Kinases play a crucial role in regulating cellular functions and the communication of cells with their environments. When dysregulated, kinases contribute to the development and progression of diseases including cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Our kinase inhibitors interact at a molecular level that is distinct from other kinase inhibitors and are designed to generate higher and more durable rates of response. Using our switch-control kinase inhibitor platform, we have developed a diverse pipeline of differentiated, wholly-owned, orally administered drug candidates.⁽¹⁾
(1) Development and commercialization exclusive license with Zai Lab in Greater China for QINLOCK®.
Kinases are molecular signaling proteins located within cells. Kinases direct the activity of other signaling proteins, including other kinases, to orchestrate the function of a variety of essential cellular processes.
A molecular control known as the activation switch governs whether the kinase is in the inactive “off switch” or the active “on switch”; enabling a high-level control of cellular processes. The transformation of a kinase from an inactive to an activated state is dependent upon the interaction of the activation switch with an area called the switch pocket; a mechanism of activation that is common among kinases. By directly targeting the switch pocket, we design inhibitors to be broadly active against the target kinase.