Overview

The uPA program of WILEX can be considered as a promising new non-cytotoxic approach in cancer therapy to specifically block tumour metastasis in solid cancers.

In the uPA program WILEX is developing various compounds, which inhibit the urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator (uPA) system. The uPA system has been shown to play a key role in tumour cell invasion and metastasis, as well as in primary tumour growth, of various solid tumours including breast, ovarian, and gastric cancer.

The drug candidates in the uPA program, WX-UK1 and MESUPRON®*, are the first inhibitors of uPA in oncology trials worldwide. WX-UK1 and MESUPRON® are currently being studied in several clinical trials with cancer patients. These compounds may be used for the treatment of patients with various solid tumours including breast, gastric, ovarian, colon and pancreatic cancer.

In addition to its compounds in clinical development, WILEX is conducting several research programs targeting the uPA system.

* temporary name while under development