Abstract 3298: Unlocking the potential of OPM-383: A novel LRRK2 inhibitor in cancer therapy
Authors: Riveiro Maria Eugenia , Blom Petra , Shoji Kenji , Hoflack Jan 
Published: March 2024

Background: Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, survival, and inflammation. LRRK2 exhibits dual functionality as a serine-threonine kinase and as a GTPase. It is involved in the modulation of multiple signaling pathways, including WNT, MAPK, NF-kB and mTOR. Germline mutations in LRRK2 are associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly hormone-related and colorectal cancers. LRRK2 also promotes tumor cell growth and survival in papillary renal and thyroid carcinomas, DLBCL and cholangiocarcinoma cells. OPM has designed and developed a novel oral LRRK2 inhibitor, OPM383, using its proprietary Nanocyclix® technology. In this study, we have evaluated the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, efficacy and tolerability of OPM383 in a colon carcinoma model and a panel of patient-derived organoids.

Materials and Methods: In vitro potency of our Type I inhibitor, OPM383, against full-length wild-type LRRK2 and the G2019S pathogenic LRRK2 mutant was assessed in in a Lanthascreen cell assay. For PK studies, we analyzed OPM383 plasma levels using UPLVC/MS-MS. Evaluation of inhibition of LRRK2 phosphorylation (Ser935) was assessed by western blot. MC-38 cells were inoculated into C57BL/6 mice. When tumor masses reached 75 mm³, mice were randomized to receive OPM383 (50 mg/kg, orally, daily), anti-PD1 antibody (10 mg/kg, ip, twice weekly), or their combination. OPM383 was also evaluated in patient-derived organoids using the SEngine-Paris® platform.

Results: OPM-383 inhibited wild-type LRRK2 and LRRK2[G2019S] with an IC50 of 42 nM and 33 nM, respectively. OPM383 is highly selective among a panel of &gt;400 protein kinases (only 6.7% cross-reactivity at 100 nM). The compound is permeable, metabolically stable and possesses drug-like properties. OPM-383 exhibited a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in mice (AUC of 11858 h*ng/mL and T max of 3 hours at a dose of 30 mg/kg via oral administration). Preliminary e-ADME results indicated moderate inhibition of CYP3A4BFC but no significant inhibition of CYPs 1A2, 2D6, 3A4BQ, 2C19, and 2C9 by OPM-383. After 90 minutes of oral administration in CD1 mice, we observed the inhibition of LRRK2 phosphorylation (Ser935) in the brain, kidney, and PBMCs. In assessing its potential antitumor effects, OPM383 was tested on a panel of patient-derived organoids. Notably, OPM383 inhibited the proliferation of 7 out of 29 patient-derived organoids after 6 days of exposure at various concentrations (&lt;10 µM). In mice bearing subcutaneous MC38 tumors, OPM383 significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to the vehicle-treated group.

Conclusion: This study characterizes a potent first-in-class LRRK2 inhibitor in cancer models. The findings suggest that OPM383 could serve as an attractive lead scaffold for designing and synthesizing a new class of kinase inhibitors for potential applications in cancer therapy.

Citation Format: Maria Eugenia Riveiro, Petra Blom, Kenji Shoji, Jan Hoflack. Unlocking the potential of OPM-383: A novel LRRK2 inhibitor in cancer therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3298.