Through a genomic screening method known as CRISPR/CAS9 screening, Massey scientists—led by Anthony Faber and Jennifer Koblinski—identified a specific enzyme called UBA1 that revealed itself as an ideal therapeutic target in triple negative breast cancer. Using a novel UBA-inhibiting drug called TAK-243, they blocked the cellular function of UBA1 and effectively killed cancer cells in patient-derived breast tumors in mice.
Further positive results from the phase III SERENA-6 trial showed camizestrant plus a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor—palbociclib, ribociclib or abemaciclib—maintained its progression-free survival benefit with longer follow-up and delivered a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in second progression-free survival, demonstrating sustained benefit beyond initial treatment.
