AST-035

AST-035 (also referred to as AST-035A) is a next-generation small molecule anticancer drug candidate developed by Astrogen using molecular glue technology. It functions as a molecular glue degrader that targets the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cereblon (CRBN), similar to immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs), to promote the targeted protein degradation of specific glioma-related proteins. The drug is primarily being developed for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), where it has demonstrated high binding affinity to CRBN and significant cytotoxicity against GBM cell lines such as U87MG. Preclinical studies have shown that AST-035 exhibits synergistic effects when combined with temozolomide (TMZ) and possesses notable antitumor efficacy in xenograft models. Beyond glioblastoma, Astrogen is exploring the expansion of AST-035 into other indications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As of early 2024, the candidate is in the preclinical stage, with the company preparing for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application.