Author Archives: Joseph Gulfo

Autophagy inhibitors for resistant cancers

Autophagy is a process by which cells that are under stress and deprived of nutrients pause to recycle themselves in order to maintain viability.  Autophagosomes comprised of cellular organelles are formed, followed by Lysosomal destruction; the cell then uses the substrates for synthesis and reconstitution.  Cells in autophagy do not replicate… Continue reading →

OncoMed’s Wnt-targeted experimental cancer drugs and bone-related adverse events

OncoMed is a biotech company that is developing therapies directed at the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways.  Clinical studies with two products directed at the Wnt pathway (Vantictumab – anti-Fzd-7, and Fzd-8 Fc) have been halted by the company while it explores findings of bone toxicity. Continue reading →

FDA Clinical Hold lifted on telomerase inhibitor

In clinical trials, “clinical holds” are imposed by the FDA when toxicities emerge that are unexpected, either new toxicities that have not been seen before, (or were not anticipated) or increased severity of known or anticipated side effects.  The hold allows the FDA to assess the data, demand more data from the sponsoring companies, and make appropriate changes in the study protocol… Continue reading →

Two Sides of Immune Checkpoint Control

Immune checkpoint control is the hottest area in cancer immunology.  Indeed, the checkpoint inhibitors have shown great activity in a variety of cancers.  This article http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140506-908279.html)  summarizes 2 approaches that Merck is taking… Continue reading →