Importance of Kinases and Deciphera’s Switch Pocket Inhibitors

Kinases play an integral role in maintaining healthy cellular functions and regulating the communication of cells with their environments. However, when kinase mutations occur, cells can lose the ability to normally function and communicate. In many cases, these kinase mutations cause cancer by forcing kinases to adopt active shapes (conformations) independent of normal regulatory processes. This is called conformational escape, because these cancer-causing kinases escape the process of normal regulation.

Many marketed kinase inhibitor drugs are ineffective against such kinase mutations because they are not able to block the aggressive kinase activity. Deciphera’s Switch Pocket Inhibitors retain potency for these aggressive kinase mutants, providing more durable therapies in oncology. Of particular concern is the emergence of the so-called "gatekeeper" mutation. This particular type of aggressive kinase mutation is resistant to all currently marketed therapies. Deciphera's drug candidates retain effectiveness against these gatekeeper mutations.