5 Novel CDK7 Inhibitors Pushing the Boundaries in Oncology

In the rapidly evolving field of oncology, novel CDK7 inhibitors are emerging as game-changers, challenging the status quo of cancer treatment. By specifically targeting CDK7, these innovative therapies not only halt cancer cell proliferation but also enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments. With the ability to modulate transcription and cell cycle progression, CDK7 inhibitors are poised to overcome resistance mechanisms that often hinder traditional therapies, offering renewed hope for patients battling aggressive malignancies.

Moreover, the versatility of CDK7 inhibitors positions them as pivotal players in combination therapies, synergizing with other agents to amplify anti-tumor effects. As clinical trials continue to unveil their potential, the integration of CDK7 inhibitors into standard treatment regimens could herald a new era of precision oncology. This exciting frontier promises to redefine treatment protocols, tailor strategies to individual patient profiles, and ultimately improve outcomes for those facing the daunting challenge of cancer.

Discover more about CDK7 inhibitors at CDK7 Inhibitors: A Promising Class in Cancer Therapeutics

Emerging CDK7 Inhibitors in Development

For more than ten years, there has been a consistent interest in targeting CDK7 as a therapeutic strategy, with notable advancements occurring recently. The field of CDK7 inhibitors is expanding quickly, featuring various chemical classes that show promising kinase selectivity. These inhibitors function through multiple mechanisms, such as traditional competitive inhibition, irreversible binding, and selective degradation of CDK7 using heterobifunctional agents. 

Both preclinical and clinical evidence highlight the potential benefits of CDK7 inhibition, especially in advanced HR+/HER2− breast cancer cases that have progressed despite the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors and hormonal therapies. While no CDK7 inhibitor has yet gained FDA approval, current clinical trials are focused on improving its effectiveness. Major companies developing CDK7 inhibitor drugs in clinical trials include Carrick Therapeutics (Samuraciclib), Qurient Therapeutics (Q901), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SY-5609), TYK Medicine (TY-2699a), and GT Apeiron/Exscientia (GTAEXS617).

Let’s take a look at the 5 most promising CDK7 inhibitors poised to reshape the oncology treatment landscape in the coming years.

Carrick Therapeutics’ Samuraciclib

Samuraciclib is the most advanced oral CDK7 inhibitor currently in clinical development. Its primary target is HR+, HER2—breast cancer, with additional potential for treating a range of other cancer types. Early clinical trials have shown samuraciclib to have a favorable safety profile and promising efficacy.

The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to samuraciclib for two combination therapies: with fulvestrant for CDK4/6 inhibitor-resistant HR+, HER2- advanced breast cancer, and with chemotherapy for treating locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

In December 2023, the company announced the dosing of the first patient in its Phase IIb clinical trial assessing samuraciclib (CT7001) combined with fulvestrant for HR+, HER2- advanced breast cancer previously treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor.

Qurient Therapeutics’ Q901

Q901 is a potent and selective CDK7 inhibitor that interferes with tumor cell cycle progression and impedes DNA damage repair, leading to tumor cell apoptosis. By inducing genomic instability, Q901 not only drives cell death but also enhances immune surveillance against tumor cells. As the company’s second oncology drug candidate, Q901 is being developed to treat patients with advanced solid tumors. It has shown robust tumor growth inhibition across several cancer types, including HR+ breast cancer, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, and small cell lung cancers, both as a single agent and in combination with other therapies. 

Currently, Q901 combined with fulvestrant is in clinical trials for HR+ breast cancer patients who have not responded to CDK4/6 inhibitor and estrogen therapies. A Phase I/II study (NCT05394103) is ongoing at six sites in the US, with approximately 70 patients with advanced solid tumors set to be enrolled. This study aims to establish the maximum tolerated dose, assess the safety profile, and evaluate the anticancer efficacy of Q901.

GT Apeiron/Exscientia’ GTAEXS617

GTAEXS-617 is a novel CDK7 inhibitor developed by Exscientia in collaboration with GT Apeiron. This small-molecule antagonist has been designed using artificial intelligence to achieve high potency, selectivity, and oral bioavailability.

In July 2024, Apeiron Therapeutics announced a partnership with Exscientia, which has been granted complete control over GTAEXS617 (‘617) and all associated intellectual property. This asset is currently undergoing the ELUCIDATE Phase I/II clinical trials.

According to the agreement, Apeiron will receive an initial payment of $30 million in cash and equity, along with single-digit royalties if Exscientia or a third party commercializes ‘617, potentially exceeding $100 million in the coming years.

The ELUCIDATE trial’s dose escalation phase is focused on assessing the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ‘617 in patients with advanced solid tumors, with recruitment for the trial progressing well. Data from this monotherapy phase is anticipated in the latter half of 2024, with a transition to a combination dose escalation phase planned for late 2024 or early 2025.

Syros Pharmaceuticals’ SY-5609

SY-5609 is a potent and highly selective oral inhibitor targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 7. The company has completed patient enrollment in the safety lead-in phase of the Phase I trial of SY-5609 in combination with chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. In September 2022, the U.S. FDA granted Orphan Drug designation to SY-5609 for pancreatic cancer treatment. Additionally, SY-5609 is being assessed in combination with atezolizumab for patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer as part of the Phase I/Ib INTRINSIC trial.

TYK Medicine’s TY-2699a

TY-2699a is an innovative small molecule kinase inhibitor developed independently by TYK Medicines, Inc. It is designed to selectively inhibit CDK7 and has demonstrated good oral bioavailability. This drug is intended for treating various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and other solid tumors, as well as blood cancers. Preclinical studies on pharmacokinetics and safety have shown TY-2699a to have promising drug-like and safety characteristics. In February 2023, TY-2699a received the SMP letter from the FDA, and by May 2023, it had also secured clinical trial notice approval from the CDE. Notably, TY-2699a is the first CDK7 inhibitor from China to receive IND clearance from both the FDA and CDE.

What Lies Ahead for CDK7 Inhibitors?

CDK7 inhibitors have emerged as a promising class of drugs in oncology, driven by their potential to disrupt critical cell cycle processes in cancer cells. CDK7 plays a central role in transcription and cell cycle regulation, particularly by activating other CDKs that drive cell proliferation. Many cancers exhibit dysregulated CDK7 activity, making it a strategic target for drug development. 

Early studies and clinical trials have shown that CDK7 inhibitors can effectively reduce tumor growth, especially in cancers with high transcriptional dependencies, such as breast, ovarian, and certain hematologic cancers. Researchers are now exploring combinations of CDK7 inhibitors with other cancer therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors or hormone therapies, to enhance therapeutic outcomes and potentially reduce resistance to monotherapies.

However, the future of CDK7 inhibitors is not without challenges. Selectivity and toxicity remain primary concerns, as off-target effects on other kinases can lead to adverse side effects. Researchers are also grappling with identifying patient populations most likely to benefit from these treatments, as not all tumors exhibit CDK7 dependency. Biomarker-driven studies are expected to help narrow down patient selection and improve treatment specificity. 

Ongoing and future clinical trials are crucial to determine optimal dosing, safety profiles, and combination strategies for CDK7 inhibitors. Despite these hurdles, the potential of CDK7 inhibitors to target transcriptional addiction in cancer cells offers a unique therapeutic angle that may expand treatment options in oncology, particularly for aggressive and treatment-resistant tumors.