PhoreMost Limited, the Cambridge-based oncology biotech, has announced its lead drug candidate, PMC-001, a next-generation small molecule microtubule targeting agent (MTA) designed to treat both primary and secondary brain cancers. The company is preparing regulatory filings ahead of first-in-human clinical trials.

A differentiated mechanism for an unmet clinical need

PMC-001 is an orally bioavailable MTA that penetrates the blood-brain barrier, two properties conspicuously absent from existing agents in this class, such as taxanes. The drug is being developed to address primary brain cancers, including glioblastoma, as well as secondary brain cancers arising from metastases of lung, breast and other tumour types. Glioblastoma remains one of the most treatment-resistant malignancies, and brain metastases from systemic cancers represent a significant and growing clinical burden.

Preclinical safety and toxicology studies have demonstrated strong anti-tumour efficacy alongside favourable tolerability across multiple oncology models. Chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) work has been completed, and PhoreMost is now preparing imminent regulatory submissions to initiate trials. The programme originates from a longstanding collaboration with Sentinel Oncology, with PhoreMost assuming responsibility for taking the candidate forward into clinical development.

Gabriel Fox, Consulting Chief Medical Officer, PhoreMost

Neil Torbett, CEO of PhoreMost

Oral bioavailability and CNS penetration set PMC-001 apart

Existing MTAs have demonstrated broad anti-cancer efficacy but are constrained by poor oral bioavailability and an inability to cross the blood-brain barrier in therapeutically meaningful concentrations. PMC-001’s small molecule profile, combined with CNS penetration and an attractive dosing regimen, positions it as a clinically tractable option for patient populations currently lacking effective systemic treatment. The company has characterised the drug as a multibillion-dollar commercial opportunity, given the high prevalence of the targeted indications.

Senior clinical appointment signals readiness for phase 1

To lead clinical development, PhoreMost has appointed Dr Gabriel Fox as Consulting Chief Medical Officer. Dr Fox trained in medicine at the University of Cambridge and brings three decades of pharmaceutical industry experience, including senior roles at Roche and Gilead Sciences, encompassing the full drug development cycle.

Dr Neil Torbett, CEO of PhoreMost, said: “PMC-001 shows striking tumour growth inhibition and holds great promise in delivering clinical benefit to patient groups that represent the highest areas of unmet need. With Gabriel’s extensive experience, we are excited to build on the impressive preclinical proof points and progress towards first-in-human trials.”

Dr Fox commented: “PMC-001 has performed exceptionally well in preclinical studies; the nature of the asset and mechanism of action is particularly impressive and will deliver clinical efficacy inflections rapidly. Having seen first-hand the patient need for new treatment options for both primary brain cancers and cancers with brain metastases, I am excited to be a part of the team moving it into the clinic.”