# Development of lipogenesis inhibitors for tumor regression in renal cell carcinoma and other MYC-driven cancers

> **NIH NIH R43** · BACCHUS THERAPEUTICS, INC. · 2021 · $405,432

## Abstract

SUMMARY:
Over 400,000 new cases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are detected annually worldwide. One-fourth of these
patients are already in advanced stages when diagnosed; with current therapies, their predicted 5-year survival
rate is only 12%. To help curtail this loss of life, Bacchus Therapeutics has created a family of novel molecules
that cause regression of tumors in preclinical animal models of RCC. These potential therapeutics provided long-
term survival, rather than merely delaying tumor growth. These compounds also showed potency against other
cancers driven by the MYC oncogene, including hepatocellular carcinoma and B-cell lymphoma.
The goal of the proposed Phase I SBIR project is to characterize the biochemical traits and cytotoxicity of 7
candidate molecules, which will determine a lead candidate for development into an effective drug against RCC.
Initial studies will define the solubility of the molecules, as well as specificity for their target enzyme. Additional
work will evaluate their relative toxicity to RCC versus normal cell lines. Based on these results, the candidate
with the highest specific potency will be tested in mouse models of RCC, using patient-derived xenografts that
express either high or low levels of MYC.
Following the successful completion of these Aims, we will seek Phase II SBIR funding to undertake studies that
will enable Investigational New Drug development. Through partnering or licensing, we plan to commercialize
the lead compounds as a completely new therapeutic agent against advanced RCC. Future work will evaluate
this molecule or related analogs for treatment of other MYC-driven cancers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10253565
- **Project number:** 1R43CA256978-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** BACCHUS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Arvin Gouw
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $405,432
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-08-01 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10253565

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10253565, Development of lipogenesis inhibitors for tumor regression in renal cell carcinoma and other MYC-driven cancers (1R43CA256978-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10253565. Licensed CC0.

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