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Cancer Reprogramming

Our cancer reprogramming technology represents a first-in-class therapeutic approach that specifically targets cancer cells through epigenetic mechanisms. This innovative strategy aims to reprogram cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

What is Partial Reprogramming?

Partial reprogramming uses transcription factors like the Yamanaka factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc) to trigger changes in the epigenome and cell identity[1][2], restoring cells to a more youthful state while preserving their specialized identity and functions[3] — unlike full reprogramming that converts cells into stem cells.

The Problem: Current Treatment Limitations

Treatment Failures

  • Drug resistance develops in 20-80% of cases
  • Toxicity and severe side effects limit treatment options
  • Low survival rates in aggressive cancers (< 5% in GBM[4])
  • Limited options for metastatic disease

Market Opportunity

  • Global oncology market exceeds $200B
  • Market growing at 8.9% CAGR (2024-2033)
  • Glioblastoma treatment market: $2.8B in 2024
  • Urgent need for novel treatment approaches

Our Approach: Cancer Reprogramming Technology

The Epigenetic Problem

  • • Cancer cells proliferate without control
  • • Blocked epigenetic state enables self-renewal
  • • Traditional therapies fail to address root cause

Our Solution

  • • Alter cancer cell epigenome through reprogramming
  • • Re-differentiation overcomes epigenetic blocks
  • • Cancer cells become senescent and die naturally

Key Advantages

  • • Overcomes drug resistance
  • • Universal application across cancer types
  • • Minimal impact on healthy cells

The Process: Cancer cell epigenome is altered by reprogramming treatment → Re-differentiation overcomes the epigenetic block → Cancer cells differentiate into a less malignant, senescent form → Most fully differentiated cells die through apoptosis due to high mutational burden.

Revolutionary Approach

We've developed a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment through epigenetic reprogramming that specifically targets cancer cells. Our technology uniquely induces senescent apoptosis naturally in cancer cells, representing a first-in-class therapeutic strategy.

High Impact

Our approach demonstrates unprecedented effects across multiple cancer cell lines, with particular efficacy in brain cancer models. By modulating specific epigenetic pathways, we can:

  • Reverse malignant cellular programming
  • Induce natural senescent anaphylaxis
  • Target therapy-resistant cancer cells
  • Prevent metastasis
  • Control tumor growth and invasion

Comprehensive Cancer Control

Our therapeutic approach simultaneously addresses multiple aspects of cancer biology:

Precision Targeting

Cancer-specific epigenetic modifications

Safety First

Minimal impact on healthy cells

Brain Cancer Focus

Optimized for glioblastoma treatment

Broad Effects on Aging Hallmarks

Epigenetic rejuvenation impacts multiple hallmarks of aging, addressing the fundamental mechanisms that drive age-related diseases and cancer:

Genomic Stability

Reduces DNA damage and enhances DNA repair mechanisms.

Proteostasis

Improves protein folding, reduces protein aggregation, and enhances autophagy.

Mitochondrial Function

Restores mitochondrial efficiency, reducing oxidative stress and improving energy production.

Cellular Senescence

Decreases the number of senescent cells, reducing chronic inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.

Stem Cell Function

Enhances the function and proliferative capacity of stem cells, supporting tissue repair and regeneration.

Core IP Platform: Protein Drug Engineering

Our proprietary platform combines engineered protein drugs with advanced screening technologies for safe and effective reprogramming.

Engineered Protein Drug

  • Novel OCT4 variants optimized for rejuvenation
  • Enhanced safety and efficiency profiles
  • Minimal size with maximal function

Screening Platform

  • Proprietary microfluidic devices
  • High-throughput functional validation
  • Quantitative biomarker assessment

Applications & Methods

  • Vascular rejuvenation protocols
  • Cell-type specific targeting
  • Delivery systems optimization

Delivery Platforms

Our delivery strategy consists of multiple complementary platforms, each optimized for specific therapeutic applications and patient needs.

mRNA Platform

Our mRNA platform represents the cutting edge of therapeutic delivery technology. We've developed novel delivery vehicles based on phase separation technology, enabling precise and efficient delivery of reprogramming factors to cancer cells.

  • Phase separation-based delivery vehicles
  • Targeted delivery to cancer cells
  • Minimal off-target effects
  • Optimized for maximum efficacy

Cell Therapy

Our cell therapy platform complements our mRNA approach, providing an additional avenue for delivering cancer reprogramming factors. Optimized for maximum efficacy and safety in targeting various cancer types.

  • Advanced engineering techniques
  • Precise targeting capabilities
  • Optimized for brain cancer applications
  • Superior therapeutic outcomes

Organ-on-a-Chip

Our organ-on-a-chip technology simulates human organ systems in vitro, providing a platform to study the effects of epigenetic rejuvenation in a controlled environment.

  • High-throughput screening
  • Detailed mechanistic studies
  • Accelerated drug development
  • Human-relevant models

Epigenetic Reprogramming Pipeline

Our partial reprogramming programs are advancing through pre-clinical development, targeting various cancer indications and neurological conditions.

Indication
Program
Stage
Progress

Cancer

Brain (GBM)

E-ON-001

Pre-clinical / In-vivo

Cancer

Multiple indications

E-ON-002

Pre-clinical

Neurology/Vasculature

Neurodegeneration

E-NE-001

Pre-clinical / In-vivo

Key Takeaways

  • First-in-class cancer treatment targeting the epigenetic root cause of cancer, not just symptoms
  • Overcomes drug resistance by reprogramming cancer cells to naturally undergo senescence and apoptosis
  • Dual delivery platforms (mRNA and cell therapy) optimized for brain cancer with minimal impact on healthy cells
  • Addresses $200B+ oncology market with breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant cancers like glioblastoma
  • Currently in pre-clinical development with three active programs targeting cancer and neurodegeneration

Scientific References

Reprogramming to recover youthful epigenetic information and restore vision

Lu Y, Brommer B, Tian X, et al. (2020)

Nature

Nature
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2975-4PMID: 33268865

Partial reprogramming induces a steady decline in epigenetic age before loss of somatic identity

Sarkar TJ, Quarta M, Mukherjee S, et al. (2020)

Aging Cell

PubMed
DOI: 10.1111/acel.13159PMID: 32293767

Transient non-integrative expression of nuclear reprogramming factors promotes multifaceted amelioration of aging in human cells

Gill D, Parry A, Santos F, et al. (2022)

Nature Communications

Nature
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28998-2PMID: 35365602

Glioblastoma multiforme: an overview of emerging therapeutic targets

Weller M, Wick W, Aldape K, et al. (2015)

Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology

Nature
DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2014.217PMID: 25421275
Last updated: January 30, 2025