Halda Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for cancer. They aim to create treatments that address significant unmet needs in the medical field, particularly for patients facing forms of cancer that have developed resistance to existing therapies. The company is committed to advancing precision oncology medicines designed to selectively target cancer cells.
Unlocking Cellular Balance
Halda Therapeutics utilizes a scientific approach centered on a novel class of medicines called Regulated Induced Proximity TArgeting Chimeras, or RIPTAC™ therapeutics. These compounds operate through a mechanism described as “hold and kill,” which involves manipulating protein interactions within cells. RIPTACs are small molecules engineered to bring together two distinct proteins that normally would not interact.
One of the proteins targeted by RIPTACs is specific to cancer cells, while the other is an essential cellular protein. By “holding” these two proteins in close proximity, RIPTACs induce a new interaction that disrupts the normal function of the essential protein. This interference leads to the selective death of the cancer cell, leaving healthy cells largely unaffected. This distinguishes the RIPTAC approach from traditional drugs that often work by blocking a single protein’s activity.
The RIPTAC mechanism builds upon the concept of molecular glues, a type of small molecule that can induce or stabilize protein-protein interactions. Molecular glues have shown promise in targeting proteins previously considered “undruggable” by conventional drug discovery methods. Halda’s RIPTAC technology leverages this principle to create a targeted effect that can overcome common challenges in cancer treatment.
This approach offers an advantage over many current precision oncology therapies that rely on targeting specific oncogenic drivers, which cancer cells can often bypass. The “hold and kill” mechanism, by abrogating the function of an essential protein rather than simply inhibiting a driver, provides a different way to induce cancer cell death.
Targeting Specific Diseases
Halda Therapeutics is concentrating its efforts on significant cancer types where there is a considerable need for new treatment options. Their initial focus includes prostate cancer and breast cancer, which are two common solid tumors. These diseases often present challenges, especially when they become advanced or develop resistance to current therapies.
For example, their lead program targets metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), a severe form of prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy. Halda’s RIPTAC therapeutic for prostate cancer is designed to selectively bind to the Androgen Receptor, which is highly expressed in these tumor cells, and an essential cellular protein. This dual interaction aims to overcome the mechanisms of resistance that often emerge with standard treatments.
Similarly, Halda is developing a RIPTAC therapeutic for hormone receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer. The company’s strategy involves leveraging proteins highly expressed in these breast cancer cells to selectively deliver the “kill” mechanism.
Advancing Their Pipeline
Halda Therapeutics is actively progressing its scientific discoveries toward potential therapeutic applications. Their lead drug candidate, HLD-0915, is specifically designed for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This compound has demonstrated a selective killing effect in prostate cancer cell lines during preclinical studies and has shown anti-tumor activity in animal models. Preclinical data indicated its potential to be superior to existing standard-of-care agents for prostate cancer.
HLD-0915 has recently entered a Phase 1 clinical trial. This trial aims to evaluate the drug’s safety and initial efficacy in human patients. The company’s next most advanced RIPTAC drug candidate is currently in preclinical development, focusing on hormone receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer. This program is undergoing optimization to refine its “hold and kill” mechanism and ensure selective delivery to breast cancer tumors.
Halda Therapeutics has secured substantial funding, raising a total of $202 million, which includes a recent $126 million Series B extension. This capital is intended to drive their pipeline programs forward, including bringing their experimental drugs into human testing. The company is also exploring additional applications of their RIPTAC platform across various cancer types.