next generation of MET kinase inhibitor

We are developing a deuterated MET kinase inhibitor as a potential ‘best in class’ targeted therapy for MET driven disease

DeuterOncology

DeuterOncology NV was founded in September 2020 by Dr Timothy Perera and is based in Liege in Belgium. The company generated pre-clinical validation of DO-2, a novel, highly selective, brain penetrant deuterated MET kinase pathway inhibitor.

The molecule was in-licensed (worldwide rights) from OCTIMET Oncology NV and originally licensed from Janssen Pharmaceutica in 2017.

Key Facts About Us

Next generation of MET Kinase inhibitors

DO-2 is a re-engineered, highly selective, brain penetrant MET Kinase inhibitor, designed to overcome the tolerability problems of the current marketed MET kinase inhibitors.

Strength of DO-2

Preclinical studies have shown less toxicity and an extended efficacious plasma exposure profile at low doses with DO-2 compared with non-deuterated MET inhibitors.
Fully efficacious dose of DO-2 (in nude mice) is 1/10 of the MTD.

Phase I clinical study ongoing

Manufacturing scalable - excellent Stability - CMC/GMP lot approved by Regulatory Authorities.
18 patients currently enrolled, One Partial Response, two patients with prolonged Stable Disease of up to ten months. Dose escalation still ongoing. PK data fully corroborates key hypothesis with 2-5 fold increase in exposure seen with deuterated drug.

Value of Deuteration

A Hydrogen atom judiciously replaced with a stronger bond strength Deuterium atom significantly reduces the impact of the metabolic liability during treatment. Resulting in higher levels of active parent drug at low doses.

Attractive portfolio

DO-2 is developped in NSCLC harbouring MET exon 14 skipping mutation and/or MET amplification, combination with EGFR inhibitors and other advanced solid cancers.
Fast development trajectory.

Seasoned Team

Team composed of senior leaders with broad experience in Pharmaceutical development and complementary expertise .

Timothy Perera

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Prof. Jaap Verweij

Chief Medical Officer

Els Hubloux

Chief Financial Officer

Florence Wastelin

Director of Operations

Hilde Windels

Business Development

Desiree Kanters

Clinical Operations

DeuterOncology Scientific Background

Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world (12.3% of all cancers), with an estimated 2.2 million individuals diagnosed worldwide with lung cancer in 2020.

MET Inhibitors

Mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) tyrosine kinase inhibitors are drugs used for treating lung cancer. The MET tyrosine kinase is a receptor present on the surface of various cells.

Deuteration

A deuterated drug is a small molecule in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium.
As deuterium and hydrogen have nearly the same physical properties

Scientific Background

Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world (12.3% of all cancers), with an estimated 2.2 million individuals diagnosed worldwide with lung cancer in 2020.

Latest News & Updates

DeuterOncology obtains SPW grant funding

The clinical-stage drug development company has been granted 478,000 EUR for establishing a partnership with a Liège-based biotech…

DeuterOncology closes €5.65M Series A financing round

DeuterOncology, a clinical-stage drug development company, today announces the closing of its €5.65 million ($6.1M) Series A financing…

Newton Biocapital invests in Flemish start up DeuterOncology

Newton Biocapital I (“Newton Biocapital”), a life sciences investment fund active in Europe and Japan focused on chronic diseases…