A novel dual ATM/DNA-PK inhibitor, XRD-0394, potently radiosensitizes and potentiates PARP and topoisomerase I inhibitors

A majority of cancer patients receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment regimens whether using external beam therapy or locally-delivered radioisotopes. While often effective, some tumors are inadequately controlled with radiation and radiation therapy has significant short-term and long-term toxicities for cancer survivors. Insights into molecular mechanisms involved in cellular responses to DNA breaks introduced by radiation or other cancer therapies have been gained in recent years and approaches to manipulate these responses to enhance tumor cell killing or reduce normal tissue toxicity are of great interest. Here, we report the identification and initial characterization of XRD-0394, a potent and specific dual inhibitor of two DNA damage-response kinases, ATM and DNA-PKcs. This orally bioavailable molecule demonstrates significantly enhanced tumor cell kill in the setting of therapeutic ionizing irradiation in vitro and in vivo. XRD-0394 also potentiates the effectiveness of topoisomerase I inhibitors in vitro. Additionally, in cells lacking BRCA1/2 XRD-0394 shows single agent activity and synergy in combination with PARP inhibitors. A Phase Ia clinical trial (NCT05002140) with XRD-0394 in combination with RT has completed. These results provide a rationale for future clinical trials with XRD-0394 in combination with RT, PARP inhibitors and targeted delivery of topoisomerase I inhibitors.