Science
Transforming Cancer Treatment Through the ELANE Pathway
We develop a new class of therapeutics that eradicate cancer cells while preserving the immune system
Today’s cancer treatments often force a choice between directly attacking tumor cells or harnessing the body’s immune response. Traditional cytotoxic therapies can be powerful tumor killers but can also damage the very immune cells needed for effective, long-term cancer control. Immunotherapies, on the other hand, activate the immune system to fight cancer but sometimes lack the immediate cell-killing power required to overcome resistant tumors.
At Onchilles, we believe there’s a better way. We are pioneering next-generation therapeutic agents that offer broad cancer-killing capabilities while preserving—and even activating—immune cells. Our goal is to ensure that potent tumor destruction goes hand in hand with long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. By leveraging innovative science that selectively targets cancer cells, we strive to transform cancer treatment for patients worldwide.
The ELANE Pathway
A Groundbreaking Cancer-Selective Mechanism of Action
Discovered and published in the journal Cell in 2021 by our scientific founder, Dr. Lev Becker, the ELANE pathway enables the selective eradication of cancer cells regardless of their genetic makeup or anatomical origin while sparing healthy tissue including immune cells. By targeting the ELANE pathway, Onchilles exploits a critical vulnerability shared by all cancer cells: elevated histone H1 levels. This hallmark of cancer supports genomic instability, aberrant gene expression, and unchecked proliferation. Onchilles’ research shows that essential components of the ELANE pathway are active in patient samples, indicating broad real-world applicability.
Targeting the ELANE Pathway
Onchilles Pharma has built an extensive translational dataset spanning 11 distinct cancer types, over 50 genetically diverse cell lines, and more than 20 animal models. These studies demonstrate:
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Pan-cancer cell killing with preservation of non-cancer cells, including critical immune cells
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Immune activation and CD8+ T cell–mediated anti-tumor immunity, effective in both ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ tumors
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No observed resistance, even with repeated dosing
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No cross-resistance, retaining efficacy in chemo- and checkpoint inhibitor–resistant tumors
In addition, we have achieved superior efficacy in mouse models with diverse genotypes and immunotypes, enabling checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) activity in refractory tumors.
Onchilles has translated these findings into a proprietary set of molecules: NEU-001 (N17350) for tumor-directed delivery and NEU-002 for intravenous delivery.
