Emtora Biosciences announced it has been awarded a $16.9 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to support clinical development of its lead candidate, eRapa.
According to the company, eRapa is an oral mTORC1 inhibitor intended to prevent the recurrence of certain cancers, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Emtora claims the therapy could address an unmet need by reducing polyp burden and delaying disease progression in patients at risk of colorectal cancer.
The grant is expected to fund a Phase 2b clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of eRapa in individuals with FAP, a rare inherited condition that leads to cancer if untreated. The company said that this funding brings CPRIT’s total investment in Emtora to over $26 million.
Emtora, based in Houston, develops therapies targeting aging-related diseases and cancer. The company claims its approach could improve patient outcomes by intervening earlier in the disease process.
According to Emtora, eRapa’s mechanism of selective mTORC1 inhibition may offer benefits over existing therapies by potentially minimizing side effects. The company aims to advance the program towards regulatory approval if trial results are positive.
CPRIT has allocated over $3 billion to cancer research and prevention across Texas since its inception, supporting academic institutions, private companies and non-profit organizations developing innovative oncology solutions.
