Yumanity Therapeutics' Glioblastoma Candidate Shows Efficacy In Animal Studies

Yumanity Therapeutics YMTX has announced results from preclinical studies of YTX-7739 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital conducted the study.
Data demonstrated in vivo efficacy, including increased median overall survival in the GBM mouse model.
The investigators found that YTX-7739 and a second SCD inhibitor in development by Yumanity, YTX-9184, increased median survival as monotherapy and was synergistic with temozolomide (TMZ) in both aggressive and slow-growing tumors.
The authors concluded that SCD inhibition could be a viable approach to improving the treatment of GBM in humans, as either single or adjunctive therapy.
YTX-7739 is a lead, small molecule investigational therapy, designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and inhibit the activity of a novel target, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD).
SCD helps mitigate neurotoxicity arising from the effects of pathogenic alpha-synuclein protein aggregation and accumulation, which ultimately results in the death of neurons and the subsequent dysregulation of movement and cognition.
YTX-7739 is currently under development as a treatment for Parkinson's disease.
Preclinical studies in Parkinson's Disease animal models showed the prevention of motor function deficits.
Price Action: YMTX shares are down 1.22% at $18.6 in the market trading session on the last check Tuesday.