1. |
- Bossart, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Effects on weight loss and glycemic control with SAR441255, a potent unimolecular peptide GLP-1/GIP/GCG receptor triagonist
- 2022
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Ingår i: Cell Metabolism. - : CELL PRESS. - 1550-4131 .- 1932-7420. ; 34:1, s. 59-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Unimolecular triple incretins, combining the activity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose -dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon (GCG), have demonstrated reduction in body weight and improved glucose control in rodent models. We developed SAR441255, a synthetic peptide agonist of the GLP-1, GCG, and GIP receptors, structurally based on the exendin-4 sequence. SAR441255 displays high potency with balanced activation of all three target receptors. In animal models, metabolic outcomes were superior to results with a dual GLP-1/GCG receptor agonist. Preclinical in vivo positron emission tomography imaging demonstrated SAR441255 binding to GLP-1 and GCG receptors. In healthy subjects, SAR441255 improved glycemic control during a mixed-meal tolerance test and impacted biomarkers for GCG and GIP receptor activation. Single doses of SAR441255 were well tolerated. The results demonstrate that integrating GIP activity into dual GLP-1 and GCG receptor agonism provides improved effects on weight loss and glycemic control while buffering the diabetogenic risk of chronic GCG receptor agonism.
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2. |
- Eriksson, Olof, et al.
(författare)
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Drug Occupancy Assessment at the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor by Positron Emission Tomography
- 2021
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Ingår i: Diabetes. - : AMER DIABETES ASSOC. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 70:4, s. 842-853
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Targeting of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) is an emerging strategy in antidiabetic drug development. The aim of this study was to develop a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for the GIPR to enable the assessment of target distribution and drug target engagement in vivo. The GIPR-selective peptide S02-GIP was radiolabeled with Ga-68. The resulting PET tracer [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 was evaluated for affinity and specificity to human GIPR (huGIPR). The in vivo GIPR binding of [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 as well as the occupancy of a drug candidate with GIPR activity were assessed in nonhuman primates (NHPs) by PET. [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 bound with nanomolar affinity and high selectivity to huGIPR in overexpressing cells. In vivo, pancreatic binding in NHPs could be dose-dependently inhibited by coinjection of unlabeled S02-GIP-T4. Finally, subcutaneous pretreatment with a high dose of a drug candidate with GIPR activity led to a decreased pancreatic binding of [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4, corresponding to a GIPR drug occupancy of almost 90%. [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 demonstrated a safe dosimetric profile, allowing for repeated studies in humans. In conclusion, [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 is a novel PET biomarker for safe, noninvasive, and quantitative assessment of GIPR target distribution and drug occupancy.
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3. |
- Eriksson, Olof, et al.
(författare)
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Glucagonlike Peptide-1 Receptor Imaging in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 63:5, s. 794-800
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) is a gut hormone receptor, intricately linked to regulation of blood glucose homeostasis via several mechanisms. It is an established and emergent drug target in metabolic disease. The PET radioligand 68Ga-DO3A-VS-exendin4 (68Ga-exendin4) has the potential to enable longitudinal studies of GLP1R in the human pancreas.Methods: 68Ga-exendin4 PET/CT examinations were performed on overweight-to-obese individuals with type 2 diabetes (n = 13) as part of a larger target engagement study (NCT03350191). A scanning protocol was developed to optimize reproducibility (target amount of 0.5 MBq/kg [corresponding to peptide amount of <0.2 µg/kg], blood sampling, and tracer stability assessment). The pancreas and abdominal organs were segmented, and binding was correlated with clinical parameters.Results: Uptake of 68Ga-exendin4 in the pancreas, but not in other abdominal tissues, was high but variable between individuals. There was no evidence of self-blocking of GLP1R by the tracer in this protocol, despite the high potency of exendin4. The results showed that a full dynamic scan can be simplified to a short static scan, potentially increasing throughput and reducing patient discomfort. The 68Ga-exendin4 concentration in the pancreas (i.e., GLP1R density) correlated inversely with the age of the individual and tended to correlate positively with body mass index. However, the total GLP1R content in the pancreas did not.Conclusion: In summary, we present an optimized and simplified 68Ga-exendin4 scanning protocol to enable reproducible imaging of GLP1R in the pancreas. 68Ga-exendin4 PET may enable quantification of longitudinal changes in pancreatic GLP1R during the development of type 2 diabetes, as well as target engagement studies of novel glucagonlike peptide-1 agonists.
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4. |
- Eriksson, Olof, et al.
(författare)
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Imaging of the Glucagon Receptor in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : SOC NUCLEAR MEDICINE INC. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 62:6, s. 833-838
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Despite the importance of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) in disease and in pharmaceutical drug development, there is a lack of specific and sensitive biomarkers of its activation in humans. The PET radioligand Ga-68-DO3A-VS-Tuna-2 (Ga-68-Tuna-2) was developed to yield a noninvasive imaging marker for GCGR target distribution and drug target engagement in humans. Methods: The biodistribution and dosimetry of Ga-68-Tuna-2 was assessed by PET/CT in 13 individuals with type 2 diabetes as part of a clinical study assessing the occupancy of the dual GCGR/glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist SAR425899. Binding of Ga-68-Tuna-2 in liver and reference tissues was evaluated and correlated to biometrics (e.g., weight or body mass index) or other biomarkers (e.g., plasma glucagon levels). Results: Ga-68-Tuna-2 binding was seen primarily in the liver, which is in line with the strong expression of GCGR on hepatocytes. The kidneys demonstrated high excretion-related retention, whereas all other tissue demonstrated rapid washout. The SUV55 (min) (SUV during the last 10-min time frame, 50-60 min after administration) uptake endpoint was sensitive to endogenous levels of glucagon. Ga-68-Tuna-2 exhibited a safe dosimetry profile and no adverse events after intravenous administration. Conclusion: Ga-68-Tuna-2 can be used for safe and accurate assessment of the GCGR in human. It may serve as an important tool in understanding the in vivo pharmacology of novel drugs engaging the GCGR.
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5. |
- Eriksson, Olof, et al.
(författare)
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Receptor occupancy of dual glucagon-like peptide 1/glucagon receptor agonist SAR425899 in individuals with type 2 diabetes
- 2020
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : NATURE RESEARCH. - 2045-2322. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Unimolecular dual agonists for the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR) are emerging as a potential new class of important therapeutics in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Reliable and quantitative assessments of in vivo occupancy on each receptor would improve the understanding of the efficacy of this class of drugs. In this study we investigated the target occupancy of the dual agonist SAR425899 at the GLP1R in pancreas and GCGR in liver by Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT). Patients with T2D were examined by [Ga-68]Ga-DO3A-Tuna-2 and [Ga-68]Ga-DO3A-Exendin4 by PET, to assess the GCGR in liver and GLP1R in pancreas, respectively. Follow up PET examinations were performed after 17 (GCGR) and 20 (GLP-1R) days of treatment with SAR425899, to assess the occupancy at each receptor. Six out of 13 included patients prematurely discontinued the study due to adverse events. SAR425899 at a dose of 0.2 mg daily demonstrated an average GCGR occupancy of 11.2 +/- 14.4% (SD) in N=5 patients and a GLP1R occupancy of 49.9 +/- 13.3%. Fasting Plasma Glucose levels (-3.30 +/- 1.14 mmol/L) and body weight (-3.87 +/- 0.87%) were lowered under treatment with SAR425899. In conclusion, SAR425899 demonstrated strong interactions at the GLP1R, but no clear occupancy at the GCGR. The study demonstrates that quantitative target engagement of dual agonists can be assessed by PET.
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6. |
- Hagmar, Per, et al.
(författare)
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IONIC-STRENGTH DEPENDENCE OF THE BINDING OF METHYLENE-BLUE TO CHROMATIN AND CALF THYMUS DNA
- 1992
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Ingår i: Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. - 0739-1102 .- 1538-0254. ; 9:4, s. 667-679
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The binding of the intercalating dye methylene blue (MB) to chromatin and to free DNA has been studied as a function of ionic strength at very low binding ratios (1 MB/400 DNA bases) using absorption spectroscopy. With increasing salt concentration MB is displaced from chromatin to a higher extent than from DNA. The free energy change for MB binding to chromatin is found to be approximately 5 kJ/mole lower than for binding to DNA. This difference can be explained by the reduced number of high affinity binding sites in chromatin due to the presence of histone proteins. The difference in binding energy is virtually independent of the degree of chromatin condensation and also of the valence of counter ions, suggesting that neither the affinity for, nor the number of intercalation sites in the linker DNA is markedly changed upon the salt-induced condensation. The unaffected thermodynamics of the linker binding suggests that factors such as DNA superhelicity and the electrostatic influence from the chromatosomes remain unchanged during chromatin condensation.
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8. |
- Pierrou, Stefan, 1965
(författare)
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Human Forkhead Genes
- 1996
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The forkhead family constitutes a group of genes which encodes transcription factors that share a common DNA-binding domain, the forkhead domain. The first member to be discovered was the Drosophila melanogaster gene fork head. Members of this family have been found in a variety of species from bakers' yeast to man. We have isolated and characterised the DNA binding motif of eight, previously unknown, human members of the forkhead family. They were isolated by low stringency hybridisation of human genomic and cDNA libraries. The newly identified genes were named FREAC genes, short for Forkhead Related Activators, to indicate their homology to the Drosophila melanogaster gene fork head and their ability to activate transcription. In order to determine their DNA binding specificity, a PCR-based selection method was developed. Fusion proteins between glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the DNA binding domain of four different FREAC proteins were expressed in bacteria. For each protein high affinity binding sites were selected from a pool of double-stranded oligonucleotides with a randomised sequence. All four proteins had a similar core motif in their recognition site consensus described as RTAAAYA. By swapping subdomains between the DNA binding domains of FREAC-3 and FREAC-4, the different binding site specificities could be mapped to a couple of basic residues in the C-terminal end and to a short stretch of amino acids in the N-terminal of the recognition helix. The expression patterns of the FREAC genes were either restricted to a few tissues or ubiquitous. FREAC-1 and -2 were solely expressed in placenta and lung, while FREAC-6 was restricted to kidney. FREAC-4 mRNA was found in kidney, testis, monocytes, fourth ventricle of the brain and in the spinal chord. Expression of FREAC-3 and -5 were ubiquitous while FREAC-7 and -8 could not be found in any tissue examined. The degree of DNA distortion as a result of DNA binding could be estimated using a circular permutation assay. The mobility ratio between the slowest and the fastest of the permutated complexes was interpolated to standard curves formed by A-tract DNA. This interpolation suggested that the FREAC proteins bend DNA to an angle of approximately 90°. The chromosomal localisations of six FREAC genes were determined. This was done by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with cosmids, each containing a FREAC gene, to human metaphase chromosomes. The results were verified by hybridising genomic DNA from somatic cell hybrid panels of mouse hybrid cell lines, containing individual human chromosomes, to specific FREAC probes. The results were: FREAC-1, 16q24; FREAC-3, 6p25; FREAC-4, 5q12-q13; FREAC-5, 9pericen; FREAC-6, 5q34, and FREAC-8, 1p32. The full length c-DNA and the corresponding genomic DNA of FREAC-4 were cloned and the transcription start was determined. The gene contains no introns, and codes for a 2.5 kb transcript. The 465 amino acid long sequence harbours a hyper-acidic domain in the N-terminus and in the C-terminal region there are homopolymeric runs of prolines. Co-transfection assays showed that the FREAC-4 promoter is regulated by the Wilm's tumour protein (WT-1) and p53.
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10. |
- Velikyan, Irina, 1966-, et al.
(författare)
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First-in-class positron emission tomography tracer for the glucagon receptor
- 2019
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Ingår i: EJNMMI Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2191-219X. ; 9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is emerging as an important target in anti-diabetic therapy, especially as part of the pharmacology of dual glucagon-like peptide-1/glucagon (GLP-1/GCG) receptor agonists. However, currently, there are no suitable biomarkers that reliably demonstrate GCG receptor target engagement.Methods: Two potent GCG receptor peptide agonists, S01-GCG and S02-GCG, were labeled with positron emission tomography (PET) radionuclide gallium-68. The GCG receptor binding affinity and specificity of the resulting radiopharmaceuticals [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S01-GCG and [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S02-GCG were evaluated in HEK-293 cells overexpressing the human GCG receptor and on frozen hepatic sections from human, non-human primate, and rat. In in vivo biodistribution, binding specificity and dosimetry were assessed in rat.Results: [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S01-GCG in particular demonstrated GCG receptor-mediated binding in cells and liver tissue with affinity in the nanomolar range required for imaging. [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S01-GCG binding was not blocked by co-incubation of a GLP-1 agonist. In vivo binding in rat liver was GCG receptor specific with low non-specific binding throughout the body. Moreover, the extrapolated human effective doses, predicted from rat biodistribution data, allow for repeated PET imaging potentially also in combination with GLP-1R radiopharmaceuticals.Conclusion: [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S01-GCG thus constitutes a first-in-class PET tracer targeting the GCG receptor, with suitable properties for clinical development. This tool has potential to provide direct quantitative evidence of GCG receptor occupancy in humans.
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11. |
- Velikyan, Irina, 1966-, et al.
(författare)
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Imaging of the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor Using a Novel Radiolabeled Peptide Rationally Designed Based on Endogenous GIP and Synthetic Exendin-4 Sequences
- 2023
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Ingår i: Pharmaceuticals. - : MDPI. - 1424-8247. ; 16:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Imaging and radiotherapy targeting the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) could potentially benefit the management of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), complementing clinically established radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of this study was to evaluate a GIPR-targeting positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand with receptor-specific binding, fast blood clearance, and low liver background uptake. The peptide DOTA-bioconjugate, C803-GIP, was developed based on the sequence of the endogenous GIP(1-30) and synthetic exendin-4 peptides with selective amino acid mutations to combine their specificity for the GIPR and in vivo stability, respectively. The Ga-68-labeled bioconjugate was evaluated in vitro in terms of binding affinity, specificity, and internalization in HEK293 cells transfected with the human GIPR, GLP1, or GCG receptors and in sections of human insulinoma and NENs. In vivo binding specificity, biodistribution, and tissue background were investigated in mice bearing huGIPR-HEK293 xenografts and in a pig. Ex vivo organ distribution, pharmacokinetics, and dosimetry were studied in normal rats. [Ga-68]Ga-C803-GIP was stable and demonstrated a high affinity to the huGIPR-HEK293 cells. Binding specificity was demonstrated in vitro in frozen sections of NENs and huGIPR-HEK293 cells. No specific uptake was observed in the negative controls of huGLP1R and huGCGR cells. A novel rationally designed PET radioligand, [Ga-68]Ga-C803-GIP, demonstrated promising binding characteristics and specificity towards the GIPR.
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12. |
- Wagner, Michael, 1957-, et al.
(författare)
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Automated GMP-Compliant Production of [Ga-68]Ga-DO3A-Tuna-2 for PET Microdosing Studies of the Glucagon Receptor in Humans
- 2020
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Ingår i: Pharmaceuticals. - : MDPI. - 1424-8247. ; 13:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: [Ga-68]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Tuna-2 (previously published as [Ga-68]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-S01-GCG) has shown high-affinity specific binding to the glucagon receptor (GCGR) in vitro and in vivo in rats and non-human primates in our previous studies, confirming the suitability of the tracer for drug development applications in humans. The manufacturing process of [Ga-68]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Tuna-2 was automated for clinical use to meet the radiation safety and good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements.Methods:The automated synthesis platform (Modular-Lab PharmTrace, Eckert & Ziegler, Eurotope, Germany), disposable cassettes for(68)Ga-labeling, and pharmaceutical-grade(68)Ge/Ga-68 generator (GalliaPharm(R)) used in the study were purchased from Eckert & Ziegler. The parameters such as time, temperature, precursor concentration, radical scavenger, buffer concentration, and pH, as well as product purification step, were investigated and optimized. Process optimization was conducted with regard to product quality and quantity, as well as process reproducibility. The active pharmaceutical ingredient starting material DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Tuna-2 (GMP-grade) was provided by Sanofi Aventis.Results:The reproducible and GMP-compliant automated production of [Ga-68]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Tuna-2 with on-line documentation was developed. The non-decay-corrected radiochemical yield was 45.2 +/- 2.5% (n= 3, process validation) at the end of the synthesis with a labeling synthesis duration of 38 min and a quality controlincluding release procedure of 20 min. The radiochemical purity of the product was 98.9 +/- 0.6% (n= 17) with the total amount of the peptide in the preparation of 48 +/- 2 mu g (n= 3, process validation). Radionuclidic purity, sterility, endotoxin content, residual solvent content, and sterile filter integrity tests met the acceptance criteria. The product was stable at ambient temperature for at least 2 h.Conclusion:The fully automated GMP-compliant manufacturing process was developed and thoroughly validated. The resulting [Ga-68]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Tuna-2 was used in a clinical study for accurate quantification of GCGR occupancy by a dual anti-diabetic drug in vivo in humans.
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13. |
- Wang, Xin, et al.
(författare)
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The proteasome deubiquitinase inhibitor VLX1570 shows selectivity for ubiquitin-specific protease-14 and induces apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells
- 2016
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. - 2045-2322. ; 6, s. 1-14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Inhibition of deubiquitinase (DUB) activity is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. VLX1570 is an inhibitor of proteasome DUB activity currently in clinical trials for relapsed multiple myeloma. Here we show that VLX1570 binds to and inhibits the activity of ubiquitin-specific protease-14 (USP14) in vitro, with comparatively weaker inhibitory activity towards UCHL5 (ubiquitin-C-terminal hydrolase-5). Exposure of multiple myeloma cells to VLX1570 resulted in thermostabilization of USP14 at therapeutically relevant concentrations. Transient knockdown of USP14 or UCHL5 expression by electroporation of siRNA reduced the viability of multiple myeloma cells. Treatment of multiple myeloma cells with VLX1570 induced the accumulation of proteasome-bound high molecular weight polyubiquitin conjugates and an apoptotic response. Sensitivity to VLX1570 was moderately affected by altered drug uptake, but was unaffected by overexpression of BCL2-family proteins or inhibitors of caspase activity. Finally, treatment with VLX1570 was found to lead to extended survival in xenograft models of multiple myeloma. Our findings demonstrate promising antiproliferative activity of VLX1570 in multiple myeloma, primarily associated with inhibition of USP14 activity.
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