RM-581

RM-581 is a molecule in the final stages of early development. It has demonstrated its ability to block the progression or even reduce the size of cancerous tumours that are difficult to treat with conventional chemotherapy. RM-581 could prove a formidable weapon in the fight against cancer.

Chemical structure of RM-581, a synthetic aminosteroid

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Stress as an ally

RM-581 works by selectively accumulating in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a key cell organelle, causing fatal stress to cancer cells. These cells are already under considerable stress, as they are growing in a challenging tumour microenvironment with a reduced supply of nutrients and oxygen. As a result, their tolerance to an additional stress factor (e.g., RM-581) is lower than that of normal cells. The introduction of the RM-581 aminosteroid into the intracellular environment could thus lead to increased cancer cell mortality.

RM-581 mechanism of action: accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum and cellular stress

EXPECTED BENEFITS

  • Active oral formulation
  • Fewer anticipated side effects than of conventional chemotherapeutic agents (thanks to selective action)
  • Innovative mechanism of action offering additive or synergistic combination possibilities with other cancer drugs
  • Low molecule production costs (short, effective chemical synthesis)

SCIENTIFIC PAPERS ON RM-581

EXPLAINER VIDEO (french only)

une nouvelle molécule de synthèse pour traiter le cancer du sein
Illustration of prostate cancer

Despite considerable progress in prostate cancer research and the fact that several treatments often provide a lasting response, too many patients still experience tumour progression and die of metastases. The discovery that the RM-581 aminosteroid shows potent anti-proliferative effects both in vitro and in xenograft models is very promising. This is because the drug does not appear to induce conventional antiandrogenic effects, but acts synergistically with antiandrogen drugs. RM-581 has already been tested for tolerance in mice, and further research could lead to clinical trials.

  • Comment from the editor of Cancers
  • Editor commentary of the Cancers journal on RM-581 and its potential against prostate cancer.

RM-581 EFFECTS

Promising results

Effect of RM-581 on tumour growth in a murine xenograft model:

Pancreatic tumour

Tumour growth in a PANC-1 murine xenograft model, pancreatic cancer, with and without RM-581

Breast tumour (ER+)

Tumour growth in an MCF-7 murine xenograft model, ER+ breast cancer, with and without RM-581

Prostate tumour (AR+)

Tumour growth in a LAPC-4 murine xenograft model, AR+ prostate cancer, with and without RM-581

Prostate tumour (AR-)

Tumour growth in a PC-3 murine xenograft model, AR- prostate cancer, with and without RM-581
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