DNA-binding Polyamides as Inhibitors of TMPRSS2-ERG Activity in Prostate Cancer

Peter B. Dervan, PhD

Bren Professor of Chemistry
California Institute of Technology

The recent discovery of gene fusions in prostate cancer has established a new biological mechanism for expression of cancer causing genes (oncogenes). Dr. Dervan has developed a chemistry for producing oncogene inhibitors that is more creative and has higher potential than any pharmaceutical program in stopping oncogene activity. Oncogene inhibitors that block their interaction with specific genomic regions will represent a new class of medication for metastatic prostate cancer.

Potential patient benefit: This work has the potential to discover new targeted therapies for metastatic prostate cancer with an entirely new type of chemistry.