Targets: MTX5 & MTX3

Oncomatryx is developing precision drugs that target membrane proteins in stromal cells.

MTX5:

• Membrane glycoprotein of cancer-associated fibroblasts
  
• Internalization capability
• Peritumoral stroma overexpression in >90% carcinomas
• No MTX5 gene expression has been reported in healthy tissues, with the exception of low-level expression in adipocytes, smooth muscle, bone marrow and uterus
• Extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor growth and metastasis
• Tumor immune system suppression. Depletion of MTX5-expressing cells in pancreatic cancer allowed TNF-α and IFN-ƴ immunological control of tumor growth. Depletion of MTX5-expressing CAFs overcame the lack of anti-tumor response of PD-L1 antibodies, and thus synergizing with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer.
• Previous approaches blocking MTX5, have failed in Phase II due to lack of efficacy. Oncomatryx approach is not aimed at blocking MTX5, but at using MTX5 as a CAF-specific internalization vehicle for cytotoxic molecules.

MTX3:

• Membrane protein of endothelial cells
• Internalization capability
• TGF-beta receptor pathway
• Overexpression in tumor microvasculature cells
• Low levels of MTX3 gene expression have been reported in cardiomyocytes and lung
• Optimal accessibility from blood
• Angiogenesis and neovascularization in different types of cancer