On May 3, 2022 Omega Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OMGA) (Omega), a development-stage biotechnology company pioneering the first systematic approach to use mRNA therapeutics as a new class of programmable epigenetic medicines by leveraging its OMEGA Epigenomic Programming platform, reported that will present preclinical data on its novel Omega Epigenomic Controller (OEC) to regulate expression of the c-Myc (MYC) oncogene via epigenomic programming in models of NSCLC in a poster presentation at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) 25th Annual Meeting, taking place in Washington, D.C., May 16-19, 2022 (Press release, Omega Therapeutics, MAY 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234613448]).
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"These preclinical data establish epigenomic programming as a differentiated approach to correct aberrant MYC expression by control of its insulated genomic domain (IGD) in NSCLC, which accounts for almost 25% of cancer deaths worldwide," said Thomas McCauley, Ph.D., Omega’s Chief Scientific Officer. "Combined with our previously presented data demonstrating sustained MYC downregulation in preclinical models of hepatocellular carcinoma by our lead OEC, these new results further highlight the power of our approach and the capabilities of our platform, fueled by our pioneering research, to design and develop potentially transformative medicines."
Details for the poster presentation:
Title: Novel Epigenetic Targeting of the MYC Oncogene for the Treatment of NSCLC using programmable mRNA therapeutics
Abstract #: 1114
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. through 6:30 p.m. EDT
Key findings:
OEC treatment yields precise, targeted changes in the epigenetic landscape of the MYC IGD in NSCLC cell lines
Epigenetic changes drive robust downregulation of both MYC mRNA and protein in multiple NSCLC cell lines, leading to associated changes in MYC-driven genes and an increase in cell death via apoptosis
Treatment with the OEC did not strongly impact the viability of healthy primary lung epithelial and endothelial cells
Combining OEC treatment with either a MEK or EGFR inhibitor in NSCLC cells yielded greater reductions in MYC protein and cell viability, suggesting the potential for additive or synergistic effects of the OEC with standard of care therapies in patients
OEC treatment effectively reduced tumor growth in vivo and was well tolerated in murine xenograft models, further supporting the therapeutic potential of this asset