SLIT2 and ROBO-axis inhibitors for the treatment of cancer: a patent review (2020-2026).

Abstract

Introduction: The SLIT2-ROBO signaling axis plays a context-dependent role in cancer, functioning as either a tumor suppressor or oncogenic driver. This bidirectionality creates both therapeutic opportunity and significant challenges for drug development and patent strategy.

Areas covered: This review analyzes patents targeting SLIT2-ROBO axis inhibition in cancer from 2020 to 2026. Patent families were retrieved from Google Patents, Espacenet, and WIPO PATENTSCOPE, consolidated by INPADOC family, and evaluated for mechanistic relevance and experimental enablement. Therapeutic modalities include antagonistic antibodies, ligand traps, small molecule and macrocyclic PPI disruptors, nucleic-acid approaches, and bispecific constructs. Each family was assessed using an enablement framework and a directionality-risk checklist, with emphasis on biomarker gating and translational feasibility.

Expert opinion: The current patent landscape is limited by the lack of biomarker-driven stratification and incomplete enablement. Future progress will depend on integrating robust assay-to-asset pipelines with biomarker-guided deployment strategies to ensure both clinical efficacy and durable intellectual property.