JNJ42756493 (erdafitinib)

FGFr inhibitor (Oncology)

Partner:

Mechanism of Action: Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFr) inhibition

Indication: Oncology

Discovery: Investigational compound JNJ42756493 (erdafitinib), was discovered in collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. from a partnership which commenced in June 2008. Astex’s FGFr inhibitor program originated from a collaboration initiated in 2005 with the Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Group at the Newcastle Cancer Centre (Newcastle University UK), and Cancer Research Technology Limited.

How this therapy can help

Activating mutations, amplifications and over-expression of FGFs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of human tumors including breast, prostate, colon and bladder cancers. Inhibition of FGFrs is expected to restore control of proliferative processes driven by these aberrations.

Clinical status

JNJ42756493 is currently being evaluated by Janssen in Phase 2 clinical trials in patients with urothelial cancer, advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, advanced non-small lung cancer, esophageal cancer or cholangiocarcinoma.