Corvas is currently working to validate the role of matriptase and other serine protease targets in animal models of breast and prostate cancer. The Company employs a functional genomics approach to discover and validate targets, which includes initially cloning the full-length gene sequence and producing the functional domain of the protease. These initial steps provide the biological materials necessary for the development of high throughput methods to screen potential lead drug candidates, including small molecule protease inhibitors, which are then used in animal models for target validation.
We believe that a combination of therapeutic approaches that attack cancer on multiple fronts will be essential to improve upon current standards of care, said George P. Vlasuk, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Corvas. Accordingly, our cancer strategy includes the development of synthetic small or organic molecules, monoclonal antibodies, small protein inhibitors and prodrug therapies, all of which may be advanced through structure-based drug design.
Background: Corvas serine protease cancer drug programs
The modulation of serine protease activity associated with solid tumors is the foundation of Corvas discovery platform to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer. This effort includes the discovery and validation of novel serine protease targets that may play a role in angiogenesis or tumor growth and progression, as well as the validation of known proteases that have not been previously implicated in these processes. Target discovery
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Contact: Virginia Amann
vamann@irpr.com
858-860-0266
Atikins + Associates
27-Aug-2001