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PIC Therapeutics

PIC Therapeutics

Cambridge, United States· Est.
pictherapeutics.com
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Private Company

Total funding raised: $40M

Overview

PIC Therapeutics is pioneering a novel approach in oncology and metabolic disease by targeting the eIF4A RNA helicase, a core component of the eIF4F translation initiation complex. The company's lead program, PICT-1, is a first-in-class, orally available small molecule designed to disrupt the translation of specific oncogenic mRNAs, offering a potential new treatment paradigm for cancers driven by dysregulated protein synthesis. Backed by venture capital investors and led by a team with deep experience in drug discovery and translation biology, PIC Therapeutics is advancing its platform from preclinical proof-of-concept towards clinical development. Its strategy focuses on addressing high-unmet-need cancers with known dependencies on eIF4F, such as certain breast cancers.

OncologyMetabolic

Technology Platform

Small molecule platform targeting the eIF4A RNA helicase, a component of the eIF4F translation initiation complex, to selectively inhibit the translation of oncogenic and disease-driving mRNAs.

Funding History

2
Total raised:$40M
Series A$35M
Seed$5M

Opportunities

The lead program, PICT-1, targets a major unmet need in HR+ breast cancer patients who have developed resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors, a large and growing market segment.
Successfully validating the eIF4A target in the clinic would unlock a platform applicable to a wide range of cancers and potentially metabolic diseases, offering multiple shots on goal.
The company's private status and preclinical data position it as an attractive partnering or acquisition target for larger pharma companies seeking novel oncology mechanisms.

Risk Factors

The novel mechanism of action carries high biological risk, particularly regarding achieving a sufficient therapeutic window between anti-tumor efficacy and on-target toxicity in healthy tissues.
As a preclinical, single-asset company, PIC Therapeutics faces significant translational and financial risk; failure of PICT-1 or an inability to raise sufficient capital would be existential threats.
The company also operates in a competitive space where other groups are targeting the eIF4F complex via different strategies.

Competitive Landscape

Competition includes other companies targeting the eIF4F complex, such as eFFECTOR Therapeutics (focusing on eIF4E with tomivosertib) and various academic groups exploring MNK and eIF4A inhibitors. PIC Therapeutics differentiates itself by focusing on allosteric, small molecule inhibition of eIF4A with an emphasis on oral bioavailability and a specific chemical scaffold. It also competes indirectly with developers of next-generation CDK4/6 inhibitors, SERDs, and other targeted therapies for resistant breast cancer.

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