More warnings signs for ATR inhibition

Synthetic lethality is a hot topic in oncology, but the shine might be coming off one of the approaches here, ATR inhibition. Yesterday Bayer discontinued its contender elimusertib, swiftly followed by AstraZeneca today scrapping a trial of its ATR blocker ceralasertib. Importantly, development of ceralasertib continues; indeed, this is the most advanced ATR project. But smaller groups like Aprea and Artios might be watching Astra’s next moves nervously. Other big companies taking a punt on ATR inhibition include Merck KGaA, which has switched focus from berzosertib to tuvusertib, and Roche, which licensed camonsertib from Repare for $125m up front last year. Camonsertib monotherapy has failed to impress, but at the time of the deal some analysts suggested that combination with PARP inhibitors could provide a way forward – notably, Impact Therapeutics is also looking at its ATR blocker, IMP9064, with a PARP. Other combinations are in play, and Repare reported data at the recent Triple meeting on a pairing of camonsertib and its PKMYT1 inhibitor lunresertib – which proved difficult to interpret.

ATR inhibitors in clinical development

Source: OncologyPipeline.