DA-143

DA-143 is a small molecule inhibitor of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) currently under investigation as a radiosensitizing agent. Developed by researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), DA-143 is designed to enhance the therapeutic index of radiation therapy, including spatial fractionation radiation therapy (SFRT) or GRID therapy. By targeting DNA-PK, the compound interferes with the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway of DNA double-strand break repair, thereby sensitizing cancer cells to ionizing radiation. Preclinical studies have shown that DA-143 significantly increases radiation-induced cell killing in squamous cell carcinoma models and may modulate immune-related markers like ICAM-1 in the tumor microenvironment.