirming that Olaparib-induced Chk2 inhibition contributed to the sensitization effect. Conclusions: The pre-IND candidate ART446 exhibits promising potential in enhancing the therapeutic effects of Olaparib and Irinotecan. These findings provide a robust foundation for further clinical development, offering a strategic approach to overcome resistance in cancer treatment. Citation Format: Taegon Baik, Young Woo Kang, Ha Young Lee, Jin Whan Kim, A Hyeon Jeong, Jong Oh Kim, Woo-Young Kim. Pre-clinical evaluation of small molecule CHK2 inhibitor, ART446, pre-IND candidate that enhances the olaparib and irinotecan [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4573.