{"title":"Developments of MEK inhibitors as future cancer therapies: what have we learned from preclinical and clinical studies?","authors":"Iacopo Petrini, Giuseppe Giaccone","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2599455","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2599455","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The combination of MEK and BRAF inhibitors is effective in melanomas and other tumors with BRAF V600E mutations. MEK inhibitors enhance efficacy and delay the development of resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Recently, MEK inhibitors have demonstrated activity in plexiform neurofibromas in patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis and in histiocytic neoplasms. In the preclinical setting, MEK inhibitors are effective in tumors with RAS or receptor tyrosine kinase mutations. However, after the inhibition of MEK, regulatory feedback determines the rebound activation of ERK, thereby limiting the effect of the MEK blockade. In early clinical trials, MEK inhibitor monotherapy has shown limited efficacy in RAS-mutated tumors, whereas trials combining MEK and RAS inhibitors are still ongoing.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Clinical trials have been selected from clinicaltrials.gov searching for 'MEK inhibitors,' and their results have been searched in PubMed and meeting abstracts. Preclinical studies have been searched in PubMed using the names of the MEK inhibitors. This is a descriptive review.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>While MEK inhibitors in combination with BRAF inhibitors obtained one of the first tumor-agnostic FDA approvals for BRAF V600E/K mutated tumors, additional indications for MEK inhibitors alone have been received in very selected diseases for which molecular characterization is crucial.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"979-993"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145687124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sara Di Girolamo, Giulia Terribile, Paola Alberti, Guido Cavaletti
{"title":"Sodium channel modulation as a therapeutic strategy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity.","authors":"Sara Di Girolamo, Giulia Terribile, Paola Alberti, Guido Cavaletti","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2586615","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2586615","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a common and significant side effect of cancer treatment, triggered by exposure to widely used chemotherapeutic agents such as vinca alkaloids, taxanes, platinum-based compounds, proteasome inhibitors, thalidomide, epothilones, and antibody-drug conjugates. CIPN can be long-lasting or even permanent, leading to a decline in patients' quality of life and negatively impacting the well-being of cancer survivors. It is typically characterized by polyneuropathy or neuronopathy, primarily affecting the peripheral sensory nervous system.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Emerging evidence suggests that anticancer agents may directly alter neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV), which could play a crucial role in the development of CIPN. This review explores the mechanisms underlying CIPN, with particular focus on the potential involvement of NaV alterations. Additionally, it examines pharmacological modulators of NaV, offering key insights into the prevention of axonal damage and the management of neuropathic pain associated with CIPN.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Despite the availability of various strategies to manage CIPN, there are currently few evidence-based options for its prevention or effective treatment once it develops. As a result, CIPN remains an unmet clinical challenge, highlighting the need for further research into its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms to develop innovative therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"887-903"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145451543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Early phase development of PI3kinase inhibitors for anticancer therapies.","authors":"Carlo Caputo, Angela Lombardi, Margherita Vicario, Domenico Cautela, Raffaele Addeo, Federica Melisi, Anna Grimaldi, Alois Necas, Evzen Amler, Rossella Sperlongano, Michele Caraglia","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2582080","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2582080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, survival and metabolism. Its aberrant activation promotes tumor development and progression. The most common oncogenic feature is represented by genetic alterations of PI3KCA that encodes the catalytic subunit p110α. In fact, several studies have highlighted the prevalence of somatic point mutations and/or amplification of PI3KCA in many neoplastic forms, making it a promising therapeutic target. In recent years, some PI3KCA inhibitors have been approved, others are under clinical development.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway with a focus on PI3KCA genetic alterations in tumor development. Furthermore, we discuss the emerging role of PI3KCA inhibitors (approved and under investigation) as a therapeutic strategy in different tumor types including their current limitations.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>PI3KCA-specific inhibitors represent a new class of promising drugs in the treatment of tumors with the mutated P110α subunit. However, despite the proven improvement in clinical outcomes, the management of patients in terms of efficacy and toxicity remains the main challenge. To maximize efficacy and safety, molecular stratification of patients by genomic profiling and the development of targeted combinations are crucial to optimizing benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"905-920"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145376826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda J Hooper, P Mihika S Fernando, John R Burnett
{"title":"Assessing the clinical progress of muvalaplin for reducing lipoprotein(a).","authors":"Amanda J Hooper, P Mihika S Fernando, John R Burnett","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2588651","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2588651","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an LDL-like particle, which is synthesized and assembled in the liver, and whose plasma levels are strongly associated with, and considered to be causative of, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Several promising pharmacological therapies that directly target Lp(a) are under development.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>We discuss the role of Lp(a) in ASCVD, describe the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism of muvalaplin, an oral Lp(a) inhibitor, as well as reporting on the findings of the phase II KRAKEN trial in adults at high cardiovascular risk with elevated Lp(a).</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Muvalaplin is the first oral small molecule inhibitor of Lp(a) formation for the treatment of elevated Lp(a). In KRAKEN, muvalaplin significantly reduced Lp(a) levels in high-risk patients by up to 70% and 85.5% by traditional and novel isoform-insensitive intact assays, respectively. Safety and tolerability studies reported to date are promising, with minimal effect on plasminogen activity that was independent of dose. In terms of patient convenience and adherence, the oral dosing of muvalaplin may confer practical advantages over injectable Lp(a)-lowering therapies. The results of the MOVE-Lp(a) phase III trial, which is evaluating the effect of muvalaplin on cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients with elevated Lp(a), are eagerly awaited.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"825-830"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145481353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancements of investigational agents for cancer cachexia: what clinical progress have we seen in the last 5 years?","authors":"Maurizio Muscaritoli, Alessio Molfino, Simona Orlando, Federica Tambaro","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2588640","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2588640","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome affecting up to 80% of advanced cancer patients, associated with poor quality of life, increased cancer-treatment toxicity, and reduced survival. Despite its clinical burden, no FDA- or EMA-approved pharmacologic therapies currently exist.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review covers key investigational therapies developed over the past five years, with a focus on agents targeting Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15), including ponsegromab, AV-380, and NGM120. Additional agents include ghrelin receptor agonists (e.g. anamorelin), anabolic/catabolic modulators (ACM-001), and cannabinoids (ART27.13). The evolving role of low-dose olanzapine is also discussed in the 2023 ASCO guideline update. Advancements in early detection, including AI-driven biomarker models and the use of circulating miRNAs, are discussed.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Targeting GDF-15 represents a paradigm shift in cancer cachexia treatment, with ponsegromab leading the pipeline and entering Phase 3 trials. Anamorelin has demonstrated clinical utility in improving appetite and body weight. Despite recent progress, cancer cachexia undoubtedly represents a still clinically unmet need in everyday routine praxis. The lack of standardized endpoints, heterogeneity of the syndrome, and absence of FDA-approved treatments remain major barriers to treatment implementation. Multimodal strategies combining pharmacological treatment with nutritional and rehabilitative support are likely to define future therapeutic success.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"855-867"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145495153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor agonists in multiple sclerosis: therapeutic promise, challenges, and future directions.","authors":"Afsaneh Shirani, Olaf Stuve","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2587277","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2587277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This review evaluates the potential of glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor agonists (GLP‑1RAs) - first developed for type 2 diabetes and later approved for chronic weight management and additional indications - to be repurposed as neuroprotective and remyelinating therapies in multiple sclerosis (MS). We synthesize emerging pre‑clinical and early clinical evidence, highlight practical barriers to translation, and outline directions for future research.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and toxin-induced demyelination mouse models, GLP-1RAs have been shown to reduce oxidative stress, preserve axonal integrity, suppress microglial and astrocytic activation, and, in some cases, promote remyelination. Early observational data in people with MS suggest GLP-1RAs are well tolerated, provide expected metabolic benefits, and do not exacerbate disease activity. Moreover, signals of reduced neurological impairment and lower dementia incidence in broader diabetic cohorts further support their translational promise. However, to date, there are no published randomized controlled trials of GLP-1RAs in MS.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Pre‑clinical and early clinical signals support GLP‑1RAs as promising candidates for neuroprotection in MS, yet definitive evidence of disease‑modifying efficacy is lacking. Practical barriers, such as drug availability and cost, together with unresolved mechanistic questions underscore the need for biomarker‑rich mechanistic trials. Rigorous prospective studies are essential to establish whether GLP‑1RAs can meaningfully alter the trajectory of MS.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"929-941"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145451528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mai-Chi N Tran, Taryn A Eubank, Ravina Kullar, Lynne V McFarland, Kevin W Garey, Ellie Jc Goldstein
{"title":"New investigational agents for the treatment of <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infections.","authors":"Mai-Chi N Tran, Taryn A Eubank, Ravina Kullar, Lynne V McFarland, Kevin W Garey, Ellie Jc Goldstein","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2579016","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2579016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection (CDI) results in 250,000 hospitalizations yearly in the U.S.A. an annual mortality of 12,800 and recurrence in 15-30% of patients. Consequently, new approaches and agents are needed to treat CDI. We review the current developmental pipeline for various categories of CDI therapies.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>We searched various data bases to identify relevant data.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Ibezapolstat, CRS3123, and ridinilazole were identified with unique mechanisms of action and narrow spectrums of activity that result in gut microbiome preservation and reduced recurrent CDI (rCDI) rates. One cannot predict the potential efficacy of these new agents under study until further studies are done. Some may emerge as only supplemental therapies, while others may fail or be shelved and hopefully at least one will emerge as a primary CDI therapy and to prevent rCDI. Some have the ability to restore the microbiome (VE303) or preserve intestinal integrity (e.g. REC-3964, LMN-201, AQ). Regardless, patients and clinicians need new agents. CDI is a significant burden to the healthcare system and the quality of life for patients who suffer from CDI and rCDI. Further development of these investigational agents to prevent this cycle are of upmost importance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"869-885"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145336696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigational treatments for cytomegalovirus infection in phase I and II study.","authors":"Morgan Hakki, Anat Stern, Genovefa A Papanicolaou","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2579018","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2579018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The additions of letermovir and maribavir to the cytomegalovirus (CMV) armamentarium have markedly changed the landscape of CMV prevention and treatment in transplant recipients. However, their currently approved indications remain relatively restricted, and there is still a definite need for additional interventions to limit the impact of CMV in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent persons. The development of novel antivirals, vaccines, and immunotherapy-based strategies would represent significant steps toward this goal.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review examines anti-CMV agents in early stage (Phase I or II) clinical trials, including expanding indications for existing agents, novel agents, vaccines, and immune-based therapies.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Despite recent advances in CMV chemoprevention and treatment in transplant recipients, there remains a need for a broader, more diversified approach to mitigating the impact of CMV infection in both transplant and non-immunocompromised persons. Intravenous brincidofovir would provide an important alternative option to current antivirals in the right clinical setting. Several promising vaccine candidates are in various stages of clinical development. A safe and effective vaccine may also expand preventative strategies beyond transplant recipients and into healthy persons, specifically for the prevention of maternal-to-fetal transmission. The therapeutic possibilities of VST and TCR therapy represent important potential adjuncts to antivirals.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"921-927"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145336657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xuan Zhang, Lingqiao Zhu, Qian Zhang, Liang Zheng, Jinlin Guo, Qiuling Zou, Rui Yan, Di Qin, Chenghai Zhang, Wei Hu
{"title":"Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and pharmacodynamics of MG-ZG122, a long-acting humanized anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin mAb, in healthy Chinese: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation, phase I study.","authors":"Xuan Zhang, Lingqiao Zhu, Qian Zhang, Liang Zheng, Jinlin Guo, Qiuling Zou, Rui Yan, Di Qin, Chenghai Zhang, Wei Hu","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2581666","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2581666","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This phase I study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics of MG-ZG122, an anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin mAb, in a healthy Chinese population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and dose-escalation design was used. Four dose cohorts (52.5, 105, 210, and 420 mg) with 10 participants each were randomized to receive subcutaneously (SC) a single dose of MG-ZG122 or placebo (8:2), except for the 52.5 mg with 4 participants (2:2).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among participants who received MG-ZG122 (<i>n</i> = 26/34), most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were grade 1 or 2. A single dose of MG-ZG122 exhibited a dose-dependent increase in the serum concentration ranging from 52.5 to 420 mg. It showed a half-life of up to 80 days and is intended to support a once-every-6-month administration. Dose-dependent reductions in peripheral blood eosinophil counts were observed in the 210 and 420 mg dose cohorts, with a greater decrease at the 420 mg and a sustained response through day 211.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MG-ZG122 was safe and well-tolerated with favorable PK profiles after a single SC injection in healthy Chinese at doses ranging from 52.5 to 420 mg, providing preliminary evidence for further evaluation.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial registration: </strong>This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05659927.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"943-951"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145376795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: what clinical progress have we seen in the last 5 years?","authors":"James Nolan, John Kuruvilla","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2587276","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2025.2587276","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has a rapidly evolving treatment landscape. For patients at increased risk of primary treatment failure and those with relapsed/refractory disease, emerging therapeutic classes have significantly improved outcomes.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review describes the most important trials evaluating treatment for DLBCL in frontline and the relapsed/refractory setting for both fit patients and patients ineligible for intensive therapy. Particular attention is paid to rational treatment sequencing and selection for CAR-T, bispecific antibodies and molecularly targeted therapies.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>In modern DLBCL therapy, it is critical to identify individuals at increased risk of primary treatment failure with R-CHOP, who may then be offered the addition of Polatuzumab Vedotin or other targeted therapies in frontline. CAR-T is now a treatment standard in second line for patients with primary refractory or early relapsed disease, with ASCT reserved for eligible patients with later relapse, who may subsequently receive CAR-T in third-line. ASCT ineligible patients also face improved outcomes with CAR-T and enhanced therapies incorporating novel agents. Molecular and genomic tumor profiling is likely in the future to direct optimal treatment for patients by identifying biologically distinct lymphomas sensitive to distinct targeted agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"831-853"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145470996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}