Plexium, Inc., a frontrunner in the field of targeted protein degradation, recently made headlines at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting held from April 25 to 30 in Chicago, IL. The company presented compelling data on its innovative selective monovalent degrader programs, focusing on key targets: SMARCA2, IKZF2, and CDK2.
Among the highlights was the presentation of PLX-61639, a selective, orally administered degrader of SMARCA2, which showed sustained pharmacodynamic responses and impressive efficacy in tumors with known SMARCA4 mutations. This program is making strides, advancing towards Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling studies, marking a significant milestone for Plexium.
The company’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jorge F. DiMartino, expressed excitement about the clinical progress. "These data highlight the clinical and preclinical advancements we've achieved across our portfolio, particularly with our novel E3 ligase, DCAF16, which is used in our SMARCA2 program," he stated. This approach elevates positions Plexium ahead in the industry.
Another focal point was PLX-4545, a selective molecular glue degrader targeting IKZF2. Early results from its Phase 1 trials indicated that the drug substantially degraded IKZF2 at well-tolerated doses. This degradation reprogrammed regulatory T cells (Tregs) towards a more effector-like phenotype, offering possibilities for enhancing immune checkpoint therapy.
Data also detailed the progress of a CDK2 selective molecular glue degrader, which demonstrated superior selectivity compared to traditional inhibitor-based strategies. This innovative approach aims to tackle CCNE1 amplified cancers, underscoring Plexium's commitment to advancing cancer treatment strategies through novel therapeutics.
Oral Presentations and Poster Highlights
Plexium's ambition to challenge existing treatment paradigms was further showcased through several presentations:
1.
Oral Presentation: "Discovery and characterization of novel, potent and selective CDK2 molecular glue degrader against CCNE1-amplified tumors" presented by Dr. Leenus Martin on April 29.
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Second Oral Presentation: Dr. Peggy Thompson detailed the immunological effects of PLX-4545, which was demonstrated to shift Treg populations, providing an avenue for enhanced tumor inhibition in conjunction with current therapies.
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Poster Presentation: Delving deeper into the mechanisms, Dr. Julia Toth presented findings on the mechanistic characterization of degraders targeting SMARCA2, underscoring the identification of DCAF16 as essential for PLX-61639’s efficacy.
As the AACR Conference progresses, Plexium's booth will display these findings, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to addressing the limitations of first-generation therapies through its revolutionary degradative methodologies.
About Plexium Inc.
Recognized for its pioneering efforts in targeted protein degradation, Plexium's core mission is to develop an array of monovalent degraders through advanced AI-integrated drug discovery technologies. Their focus extends beyond cancer to neurodegenerative diseases and other critical health challenges. For more insights into their innovative programs and future developments, visit
Plexium's website or engage with them on LinkedIn.