ATX020

ATX020 is a novel small-molecule inhibitor of the kinesin motor protein KIF18A, developed by Artios Pharma as a tool compound for preclinical research. It is designed to exploit the vulnerability of cancer cells with chromosomal instability (CIN), such as high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). KIF18A is a microtubule-based motor protein essential for the alignment of chromosomes at the spindle equator during metaphase in CIN+ cells, but it is largely non-essential in normal cells. By inhibiting KIF18A, ATX020 disrupts mitotic spindle dynamics and chromosomal segregation, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptosis. Preclinical data suggests that ATX020's anti-tumor activity is enhanced when combined with WEE1 inhibitors, which bypass the G2/M checkpoint and exacerbate genomic instability.