CRN09682
(NONPEPTIDE DRUG
CONJUGATE)

CRN09682 is a potentially first-in-class, non-peptide drug conjugate (NDC) therapy in development that is designed to selectively target and deliver an anti-cancer payload to somatostatin receptor 2 (SST2)-expressing tumor cells. It is currently in clinical development in SST2 expressing neuroendocrine tumors and other SST2 expressing solid tumors.

Therapeutic areas

SST2-Expressing Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

NETs are a rare, slow-growing type of cancer that originates in neuroendocrine cells. They can occur in any number of places in the body, but they most frequently occur in the gastrointestinal tract (including the stomach, intestines, and pancreas) and lungs. SST2 is a protein that is commonly expressed on the cell membrane of NETs, making it an appealing target for diagnostic and treatment purposes. SST2 is expressed by approximately 80% of patients with NETs.

Crinetics’ GPCR drug discovery capabilities have enabled us to pioneer a new approach to treating these tumor types. Our latest novel development program is exploring a modality known as nonpeptide drug conjugates (NDCs) to selectively target and deliver cytotoxic payloads to SST2-expressing NETs.

CRN09682, the lead candidate in our NDC program, was developed by linking a small molecule, nonpeptide SST2 agonist with the cytotoxic drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a spacer and a cleavable linker. CRN09682 was purposefully designed to be selective for, and internalized by, SST2, with minimal systemic exposure to MMAE.

A Phase 1/2 clinical study evaluating CRN09682 in metastatic or locally advanced inoperable NETs, neuroendocrine carcinomas, and other solid tumors will be initiated in 2025.