Calithera

Calithera is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel small molecule drugs targeting cancer metabolism. The company's primary approach is to identify and inhibit specific enzymes and pathways that cancer cells rely on for their rapid growth and proliferation, while aiming to spare healthy cells. Their pipeline includes drug candidates in various stages of clinical development for different types of cancer.

The company's lead programs are centered around inhibitors of glutaminase, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of the amino acid glutamine. Glutamine is a crucial nutrient for many cancer cells, and its metabolism plays a significant role in tumor growth and survival. Calithera's glutaminase inhibitors are designed to disrupt this essential metabolic pathway, leading to tumor cell death.

Calithera also explores other metabolic targets in cancer, seeking to exploit vulnerabilities unique to cancerous cells. Their research and development efforts are driven by a deep understanding of cancer biology and metabolism. The company has established collaborations with other pharmaceutical entities and academic institutions to advance its drug discovery and development programs. Its strategic focus on metabolic pathways represents a distinct approach within the broader field of oncology drug development.