Canto Biopharmaceuticals is an innovative biotechnology firm dedicated to developing advanced therapeutics for oncology and chronic diseases. Founded by industry expert Dr. David Bearss, the company is strategically focused on the Asian market while offering targeted solutions globally. Canto's mission is to combat chronic illnesses and pioneer preventative strategies for the future.
Strategically developing therapeutic assets both discovered internally and in-licensed, Canto Biopharmaceuticals is poised to deliver new therapies to patients for chronic diseases including several types of cancer, obesity, non-opioid chronic pain, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Lupus.
We are developing two primary compounds for multiple indications where chronic inflammation is the core driver of pathology
Our lead clinical program targets the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome through a novel mechanism of NEK7 allosteric inhibition. By blocking the interaction of NEK7 and NLRP3 in pre-clinical models, we prevent the formation of the inflammasome and the downstream signaling that drives immune-inflammatory diseases, hematologic malignancies and cancer development.
The LRRK2-RAB10 signaling pathway is linked to the body’s inflammation response — this can lead to more brain cell damage and worsening neurodegenerative disorders. RAB10 inhibition represents a promising set of therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and neurodegenerative disease intervention.
We are developing novel oral small molecules to combat some of the most challenging metabolic and autoimmune disorders facing patients today
Our oral GLP-1 receptor agonist works by mimicking the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, which is involved in regulating blood glucose levels. Upon binding to the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells, the agonist stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, promoting enhanced glucose uptake by tissues. The GLP-1 agonist also slows gastric emptying, contributing to reduced appetite, making it effective for weight management and the treatment of type II diabetes.
Our oral PIM1 inhibitor for systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus) works by selectively targeting and inhibiting the PIM1 kinase, an enzyme involved in the regulation of immune cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. By inhibiting PIM1, we disrupt the activation and expansion of autoreactive T and B cells. This leads to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced immune cell survival, and a mitigation of the autoimmune activity of SLE, thereby improving disease outcomes.
Our oral brain-penetrant HDAC6 inhibitor works by selectively inhibiting the histone deacetylase 6 enzyme, which plays a key role in the regulation of cellular processes such as protein degradation, acetylation, and microtubule dynamics. The inhibition of HDAC6 also influences the regulation of neuronal signaling pathways, making it a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases and brain-related disorders.
We are developing a pipeline of compounds to address some of the most challenging forms of cancer faced by patients today
Our CDK9 inhibitor works by selectively inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinase 9, a key enzyme involved in the regulation of transcription by phosphorylating the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. This makes CDK9 inhibition a promising therapeutic strategy in oncology, as it can target tumor cell proliferation while sparing certain levels of normal cells.
Our MELK/FLT3 dual inhibitor works by targeting and inhibiting two key enzymes involved in cancer cell growth and survival. By inhibiting both MELK and FLT3, this dual inhibitor simultaneously disrupts critical signaling pathways that promote tumor cell division and survival, thereby reducing tumor growth and potentially improving treatment outcomes in cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia.
Our GCN2 inhibitor targets the GCN2 kinase, a key regulator of the integrated stress response that is associated in both solid and liquid tumors, and serves as a potential immunotherapeutic target. By inhibiting GCN2, this oral inhibitor prevents eIF2α phosphorylation, thereby enhancing protein synthesis and reducing stress-induced pathways.
Our oral brain-penetrant tissue transglutaminase 2 inhibitor for glioblastoma works by targeting TGM2, a multifunctional enzyme implicated in tumor progression, invasion, and resistance to therapy.