HIF-2⍺ INHIBITOR – CASDATIFAN

HIF-2α is a master switch that turns on hundreds of genes in response to low oxygen levels; when oxygen levels return to normal, HIF-2α is turned off. In a majority of people with the most common form of kidney cancer (clear cell renal cell carcinoma), this shut-off mechanism is deficient and HIF-2α remains activated even in the presence of oxygen, causing normal kidney cells to become cancerous.

Casdatifan is a small molecule HIF-2α inhibitor designed to provide deeper and more durable inhibition of the HIF-2α pathway. Early clinical studies have shown high response rates and a low primary progression rate relative to clinical benchmarks, warranting further investigation in late-stage studies. Casdatifan, which is administered in pill form once every day, has a safety profile that allows it to be investigated in combination with other treatments.