Discussion

Bicycle therapeutics is developing novel therapeutic agents based on bicyclic peptides (Bicycles), with a particular focus on treating cancer using Bicycle peptides conjugated to potent anticancer toxins (Bicycle-Drug Conjugates, BDCs). These agents offer significant advantages by combining the best attributes of small molecule and antibody-based therapeutics e.g. high affinity and specificity, high extravasation and tissue penetration, relatively low cost of goods, etc. Our most advanced project targets membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), a transmembrane protease involved in physiological and tumour-associated remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This poster will encompass the discovery, in vitro characterisation, optimisation and in vivo Proof of Concept validation of our BDC directed towards MT1-MMP, due to enter the clinic in 2016.