Multiple myeloma treatment has changed significantly as researchers learn more about what allows myeloma cells to grow and survive. One area of research is looking beyond individual mutations and targeting the processes that control how cancer genes are “turned on.”
In a recent HealthTree for Multiple Myeloma podcast episode, Dr. Nisha Joseph discussed inobrodib, an investigational drug being studied in multiple myeloma, and how it takes a different approach to addressing cancer cell growth.
“Until we get to cure…we still need a new class of drugs that work in different, effective, and safe ways.” Dr. Nisha Joseph
Dr. Joseph is an associate professor at Emory University School of Medicine and a physician-researcher at Winship Cancer Institute. She leads the myeloma working group and is a principal investigator on multiple clinical trials. Her research covers many different stages of multiple myeloma.
What is inobrodib?
Inobrodib is a p300 inhibitor. P300 is a protein involved in regulating which genes are turned on and how strongly they are expressed.
Inobrodib is part of a class of treatments known as epigenetic modifiers. Epigenetics involves changes in how genes are used by cells without changing the underlying DNA sequence itself. This means the treatment takes a different approach from therapies designed to directly target a particular mutation or protein on a cancer cell.
Inobrodib : An Epigenetic Modulating Therapy on the Horizon for Multiple Myeloma
How does inobrodib work?
Multiple myeloma cells depend on certain proteins and cellular pathways to survive. P300 helps regulate the expression of some of these genes. Inobrodib binds to p300 to slow its activity.
As a result, certain proteins that myeloma cells depend on may not be expressed as strongly.
This is different from some other standard treatments for myeloma. Researchers are looking at whether they can interfere with the process that helps turn that pathway on in the first place.
Why are researchers studying new approaches?
People with multiple myeloma have many treatment options, but myeloma can become resistant to therapies over time. Researchers continue to study drugs that work in different ways so patients may have additional options throughout their treatment journey.
Research into p300 inhibition also reflects a broader effort to understand the biology behind multiple myeloma. Learning which genes and proteins myeloma cells depend on can help researchers identify new vulnerabilities that may eventually be targeted with treatment.
Inobrodib remains investigational, meaning researchers are still studying its safety and effectiveness in clinical trials.
A Phase 2 clinical trial is currently recruiting patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of inobrodib in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone. The study aims to enroll approximately 100 adults whose myeloma has returned or stopped responding to previous treatments.
Participants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having received specific types of myeloma therapies. The trial is being conducted at several locations across the United States. Your healthcare team can help determine whether the study may be right for you.
Access is also important when exploring treatment options. Although several treatments may be available, not every option is right for every patient. Factors such as cost, insurance coverage, time commitments, and overall health can influence treatment decisions. Some treatments may require frequent appointments, extended hospital stays, or travel to specialized treatment centers. A patient’s overall health and other medical conditions may also affect which treatments are appropriate. Discussing these factors with your healthcare team can help you understand your options and choose a treatment plan that fits your medical needs and personal circumstances.
Connecting patients with myeloma research
The HealthTree for Multiple Myeloma podcast connects patients and caregivers directly with researchers working to improve multiple myeloma treatment and care. Conversations like this can help patients understand not only which treatments are being studied but also the science behind them.
Listen to More Episodes from the HealthTree for Multiple Myeloma Podcast
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