Investigation of IDH1 gene mutations in brain cancer receives new funds

Dec 21 2009

Agios Pharmaceuticals, the leading biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel drugs in the emerging field of cancer metabolism, announced today that it has received funding from Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC²), a non-profit organization that supports brain cancer research. ABC²’s funding will enable new research investigating IDH1 gene mutations in brain cancer, with the goal of supplementing Agios’s ongoing research into the development of new IDH1 therapeutics and diagnostics.

“The Agios approach to cancer metabolism research has revealed a new strategy for treating this deadly disease”

Recent research by Agios scientists published in the journal Nature established that the mutated form of the enzyme IDH1 produces a metabolite, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG), which may contribute to the formation and malignant progression of gliomas, the most common type of brain cancer. This discovery creates the opportunity for therapeutic intervention in brain cancer and other cancers where IDH1 mutations are present using new drugs that can target the IDH1 metabolic pathway and prevent the buildup of 2HG. 2HG also represents a potential metabolic biomarker that may enable rapid diagnosis and earlier treatment of this form of glioma.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with ABC² on this important research into the role of the IDH1 mutation in brain cancer,” said David Schenkein, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Agios. “ABC2 has a track record of partnering with biotech companies to bring drugs to patients more quickly. Agios is aggressively developing new therapeutics specifically targeting IDH1 which we hope can have a profound impact on the lives of patients with brain cancer.”

“The Agios approach to cancer metabolism research has revealed a new strategy for treating this deadly disease,” said Max Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, ABC². “Beyond the compelling scientific evidence, we are excited to be partnering with such an exceptional team with a proven track record of success.”