#Finland #Helsinki #Rappta Therapeutics #RPT04402 #SpringWorks Therapeutics

Rappta Therapeutics Partners with SpringWorks for Cancer Drug Development

In a significant move in the realm of oncology, Rappta Therapeutics has announced an exclusive global license agreement with SpringWorks Therapeutics to advance the development and commercialization of RPT04402, a first-in-class molecular glue targeting Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) for the treatment of certain types of uterine cancer. This partnership aims to expedite the progress of a drug that shows promising pre-clinical results.

What is RPT04402?

RPT04402 is a groundbreaking drug candidate designed to reactivate PP2A, a crucial enzyme that plays a vital role in regulating cell signaling and preventing tumor growth. PP2A has long been considered a challenging target because of its complex structure and the difficulty associated with developing drugs that can effectively engage it. However, Rappta has developed advanced techniques using high-resolution structural data which allow for the precise targeting of this enzyme.

Historically, mutations in the PP2A enzyme have been recognized as oncogenic drivers in various cancers, including a specific subset of uterine cancers where clinical treatment options are limited. In pre-clinical models, RPT04402 has demonstrated an impressive ability to induce significant tumor regression when administered alone.

The Impact of the Global Licensing Agreement

Under the terms of the new agreement, SpringWorks Therapeutics will take the lead on global development and commercialization of RPT04402. This strategic alliance comes with an upfront payment of $13 million from SpringWorks. Moreover, Rappta is eligible to receive additional milestone payments that could prove substantial as the project progresses through various clinical phases.

SpringWorks plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for RPT04402 by the end of 2025, setting the stage for clinical trials that could ultimately benefit numerous patients suffering from uterine cancers linked to PP2A mutations.

Leadership Insights

Sunjeet Sawhney, the CEO of Rappta, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, "Rappta is the only company to have successfully targeted PP2A, a notoriously difficult and undruggable target... I would like to thank our team and investors who have supported our journey and we look forward to following the progress made in this area."

Goutham Narla, Chief Scientific Officer at Rappta and a leading authority on PP2A, emphasized the potential of their proprietary structural data to usher in a new wave of targeted therapies for cancer treatment, further underscoring the collaboration with SpringWorks.

Rappta’s Vision for Cancer Treatment

Founded in 2019, Rappta Therapeutics is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of anti-cancer therapeutics. The company has attracted significant investment from notable institutions, including the Novartis Venture Fund and Advent Life Sciences, which reflects its innovative approach and potential in the biotechnology sector. The expertise within the team, especially from leaders like Narla, positions Rappta favorably within a highly competitive market.

Rappta’s focus on reactivating PP2A demonstrates a promising direction not only for uterine cancer treatment but also for broader applications across various malignancies, contributing to the rapidly evolving landscape of cancer therapy.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Rappta Therapeutics and SpringWorks Therapeutics marks a significant step forward in combating uterine cancers linked to PP2A mutations. With the potential for rapid clinical advancement and a strong financial partnership, the future looks bright for RPT04402. This agreement highlights the ongoing need for innovative drug development strategies aimed at historically elusive targets in oncology, offering hope to many patients in need of effective treatments.