The Role of p53 and MDM2 in Cancer Growth

Avanish Vellanki, Cofounder and CEO at Rain Therapeutics, discusses the role of p53 and MDM2 in cancers like liposarcoma.

As Mr. Vellanki explains, p53 regulates the cell cycle, and in that role is essential for tumor suppression. MDM2 is a crucial regulator of p53. If MDM2 is overexpressed, p53 can be inactivated, leading to tumor growth and cancer progression. Milademetan, Rain Therapeutics’ lead product candidate, inhibits MDM2.

Mr. Vellanki notes that MDM2 inhibition has been studied for a number of years. However, in the past, blood toxicity was a concern. One reason toxicity has been an issue is that previous therapies would accumulate in the tissues of patients. Milademetan does not accumulate in tissues using a 3 days on, 11 days off schedule. This dosing schedule, according to Mr. Vellanki, has led to triple-to-quadruple the length of progression free survival compared to standard of care in liposarcoma, milademetan’s main indication.

To learn more about liposarcoma and other rare cancers, visit checkrare.com/diseases/cancers/