Qurient, a biotech firm specializing in innovative drug development, announced on Monday that research findings on the therapeutic mechanism of its CDK7 inhibitor anticancer drug Mocaciclib (Q901) for pediatric brain tumors have been selected for oral presentation at the International Symposium on Paediatric Neuro-Oncology (ISPNO) 2026.
The study focused on medulloblastoma (MB) and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT), two high-risk conditions among pediatric brain tumors. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene analysis, researchers identified the CDK7 gene as a crucial regulator of growth in Myc-mutated medulloblastoma, a particularly aggressive subtype.
Mocaciclib demonstrated a mechanism that selectively inhibits CDK7, effectively suppressing cancer cell proliferation.
This preclinical research, which will be presented at the conference, concentrated on validating the drug’s mechanistic potential. Results showed that Mocaciclib can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, a major obstacle in brain tumor treatment, and inhibit tumor growth.
The drug significantly extended survival rates compared to control groups and proved synergistic effects when combined with existing treatments. Importantly, no significant changes in safety indicators were observed, confirming the absence of the central nervous system (CNS)-specific safety concerns.
A Qurient spokesperson stated that the acceptance of our oral presentation at ISPNO is a significant achievement, recognizing Mocaciclib’s scientific potential in treating high-risk pediatric brain tumors on the international stage. Based on the confirmed Myc-targeting effects, it anticipates offering new treatment options for pediatric brain tumor patients in clinical trials. It also hopes to secure expedited approval and a Priority Review Voucher through the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases.
In related news, Qurient completed the final patient dosing in the last cohort of Mocaciclib’s global Phase 1 dose-escalation trial last July.
The Phase 1 trial established a safety window at least seven times wider than the dose at which initial anticancer effects were observed.
This outcome is considered a significant achievement, demonstrating a notably broader safety range compared to competing global CDK7 inhibitors.
The company emphasized that this suggests Mocaciclib’s distinct competitive edge as a partner in various combination therapies.
Nam Ki-yeon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qurient, emphasized that Mocaciclib is a key asset with mechanisms that can synergize with various anticancer agents, including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), aligning with the global trend towards combination therapy strategies.
Cho Yong-jun, chairman of DongKoo Bio&Pharma and Qurient’s largest shareholder, expressed optimism, stating that Mocaciclib’s development is progressing steadily as planned, even in the global clinical landscape. The accumulating data could lead to a significant breakthrough in the future.