Paradigm shift in cancer therapy: targeting non-dividing cancer cells to prevent cancer recurrence.

We develop monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to disrupt the metabolic reactivation of non-dividing dormant cancer cells to prevent cancer recurrence.

Science behind our technology

We are focused on preventing cancer recurrence by eliminating dormant (non-dividing) cancer cells which cause cancer relapse. Dormant cancer cells persist in tumor microenvironment (TME) as minimal residual disease, escaping initial therapies which target proliferative cells. The cancer cell dormancy is sustained through dynamic interactions within TME, where dormant cells rely on microenvironment-derived survival mechanisms and metabolic adaptations. In particular, dormant cancer cells exhibit a strong dependence on lipid metabolism for long term survival. Reactivation of dormant cancer cells, which is an essential step to lead to cancer recurrence, is initiated by lipid metabolism activation events.

Dormant cancer cells rely on lipid metabolism for their reactivation.

Frezent’s antibodies block lipid metabolism in cancer cells, cause lipotoxic stress and lead to apoptosis.

At Frezent, we exploit metabolic dependence of dormant cancer cells within TME, by targeting tumor-specific antigens and proteins that help the survival and reactivation of dormant cancer cells. We identified a pair of targets- a metabolic enzyme and its receptor which are essential for dormant cancer cell reactivation. The enzyme transport through the receptor enables lipid metabolism, leading to formation of lipid rafts and activation of pro-survival signaling platforms.

By disrupting these metabolic pathways, we aim to prevent the transition from dormant to dividing cancer cells, thereby preventing cancer relapse and improving long-term patient outcomes.

Therapeutic Platforms

We develop first-in-class monoclonal antibodies against essential survival factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME). These antibodies are engineered to neutralize cancer-specific secreted factors and block the cancer cell transition from dormant to active state.

Neutralizing Antibody Platform

Receptor Targeted Drug Delivery-ADC Platform

We develop novel antibodies targeting receptors expressed on the surface of dormant cancer cells. These antibodies can be conjugated to chemical drugs or radiolabeled with diagnostic or therapeutic isotopes to generate antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). ADC is delivered to cancer cells by leveraging receptor mediated transport.

FREZENT is interested in developing ADCs that combine proprietary antibodies with cytotoxic payload directed at blocking dormant cancer cell metabolism. This approach enables cancer-selective metabolism- targeted therapeutic effects.

Our pipeline
Our pipeline

Scientific Publications

  1. Cheng, H., Wang, M., Su, J., Li, Y., Long, J., Chu, J., Wan, X., Cao, Y., & Li, Q. (2022). Lipid metabolism and cancer. Life, 12(6), 784. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12060784

  2. Endo, H., & Inoue, M. (2018). Dormancy in cancer. Cancer Science, 110(2), 474–480. https://doi.org/10.1111/cas.1391

  3. Giancotti, F. G. (2013). Mechanisms governing metastatic dormancy and reactivation. Cell, 155(4), 750–764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.10.029

  4. Linde, N., Fluegen, G., & Aguirre-Ghiso, J. (2016). The relationship between dormant cancer cells and their microenvironment. Advances in Cancer Research, 132, 45–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2016.07.002

  5. Recasens, A., & Munoz, L. (2019b). Targeting cancer cell dormancy. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 40(2), 128–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2018.12.004

  6. Song, K., Wang, J., & Huang, D. (2023). Therapy-induced senescent tumor cells in cancer relapse. Journal of the National Cancer Center, 3(4), 273–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jncc.2023.09.001