Difficult targets
Explore potential approaches involving KRAS, STAT3, beta-catenin and MYC protein biology.
Cancer / Oncology
Opening new possibilities in oncology
We are exploring new ways to approach difficult cancer targets, with the ambition of expanding what future treatments can address. The opportunity is to connect a specific biological challenge with a new intervention strategy.
Research directions · Computational and literature-led exploration
The opportunity
Find another way into a difficult problem
A target can be important to cancer biology and still be difficult to address in a useful way. Our oncology direction explores potential intervention points, protein-state changes and alternative mechanisms, with attention to the development question a partner needs to resolve.
Our research direction
Start with the target and the decision
The portfolio brings together protein-directed approaches, gene-regulation questions, tumour-suppressor biology and cancer adaptation. These are research directions with different evidence and development needs. A collaboration would begin with one defined target or mechanism, then examine which approach and evaluation could be informative.
Gene regulation
Examine research questions involving MYC promoter regulation, MYCN and NRAS RNA.
Restoration and persistence
Explore TP53, CDKN2A-related prevention biology, combinations and resistance, PACC/VDAC and NF2/Merlin.
Where we could connect
Make the next experiment a shared decision
We are interested in conversations with oncology researchers, drug-discovery teams and translational partners. Bring the target, the obstacle and the evidence you need next. We can explore where computational methods, disease expertise and experimental work could connect in a focused evaluation.
Explore BioTwin capabilities ↗Questions worth asking
Before we begin
Are all of these directions at the same stage?
No. The portfolio spans distinct research questions. We would discuss the evidence and proposed next step for the particular direction you are interested in, rather than treat the whole portfolio as one development-stage asset.
How does this fit with therapies already being developed?
The aim is to find a useful additional approach to a specific constraint. Existing therapies and competing research are part of that assessment; a target's historical difficulty does not mean it remains universally unreachable.
Can computational work establish that a treatment works?
Computational exploration can help frame and prioritize hypotheses. Biological activity, selectivity and therapeutic value require appropriate experimental and clinical evidence. A collaboration should make those evaluation responsibilities explicit.
What about ownership and confidential research?
Start with a non-confidential description of the scientific question. Research access, permitted use, intellectual property and commercial terms can then be agreed for the proposed engagement.
Start a conversation
Working on a difficult cancer target?
Bring your objective, the question you want to resolve and a little non-confidential context. We can discuss the fit and a useful next step.