Posetide

Posetide is a synthetic peptide-based drug candidate that has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects in treating certain types of cancer, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer. It belongs to a class of compounds known as peptide tyrosine kinase inhibitors (PTKIs), which interfere with signaling pathways involved in cell growth and survival.

The drug was developed by Posetron Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that focused on discovering and developing novel peptide-based therapeutics. Posetide was designed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that plays a critical role in regulating cell proliferation and survival. By inhibiting EGFR, posetide aims to disrupt tumor growth and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.

Early preclinical studies suggested that posetide demonstrated anti-tumor activity in various cancer models, including GBM. However, the development of posetide was discontinued in 2013 due to challenges in advancing it through clinical trials. Despite its discontinuation, research into peptide-based therapies targeting EGFR and other signaling pathways continues, offering potential avenues for future cancer treatments.

Posetide was notable for its peptide structure, which differed from traditional small-molecule or monoclonal antibody-based drugs. This unique approach highlighted the potential of peptide therapeutics in addressing unmet medical needs, particularly in oncology. While posetide did not progress to market, its development contributed to broader advancements in peptide drug discovery and cancer research.