iPFK-2 Inhibitors

Inducible phosphofructokinase-2 (iPFK-2) is an enzyme that up-regulates the glycolysis pathway, enabling cancer cells to live and multiply with almost no oxygen. This enzyme may thus be responsible for the so-called "Warburg Effect", named after Otto Warburg, the German scientist and Nobel Laureate. Dr. Warburg made the observation that tumor cells metabolize glucose as if they were in an anaerobic, or oxygen-starved, environment, even if adequate oxygen is present. This confers both survival and growth advantages on the tumor. While similar enzymes are present in normal tissues, iPFK-2 has been identified only in tumors. Blocking this enzyme has been shown to block tumor growth while not affecting normal tissues.

CPSI is currently developing small molecule compounds which block iPFK-2 activity. These compounds may inhibit the growth of several types of large, poorly vascularized solid tumors, cancers that tend to be the most resistant to treatment with current therapies.

CPSI is seeking licensing partners to assist in the development of its small-molecule iPFK-2 inhibitors.