# A novel monobody-drug conjugate to treat mutant Ras multiple myeloma

> **NIH NIH R44** · TEZCAT LABORATORIES LLC · 2023 · $1,062,082

## Abstract

Tezcat is an early-stage, biopharmaceutical company developing novel biologics with a unique
mechanism of action to treat the most recalcitrant cancers, such as mutant RAS multiple
myeloma. Multiple myeloma is an incurable hematologic malignancy with an expected median
survival of 7-8 years. Despite an initial response rate approaching 90% to proteasome inhibitor-
containing combinations, all patients relapse and eventually become resistant to any treatments.
Approximately 70% of these relapse/refractory patients harbor a mutation in RAS. We have
observed that mutant RAS multiple myeloma cells display high levels of macropinocytosis, a
nutrient scavenging process that facilitates the bulk engulfment of extracellular fluid and its
solutes. Our drug candidate, TZT-102, utilizes our proprietary macropinocytosis-selective
monobody that carries an FDA-approved cytotoxic payload. Results from our Phase I STTR
project demonstrate that TZT-102 has robust anti-tumor activity in mutant RAS MM xenograft
models without showing toxicity issues. Based on the success of our Phase I aims, we propose
a Phase II SBIR program for investigators at Tezcat to advance TZT-102 through Specific Aims
that will pursue bioanalytical assay development (Aim 1) and non-GLP toxicology studies in rats
(Aim 2) to prepare for a pre-IND meeting with the FDA (Aim 3). Tezcat has entered into a license
agreement with NYU Langone Health for exclusive, worldwide rights to the technology being
developed. The commercialization strategy will be based on further development through Phase
II SBIR studies and towards IND status and first-in-human clinical trials through a strategic
partnership. Thus, we expect this Phase II SBIR to provide additional support for pursuit of GMP
protocols and GLP safety and toxicity studies to support IND submission with the FDA.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10694586
- **Project number:** 2R44CA250616-02
- **Recipient organization:** TEZCAT LABORATORIES LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Craig Patrick Ramirez
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $1,062,082
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2020-07-15 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10694586

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10694586, A novel monobody-drug conjugate to treat mutant Ras multiple myeloma (2R44CA250616-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10694586. Licensed CC0.

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